Mexican Consulate Opens In Downtown Indianapolis. (Shop after shop, sign after sign in Spanish)

WISHTV 8 ^ | 11-2-02

[Joe Hadenuf]

The Mexican Consulate in Indianapolis will be open for business Monday. It's an office that will serve a group of people that's growing rapidly in our city and state. Mayor Bart Peterson's office has worked for about two years with the Mexican government and the state of Indiana to get this consulate opened.

You don't have to look hard to see why the consulate is needed. Drive down Washington Street a few miles west of downtown, and you'll see the fruits of our Hispanic and Latino community's labor. Shop after shop, sign after sign in Spanish. There are now some 34,000 Latinos and Hispanics in Indianapolis, and 60% of them are Mexican.

"We have an education system that welcomes the immigrants and we like the way we are treated because we find that the American community is welcoming in general," said Roberto Curci, La Guia Magazine.

The city even has two publications geared toward this growing community. "The Voice of Indiana," a bilingual newspaper and "The Guide of Indianapolis," a magazine for Hispanics and Latinos. There's even a new Hispanic and Latino yellow pages.

Local businesses are forging ties with that community. Kroger just donated a van to the Hispanic Center of Indianapolis to thank them for translation help that the center has provided for the grocery chain.

"As we change and we are changing as a city, I think it was important for business to recognize that and we have recognized it," said Jeff Golc, Kroger.

The change will continue. Just ask the woman who helps run the grocery store on West Washington Street. New Hispanic and Latino customers come in for her authentic products all the time.

"Like once in a while there will be somebody new that comes. You know, like, "Oh, we just moved here and we came to see how it is." So yeah, we always get new people that come here," said Irasema Delgado, store manager.

The Mexican Consulate will serve three states: Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. It will serve as the Mexican government's primary link with those states on issues such as immigration, trade and economic development.

[Joe Hadenuf]

As for other governments making demands on America I suggest you look up what Europeans say about the death penalty. Pay especially close attention to the French and their lack of willingness to extradite people accused of capital crimes in America. Not demanding much for their citizens, just demanding a COMPLETE overhaul of our legal system to match THEIR moral view.

It's simply discussing foreign governments over stepping their bound.

Oh, good, for a minute there, it seemed you were attempting to make comparisons. I can't imagine what would make me think that.

[discostu]

I was making comparisons, but not to effects. The question at hand was about Mixeco "telling" America what to do. When it comes to telling America what to do nobody beats the Europeans. You really need to work on the reading comprehension.

[Joe Hadenuf]

I was making comparisons, but not to effects. The question at hand was about Mixeco "telling" America what to do. When it comes to telling America what to do nobody beats the Europeans. You really need to work on the reading comprehension.

And you really need to work on your spelling. LOL!

[takenoprisoner]

Mexicans make great Americans. They are not here to convert us to some other form of govt or religion. They are here to participate in what we are. Simply stated, there is not a better ally in the world than a Mexican become American. They are a friendly loving devoted and loyal people. What's the problem? I say we need them...served with them...and know their loyalty.

[hole_n_one]

Wow I didn't notice that till now. Maybe I should watch the football games scheduled for tomorrow, and place HUGE wagers?

Since you're completely ignorant of the sport as it is, wouldn't that be a rather foolish act?

[Joe Hadenuf]

What's the problem?

If you see no problem with literally millions, entering our country illegally, routinely, at will, then there is nothing I can say that will convince you that there is a problem.

[discostu]

No doubt about that, and my typing, that's actually the majority of the problems.

[Catspaw]

We'll be going through Indianapolis in a few weeks. Where's this neighborhood in relation to I-65? I'm looking forward to seeing it. Do they have any restaurants or stands that sell corn with mayo, lime & chili powder? That's one of my faves.

[Miss Marple]

You would need to take the West Washington Street exit from I 65, which would take you through downtown Indianapolis, past the zoo and White River Park, and across White River.

There are no outdoor stands. The restaurants and stores are buildings, as this is the Midwest and the temperature is in the 30's today, for example. Most of the improvements are in the quality of the residences.

I don't go out there to eat, as we have a local Mexican place near our house called El Azabacan, which we frequent. I live on the far south side of the city. (We also have some Mexican areas springing up here as well.)

[Catspaw]

I just printed out your instructions to the area & I hope we can check it out on the way to Florida. We are pushing it this time and I'd like to check out the area to see what kind of stores they have, and see if they're any different from the ones in Green Bay. My hubby will probably have to pry me out of the stores.

One of the entepenuers in this area (Green Bay) bought out a Stop & Rob (7-11 type store) and made it into a Mexican market, with an attached restaurant (it used to be a Stop & Rob on one side of the building & a liquor store on the other). During the spring, summer & fall, they sell corn on the cob Mexican style from a small cart in front of the place & I stop in from time to time to buy an ear or two (okay, I've made special trips when the urge is overwhelming). We've eaten at the restaurant frequently and they have a great pico de gallo, as well as a very good red and green salsa (but not as blazingly, habanero-based hot as the ones we ate when we were in the Yucatan). Good stuff.