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One small community in Maryland is following suit with a near-by town and the county they reside in to declare English their official language.

"That's the bottom line. They are in my country, they should learn my language." Walkersville resident Jeff Goff works in construction along with several non-English speaking immigrants. "Most of them [are] great people, but communicating with them is a problem."

He's among the majority of residents in the small, rural town of Walkersville who agree with an ordinance voted on that makes English the official language in the town. Frederick County and near-by Taneytown previously voted English as the official language.

"My family is originally from Poland. Everyone had to learn [English]," said Walkersville resident Michael Kilpatrick.

Heather Scheuerman said, "It's the U.S. It's our country and everyone is welcome, but for me, I think English should be the primary language."

The idea has its critics, enough so, the town commissioners postponed a vote several times. They met again to discuss the controversial issue.

"What we're going to do is transact our business in the English language, up to and including what is required by state and federal law," said Don Schildt, Walkersville commissioner.

Not only has the town officially put the language in writing, but there is also consideration to require all county documents to be printed only in English. Some Walkersville mothers worry their town may get a reputation of being too close minded and not open to change.

"I think there's just not a reason to declare an official language, especially in a small town like Walkersville," said Terra Ireland. "I think there's other issues they could focus on," said Emily Cave.

Although the resolution passed unanimously, commissioners will meet in June for a final vote, but it's not expected to change.

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