AVON PARK (Florida) -- A proposed ordinance outlawing assistance to illegal immigrants, which has brought national attention to this small Highlands County town, could prevent the city from issuing a business license for a proposed Wal-Mart supercenter scheduled to open next year.

"I think it can be construed that way," said Avon Park's city attorney, Michael Disler, who said he played no role in drafting the ordinance. "It's not constitutional, in my opinion."

Disler told The Ledger on Wednesday the ordinance was "poorly drafted" and had "too many problems," including overly broad language and equal protection concerns.

Those comments elicited an angry reaction from Mayor Tom Macklin, who has championed the illegal immigration measure.

"If he felt that way, it was incumbent upon him to state that to City Council," Macklin said. "That speaks volumes of Mr. Disler's ability..."