DosCentavos had another eventful Saturday–this one the most important one before the election.
First, I became a member (finally) of the National Hispanic Professional Organization–a good group of Latino professionals interested in local politica, business promotion, and cultura. NHPO offers numerous leadership training opportunities, community service projects, as well as annual educational travel opportunities. It was good meeting Jaime Alvarado, chair of the group.
The focus of Saturday’s meeting was the election on Tuesday. Given opportunities to speak were NHPO members who are running for office, including Juliet Stipeche (281st), Julia Maldonado (308th), Javier Valenzuela (Count Civil #3), and Nile Copeland (234th). For fairness, a Republatino was thrown into the mix. Apparently, some of these fine candidates’ opponents were supposed to show, but failed to show–oh well. A huge part of earning the Latino vote is showing up–no pandering required.
After some Q & A from the full-house, others were given the opportunity to speak, including David Longoria (314th Juvenile), Lee Arellano (270th), and Anthony Referente (313th Juvenile).
Afterwards, the candidates enjoyed some one-on-one conversation with those in attendance.
One topic was the low Latino turn-out. Arellano pointed out that as of Wednesday, Latinos comprised about 10% of those who had voted. In other words, there hadn’t been much growth since 2006 in participation.
Stipeche mentioned that it takes leaders, such as NHPO members, to help bring out the vote using the same networking concept we in the community have used–family, friends, business connections, etc. Valenzuela mentioned the endorsement game that candidates go through, but that the best endorsement is that of individual people like those in attendance. Copeland stated he preferred the one-on-one contact that candidates must do to win votes, and that this is especially important to do in the Latino community.
DosCentavos will have a lengthy opinion on Latino outreach and voting on March 3rd while taking into consideration many factors.
GONE TO THE DOGS
After spending some time strategizing with some clients, I met another client, Joe Montemayor, at Gene Green Park for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Dog Park. This is the first of its kind out in East Harris County and I must say it is an impressive facility with a dog track, watering facilities, and even some shade for those days when the sun can really get to you.
Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia welcomed a huge crowd of Canine-Americans, along with their faithful owners. A very special guest was Congressman Gene Green.
DC and candidate Montemayor had a good conversation with Congressman Green regarding the careful track toward Health Care. The Congressman mentioned that even with previous attempts to increase access, such as the $33 billion for S-CHIP that was signed by President Obama, a Republican Texas House refused to provide the necessary match; therefore, $0 came to Texas. And that is one issue on which Montemayor is running.
