Friday, June 17, 2005

HDO vs. new Latino group?

The Hispanic Democratic Organization should do more for the Hispanic community. Although it is a 1173-member political group, you think they'd do more than just break the law (according to the June 12 Sun-Times, federal investigators are said to be looking into whether HDO wields a clout-heavy hand in city hirings). HDO is run by a former top aide to Mayor Daley, Victor Reyes.

And Al Sanchez, head of Chicago's Streets and San, was one of the people who helped form HDO at a bar on 95th & Ewing in 1989 or 1993 (depends on if you believe what insiders say or what the official files say). And Sanchez was former 10th Ward Ald./former mayoral candidate Edward Vrdolyak's precinct captain.

Today, the Chicago Tribune reported that Latino leaders plan to announce the forming of a new research advocacy group, Latino Action Research Network. Heading the group is Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, a former state senator. The group says it's not going to compete with HDO and it plans to help mold Latinos who want to run for office.

In case you haven't noticed, there are a lot of Latinos in Chicago. In the 90s, Chicago's Latino population grew by 68 percent to 1.4 million.

In a statement, HDO leader Victor Reyes said, "I welcome any person or group that wants to help empower the Hispanic community."

And here's an interesting fact: "Chuy" Garcia was defeated by an HDO-backed candidate, state Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz (D-Chicago).

Considering their history, what we don't need is petty arguments between "Chuy" and Reyes. What both organizations really need to do is work together to help the Hispanic community--especially on the immigration issue. U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) supports the new Latino Action Research Network, too---and for years he's fought for many Latino issues such as immigration. So both of you--give Gutierrez a call and take notes. And check your attitudes at the door.

No comments: