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A deep understanding of the underlying issues and concerns of the Latino
community in Longmont is key to not only votes, but more importantly, to
the proper growth and evolution of our city as it moves forward. Josh
Goldberg has proven that he understands this, and sees the priority and
necessity of taking the Latino community seriously by continuing to work
with community liaisons as he has been doing so in his capacities.
At almost one third of the population, Latinos in Longmont are shamefully
only represented in government, boards, commissions, and other decision
making positions at less than 8%. Our school board has no Latino
representation, yet school are above 40% Latino children. Latino businesses
have not even started to scratch the surface. For these potentials to be
reached, Longmont has to begin making the Latino voice as much a priority
as the dominant voice. Mr. Goldberg has the understanding, capacity and
conviction to do this as he sees a vision for Longmont’s future to grow
collectively.
While I highly value and respect Tim Waters' campaign and the work he has
done in the past, personally I prefer Josh Goldberg because he and I align
in many progressive issues that are highly important to the Latino
community, of course from my personal perspective. Mainly, Josh understands
the importance of not only treating persons of color with dignity, but the
importance of setting a plan in motion to be purposely inclusive at all
levels of City Government and industry.
He also understands that Latinos care about other issues aside from
immigration. Yes, while immigration is extremely important and very dear to
my heart, my journey as a community leader has demonstrated to me that
Latinos also care about issues in transportation, the economy, the
environment, economic development, civic engagement, health and human
services, housing, safety, law enforcement and cultural engagement.
For these reasons I would like to make a call to the Latino community, our
partners and voters in the City of Longmont to vote for Mr. Goldberg to
represent our community in City Council for a diverse and inclusive
Longmont future.
FULL DISCLOSURE: In a recent letter to the editor submission to the Times
Call I mistakenly left my title as director of the Latino Chamber in my
submission. No, the Latino Chamber is not endorsing Mr. Goldberg. The
Latino Chamber does not or has it ever endorsed candidates. Instead, the
organization stands behind issues that we deem important to the community.
I am endorsing Mr. Goldberg as a private citizen, but my dear friend Marta
Moreno of El Comite de Longmont knows, titles often follow us when we
become so embedded with the organizations we love to serve. Good luck to
both candidates!
Jose D. Beteta
Longmont, CO
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