The Alternative Press

When our parents came to this country they flocked to the Democratic Party because it was the party of President Kennedy, the Peace Corps, greater relations with Latin America and the embodiment of what we envisioned America to be:  fairness, inclusiveness and the collective hope of people seeking the American dream.

Due to political map redistricting New Jersey is now facing a contested election for the newly created 9^th district between Democratic candidates Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman. 

The purpose of this letter is to clarify some points in this debate as it pertains to the Latino community.

Bill Pascrell’s relationship with the Latino community is not new. We have a history that goes back to before he was Mayor of Paterson.  We know him as a strong advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and as one of the original sponsors of the Dream Act.

We know of the work done in his district office, recognized for their exemplary, humane service, where people are treated with dignity, not as a case-number.   We know of thousands of success stories and the majority of these are in favor of Latinos.

On the Ways and Means Committee he established himself as one of the leading Congressional voices on protecting Medicare and Social Security and has authored important legislation, signed by the President: Traumatic Brain Injury, the Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act introduced in the wake of the deadly fire at Seton Hall University. Many of the students affected by this deadly fire were Latinos.

He is fighting to bring jobs back to America and received the endorsement of major unions, including the endorsement of our well-loved President Clinton who considers our Congressman to be, “the fighter we need to support President Obama.” 

Let us be on the record.  The Democratic Party is our party.  We support Bill Pascrell because he’s the man who will best represent us in Washington against the wave of harsh Republican, Tea Party policies.  Furthermore, we believe he has the genuine ideal of leaving our cities and in a small way our world a better place for the next generations. 

It’s our time to fight for him.  We urge everyone on June 5^th to come out and vote for Bill Pascrell, the Latino community cannot afford to lose him!

Norberto Curitumai, Immigrant Rights Coalition, President

Edgar Mejia, MD, Kiddy Clinic

Juan Zuniga, Fiesta Club in Passaic

Maritza Davila, Community Leader

Danilo Inoa, Community Leader

Stella Bolano, Colombianos en Accion, Community Leader

Carlos Fernandez, Hijos y Amigos de Colombia, Community Leader

Javier Fernandez, Community Leader

Miguel Diaz, Community Leader

Clarisa Valerio, Community Leader/Businesswoman

Evelyn Sanchez, Community Leader

Luis Velez, Community Leader

Angel Laboy, Principal, Passaic

Jorge Mejia, Tierras Colombianas

Rosa Ortiz, Puerto Rican Council, President, Passaic,

Carlos Garcia, Bussinessman/Community Leader