It has come to my
attention that a group has been formed in
Lawrence to get “HISPANIC” candidates
elected. That’s their function to get
Hispanics elected. It doesn’t matter how
unqualified or uneducated they may be. It
doesn’t matter what their political stands
are on the issues. The function of this group is
to “get Hispanics elected, and promote the
Latino Agenda.” Can anyone say....RACISM?
While it’s a noble endeavor to help
qualified Hispanics with a positive vision for
Lawrence, achieve political power. It is devisive
and counterproductive, however, to support a
candidate just because they are Hispanic. Some
Hispanics in this city are clearly trying to take
us in the wrong direction. Supporting them for
the sake of Hispanic power is no less racist than
if I formed a WHITE ONLY political action
committee. Don’t tell me that’s
different. Because it isn’t. This double
standard race baiting which masks itself as
cultural pride must be stopped so we can get down
to facts and fix this city. Here is a perfect
example:
“Hispanic candidate” (her words) Julia
Silverio is running against incumbent Pauline
Brown for the District “B” City Council
seat. Ms. Brown has been a strong advocate for
the ENTIRE population including and especially
Latinos. Her fight to enforce the residency
requirement is proof of that. Ms Silverio is
against residency. That’s one reason State
Representative JOSE SANTIAGO has endorsed Pauline
in this edition of Rumbo. He understands that you
do not have to Be Hispanic to represent Hispanic
interests.
Serving on the housing committee, Pauline Brown
is the driving force behind rehabilitating
hundreds of homes that are scheduled for
demolition. That means more houses on the tax
rolls and less vacant lots. It also means lower
taxes and more housing for the people in North
Lawrence. If we are going to grow as a community,
HOUSING has to be a top priority, not ethnicity.
Pauline understands that. While houses burn down
at a record pace Lawrence had a mere 14% increase
in new housing construction since 1950. Pauline
is trying to change that.
Her initiatives on the economic development
committee have brought dozens of new businesses
INTO the city. These businesses must hire 30% of
their workers from Lawrence. The result is
hundreds of new jobs for Lawrence people.
Politicians cry every year about public safety
but do nothing to improve the conditions that
exist. Pauline has directed a great deal of her
energy on long term solutions. She has a plan. It
may not grab headlines but it’s starting to
work. She has a unique understanding of how to
make the city of her parents and grandparents
better for her children and yours.
This group which promotes “HISPANICS
ONLY” wants you to throw out a PROVEN leader
on the City Council simply because...she is
WHITE. Pauline has a track record to be proud of
and she deserves your support no matter what her
racial background is. If you are Latino and Jose
Santiago is truly the role model you believe he
is, you will follow his lead and support PAULINE
BROWN. She is defending the record and reputation
of Hero and role model Rafael Rosa. Where is Mrs.
Silverio’s support? So far she is silent on
the issue. She has to be. She is getting the
Mayor's support.
Too often we get stuck reacting to crisis after
crisis while the long term solutions get
overlooked and ignored. Pauline Brown is not
overlooking anything. The real solutions
don’t come from supporting candidates
because of their ethnicity. Real solutions come
when you put all that aside and support
candidates like Pauline Brown. Her vision,
honesty and determination are tested and proven.
Simply electing Hispanics does NOT necessarily
mean a greater voice for Hispanic interests.
If you are Latino and you think that electing
Julia Silveria means a stronger voice for the
Hispanic community think again! It was that kind
of philosophy that put Ralph Carrero on the
School Committee. Where did that get you? Do you
have a stronger voice on the school committee as
a result of HIS presence? Eight years of Ralph
Carrero has produced no representation for anyone
at all. Pauline Brown is one of the VERY few
elected officials paying attention to real
issues. But don’t listen to me, listen to
Jose Santiago. Pauline Brown deserves your vote.
Don’t fall for the racism being promoted by
the politicians promoting “Hispanics
only”. The only people who benefit from
their efforts...is them.
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