José Plascencia is not alone when he sees a huge disconnect between the San Joaquín Valley's fast-growing Latino community and the lack of voter information and participation.
That is why he teamed with other Latinos to form the Central California Latino Political Action Committee (LPAC).
"We know that, as a group, Latinos are not as politically engaged as other groups in our great Valley," said Plascencia. "And, the sad part is that they represent 51 percent of the population."
Plascencia, a former president of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, joined local community and political leaders at a press conference Tuesday to launch the LPAC.
The committee's goals:
Increase Latino voter participation.
Become a fundraising vehicle for initiatives and perspective candidates.
Represent the best interests of the Latino community.
"If you believe in that, you should join our organization," said Plascencia. "We are trying to get as many individuals as possible involved in the political process."
The LPAC's stated mission is to "promote, stimulate and advance the active participation of Latinos in the political process throughout Central California."
The non-partisan committee has a board represented by four Republicans, four Democrats and Plascencia, an independent. Annual dues are $15.
The committee, said Plascencia, will work to get more Latinos to register to vote as well as hold political forums, provide information for Latinos and endorse candidates.
"In a year that is incredibly pivotal for politics, for leaders, for initiatives and issues that impact Latinos, it is absolutely critical that we move this group," said Plascencia.
LPAC has identified Valley issues that go beyond the bread-and-butter Latino areas of immigration, education and jobs.
"There are other issues that impact Latinos in different ways because being Latino is not monolithic," said Plascencia, who mentioned health care reform and high speed rail as examples.
"There are U.S.-born Latinos who go back three to six generations, and their needs are very different from those of Latinos who come from other countries," he said.
Just the fact that Latinos represent the majority population in Fresno, Tulare, Merced, Madera and Kings counties means that political decisions made in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. have an impact on Latinos, said Plascencia.
"It is not just about immigration," he said. "It is about things you would normally no associate with Latinos.
"It is about high speed rail, health care, (and) taxes because these things absolutely impact the lives of 51 percent of the population here."
Plascencia said it is important for more Latino-elected officials. "Many of those elected leaders are not even close to understanding the needs, issues and questions that are affecting Latinos in our area," said Plascencia.
The LPAC hopes to sign up 500 members.
Details: Marcelino Valdez at (559) 289-7186.
Send e-mail to:
jesparza@vidaenelvalle.com