Tomás Alberto Avila

Address to Delaware Latino Political Action Committee

Inaugural Event
Wilmington, Delaware
January 26, 2003

Rhode Island Latinos Political Empowerment: How Did Life Change

as a Result of the Rhode Island Latino PAC.

Thank you very much for inviting me to visit with you today to speak
about our accomplishments in Rhode Island and how the Rhode
Island Latino PAC altered forever the political landscape of a state
very similar to YOURS.

First however, let me state that I am privileged to represent and work

on behalf of a dedicated group of Hispanic volunteers that through
their perseverance, foresight, labor, and commitment formed the
Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee. Not only did this
group of people change the political power structure in Rhode Island
for the better but also through its other activities, it continues to build
social capital and strengthen the bonds that unite us all as Latinos and
Rhode Islanders. In brief, my message to you today is that the group
that created the Rhode Island PAC in 1998 is no different from YOU
and that YOU have it within your grasp to change the political
landscape of Delaware for Hispanic Delawareans forever in ways that
we can only imagine but for certain in ways that will benefit Latinos
and all Delawareans – SI TIENEN GANAS Y CORAZON!
But let me go back in time briefly to 1996. At that time, many of the
state’s Latino leaders started to meet informally at the home of Dr.
Pablo Rodriguez in what was to become a bonding experience for
Hispanic Rhode Islanders. As Latinos, we found comfort in
gathering and celebrating our diverse cultures and heritage. As you
do, we enjoyed homemade foods and drinks, made new
acquaintances, and had a wonderful time. Over time, these gatherings
became a venue for building a strong Latino network in the
community. Some built business relationships. Some of our nonprofit
leaders were able to connect with Latino professionals that were able
to expand on the resources available to help our community. Still
others became interested in the political arena, and it is because of
this last group that the RI Latino Political Action Committee became
a reality.

We came to two important conclusions at that time. First, that our

community was growing and making its presence felt by virtue of its
numbers and spending power. Second, that despite our many positive
contributions to the social and economic fiber of Rhode Island, we
remained outsiders with no political strength or influence - invisible.
We were not present at important government decision-making
tables. In fact, Latinos were often stereotyped as lazy, freeloaders,
and criminals with no right to the American Dream. We were, for all
intents and purposes, Rhode Island’s economic and a political under
class. Moreover, our limited participation in the political processes of
our state made it easy for these stereotypes to be perpetuated and for
our community to maintain its invisibility. Clearly, it was time to
wake up, get with the program and drive some change. That is where
Hispanic Delawareans find themselves today – at an important
crossroad.
To the PAC, getting with the program first meant that we had to
ensure that Latinos saw themselves as stakeholders in the future of
Rhode Island. And conversely, that Rhode Islanders of all stripe
embraced the notion that their success was closely tied to the success
of Latinos. This in turn meant that Latinos had to be brought into the
mainstream of the state’s political and economic processes. It
required the simultaneous education and collaboration of many
communities within our state.

The vehicle to accomplish this goal was the Rhode Island Political
Action Committee. The RILPAC was born on August 20, 1998. The
original mission of RILPAC was to ensure that candidates to political
office in Rhode Island were aware of Latino issues and that as a
community, we were informed about the candidates themselves and
their views toward us. In addition, we sought to inject ourselves into
the political agenda of the state through political action, advocacy
and education.

There were many challenges on the road to success. These included

raising money, motivating volunteers and engaging the community
on a broad scale. It was important that we publicly demonstrate our
ability to rally voters and raise money. We did this and more.
As a result of the efforts of the PAC, the political landscape of Rhode
Island underwent a transformation. Most notably, Latino voter
participation increased to 38% in the 2000 election and 48% in 2002.
In 2002, Juan Pichardo was elected as the first Latino state senator.
Latino political appointments subsequent to the 2002 election include
among others Nellie Gorbea as Director of Administration for the
Secretary of State, Aida Patricia Crosson as Director of the Victims
Unit, Office of the Attorney General, Gonzalo Cuervo as Director of
Communications for the Mayor of Providence, Ernesto Figueroa as
Director of Vital Statistics for the City of Providence, Patricia
Martinez as Director of Community Relations for Rhode Island
Governor Donald Carcieri and Nancy Garcia Ponte as Assistant City
Solicitor for the City of Cranston. For the 2002 election, candidates
endorsed by RILPAC won 7 of 8 primaries and 8 of 9 general
elections. We believe these are significant accomplishments over a
very short period of time.

How else did life change after the PAC? Well, before the PAC,
political candidates made little to no investment in the Latino
community. Generally, they recruited Latinos as volunteers but not as
paid campaign staff. Post PAC, Melba Depeña was hired as Field
Director for the Secretary of State campaign, Gonzalo Cuervo was
hired as Director of Minority relations for one of the City of
Providence mayoral campaigns and we saw the creation of Latino
Campaign Committees for all statewide campaigns. RILPAC was
also involved in a campaign for Providence City Council in 1999, and
the endorsement of two Latino candidates for Central Falls City
Council that resulted in the election of the city’s first Latino elected
official. Finally, RILPAC has worked with the Latino community of
Woonsocket RI to help them organize a campaign of the city’s first
Latino at-large candidate.

In closing, let me say that the Rhode Island Latino PAC has been a
breath of fresh air to the state’s political process. The seeds planted
by its activity will bear economic fruit in the years to come in the
form of greater access to capital, increased educational and
employment opportunity for our children, access to better paying
jobs, a greater say on how the state’s resources are deployed and
integration of Latinos into the economic and political fiber of the
state.
Do not let this opportunity slip through your fingers. The time to act
is now because if not now when and if not you whom?

Thank you once again. Best wishes for success and don’t give up the
fight!
 OUR MISSI0N
• The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee is a nonpartisan organization formed to
advance the following mission:

• To support candidates from Rhode Island for state and local office who are committed to improving
the quality of life for members of the Latino and other urban communities.

• To endorse candidates who support issues benefiting Latinos and other individuals from urban
communities while raising awareness on issues and/or candidates that could adversely impact the
Latino community.

• To insure that elected officials, political leaders and candidates have a broad understanding of the
concerns and priorities among Rhode Island Latinos.

OUR GOALS
The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee will focus on the following areas:
• Voter Education/Assistance and improved voter turnout
• Lobbying elected officials and securing public support for selected candidates
• Advocacy and get out the vote efforts
• Research and fundraising
• Coalition building and networking

CRITIRIA F0R MEMBERSHIP

Membership is be open to Latinos and other persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and are
approved by the Board of Directors.

LEVELS OF M E M B E R S H I P
Active Membership:
Active Members must attend all meetings and will have voting privileges.

Associate:
Associate members will receive a quarterly newsletter but will have non-voting status.

Donor:
Donors are supporters who contribute to RILPAC but are not active or associate members.

C 0MMITEES
• Political Education/Voter Registration
• Finance
• Membership
• Planning and Research
• Political Candidate Selection
• Legal
 Cicilline's win signals rise of New Providence
The city's changing demographics is reflected in a victory that combined the votes of South Side Latinos
with wealthy East Side residents.

Providence Journal
September 12, 2002

Latino voting bloc spells the end for incumbents

Charles D. Walton, the Senate's only black member, and veteran City Councilwoman Patricia K. Nolan are
turned out of office.

Providence Journal
September 12, 2002

Mayoral hopefuls court Latinos, M. Charles Bakst

Providence Journal
August 11, 2002

York, Cicilline endorsed by Latino group

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee likes York's recommendation to increase access to
small business loans.

Providence Journal
August 10, 2002

Taveras endorses Cicilline in Democratic mayor's race

Angel Taveras, whose U.S. House candidacy in 2000 drew attention to the growing political strength of
Hispanics in the city, has announced his endorsement of Rep. David N. Cicilline, a Democratic
candidate for mayor.

Providence Journal
August 8, 2002

Latino vote matures, matters and could affect mayor's race

More Latinos are working on political campaigns than in any previous year.

Providence Journal
September 7, 2002
Political groups give nod to Cicilline's mayoral bid
The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee and APAC, the political action committee of the
Rhode Island chapter of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, both say
Cicilline is the best Democratic candidate for mayor of Providence and that they will work to support
him on primary day.
Providence Journal
August 15, 2002, 2002

Lawsuit challenges redistricting

Hispanic leaders announce the suit, saying the plan will dilute Hispanic voting power.

Providence Journal
July 3, 2002, 2002

On the circuit: Latino politicians launch campaigns

In a 2000 Democratic primary, Pichardo, a Latino, barely lost to veteran incumbent Bob Kells. As a
result of this year's legislative downsizing, Pichardo is now running in a primary in a reconfigured
district against Sen. Charles Walton, the chamber's only black member.
Providence Journal
May 28, 2002, 2002

Espinal to run for state Senate

• Pedro J. Espinal is challenging an incumbent and fellow Democrat, state Sen. Charles D. Walton, in the
new District 9.

Providence Journal
February 25, 2002, 2002

New Senate map is unfair to Latinos

Providence Journal
February 6, 2002, 2002

Inaugural event:But council leadership squabble

mars the day
The ceremony was the first time a Latino, Ricardo Patino, a Colombian immigrant, became a member of
the City Council. He will serve on a council that will help govern a city where nearly half of the 17,000
residents are Latino.

Providence Journal
January 8, 2002, 2002

Group's goal is to elect first Latino to the City Council

• In addition, a nonpartisan Latino political action committee plans voter registration drives and
transportation to and from polls in November
 Providence Journal
June 6, 2000

Minorities blast plan for districts

• With the legislative-redistricting panel's final vote looming, community leaders threaten suit over the
Senate map.

Providence Journal
December 18, 2001

Blazing campaign trails

• Ricardo Patino, Central Falls's first Latino councilman, says rethinking his pro-Latino campaign
approach was the key to his success.

Providence Journal
November 11, 2001

Patino becomes first Hispanic to win seat on C.F. Council

Pawtucket Times
November 11, 2001

Patino becomes city's first Latino councilman

Providence Journal
November 7, 2001

Patino wants to move city past political battles

Pawtucket Times
November 2, 2001

Baldera tries to unseat Noury in Ward 1

Pawtucket Times
November 2, 2001

Courting Latinos: Candidates go where votes are

Pawtucket Times
November 1, 2001
Cianci is wrong; Hispanics do vote
During a recent press conference, Providence Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci, who always has
something to say about everything, repeated his claim that few Rhode Island Hispanics actually vote.
This time, however, Cianci went even further, stating that no more than 1.5 percent to 2 percent of the
state's Hispanic population actually voted last year. I don't know how familiar the mayor is with any
community outside of Providence, but I can say without a doubt that his numbers are all wrong.

Pawtucket Times
October 31, 2001

Minority groups want voice in redistricting

• Hispanic populations in Providence and Central Falls should not have their political power
diluted, activists say.
Providence Journal
October 24,2001

Latinos Win Primaries and Get Ready for Historic General Elections
Pawtucket Times
October 5, 2001
Brien takes House seat by 14 votes

Providence Journal
October 5,2001

Latino Voting session focuses on redistricting

Pawtucket Times
May 14, 2001

The challenge of being Angel Taveras

It's a good time to be Angel Taveras
Providence Journal
May 13, 2001
Hispanic leaders: Numbers show our strength
From job opportunities to bilingual education to legislative redistricting, they seek to turn Census 2000
figures into progress for their communities
Providence Journal
March 31, 2001

Latino voters win praise of Hispanic candidates

At least one primary race was decided by Latino voters, with voter turnout in some Hispanic
neighborhoods doubling the state turnout.
Providence Journal
 October 30,2000

Latinos celebrate successes at polls

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee throws a party to honor candidates who won, or
nearly won, primary races this past September.

Providence Journal
October 25,2000

Democrats raise money for Chafee

The Republican senator is getting support across political lines, including from some who favor
his pro-choice stance on abortion.

Providence Journal
October 19, 2000

Latino power shows at polls

"It's electoral participation catching up to the shift in the demographics," says Providence
Councilman Luis A. Aponte.

Providence Journal
September 14.2000

Latino vote influences primary races in Providence

Leon F. Tejada, who snatched the Democratic nomination in District 18 from incumbent Marsha E.
Carpenter, attributes his win to a heavy Latino voter turnout.

Providence Journal
September14,2000
Prodigal son
Angel Taveras, an appealing candidate in his own right, reflects growing political activity by
Hispanics in Rhode Island
Providence Phoenix
September 9, 2000

Coming a long way, Angel Taveras now aims for Congress

Providence Journal
November 28, 2000

Challenging Weygand, Licht vies for Latino support

 Providence Journal
October, 17, 99

One new trend Tuesday was active involvement by Providence-based Latino political groups, who
worked on behalf of Patino. The groups included the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee,
headed by Pablo Rodriguez of Providence.
Pawtucket Times
Wed, Oct 06, 1999

Ethnicity is big issue in Ward 9's primary

Hispanic activist Miguel Luna challenges Councilwoman Patricia K. Nolan.

Providence Journal
September 8, 1998

Winning candidate Luis Aponte: Changing politics in Providence

Providence Journal
September 7, 1998

A Latino launches House candidacy and maybe career

Providence Journal
April 4, 1998

A coming of age: Latinos form PAC and pols zoom in

Providence Journal
August 25, 1998

Coming into their own

In politics, business, music and the arts, R.I. Latinos are making their presence felt

For the first time in Rhode Island history, seven Latinos ran for seats in the House and Senate this year.
The candidates were Puerto Rican, Dominican, Guatemalan, Panamanian, Argentinian and Mexican-
American. Five lost in the primaries, and one lost and one won in the general elections. The majority of
the candidates who lost say they will try again. The emergence of the Latino community in Rhode Island
echoes a national trend in growth and assertion of power.
Providence Journal
November 11, 1996