Dear Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to make your readers aware of an executive order recently signed by Governor James McGreevey creating the Governor’s Hispanic Advisory Council for Policy Development.
In brief, what Gov. McGreevey has done is given New Jersey’s hispanic population a voice in state government.
The Council will have up to 20 members, including Latino members of the various state departments and up to seven public members from community hispanic organizations. The Council will advise the Governor on policy matters affecting the hispanic community.
I would like to share with your readers my letter of April 17th to Gov. McGreevey applauding this executive order:
“Dear Gov. McGreevey:
As the mayor of a New Jersey city which has a predominantly hispanic population, I applaud your executive order creating the Governor’s Hispanic Advisory Council for Policy Development and your efforts on behalf of New Jersey’s hispanics.
Our city is fortunate enough to have people from many different hispanic countries, representing numerous cultures and traditions. Their contributions to our community have been invaluable.
Unfortunately, although they represent the fastest-growing ethnic group in New Jersey and in America, their voice is not always heard on the issues that affect their daily lives. While their political representation is growing, there is still a long way to go to get to the point where their representation truly reflects their population numbers.
On behalf of the people of the City of Union City, I want to thank you for being the New Jersey governor who will finally give hispanics their voice and allow them to take their rightful place in our state’s government.”
Brian P. Stack
Mayor