Latino Role in California Politics

There are many lessons to be learned from the Nov. 3 election, most of which foretell an increased role for the Latino community in shaping the political landscape of California. We can learn that given good candidates, eligible Latino voters register and turn out to vote. The myth that Latinas cannot raise money and get elected is buried six feet below. Four of the seven Latinos elected to the state Senate are women, and the state’s Latino congressional team is made up of three women and two men. We can learn that our vote counts and we exercise it in both political parties--the lone Latino Republican Assembly member, Rod Pacheco, will be joined by three new Latino Republican Assembly members.

For non-Latinos the lesson is much simpler but equally positive: The Latino political agenda is no different than in other communities. Latino voters, families and new citizens want a good education for their children; they want jobs that will pay them a decent wage and offer them necessities like health insurance; they want communities where children are safe, where young people can find healthy recreation avenues, and they want to look forward to old age as a time to rejoice in family gatherings. There is nothing particularly ethnic about this agenda. It is a California plan for all.

The election results bode well for the renewed energy of voters heretofore disenchanted with the political process, and a commitment to move California ahead. Latino voters and elected officials are committed to playing a significant role in the future of this state.

LETICIA QUEZADA, President

Mexican Cultural Institute

Los Angeles

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Re “In Contests Big and Small, Latinos Take Historic Leap,” Nov. 5: It is difficult for us to understand why the voting by people with Spanish surnames requires a separate analysis. Both of us register as Democrats as a matter of ideology and principles without giving any consideration to ethnicity.

Having a political position has to do with education, information, social conscience and no more. We are sure that the direction of our political preferences could be the same in any country on any continent, voting under our same Spanish name.

JUANITA and MARIO SANCHEZ

Los Angeles