Thread: Hispano Round Table: Richardson Doesn't Speak for Us

UPDATED: Hispano Round Table: Richardson Doesn't Speak for Us
By Sue Major Holmes/The Associated Press
Thursday, 30 December 2010 18:15


A coalition of New Mexico Hispanic groups demanded Thursday that Gov. Bill Richardson not speak on behalf of the community, saying he failed to follow through on promises and was abusive toward Hispanics in his eight years in office.

The Hispano Round Table of New Mexico, representing more than 50 groups, unanimously passed a resolution saying the Democratic governor was "ruthless, dishonest, deceptive, dishonorable, contemptuous and abusive" toward their community, failed to create a promised state Department of Hispano Affairs, and misled prominent Hispanic groups with that promise.

A spokesman for the governor, Gilbert Gallegos, said Richardson "will not lower himself to respond to such a ridiculous assertion."

Richardson, the nation's only Hispanic governor, leaves office at midnight Friday. He will be succeeded by the nation's first female Hispanic governor, Republican Susana Martinez.

The resolution said the Hispano Round Table was making "a national and international call to censure Richardson."

The resolution demanded he "immediately stop representing and speaking for or on behalf of the Hispano/Latino community in New Mexico, throughout the Southwest on national affairs or international affairs pertaining to any Hispano/Latino issue or subject today and in perpetuity."

Hispanics make up about 45 percent of New Mexico's population.

"He did not represent our views, our values or our voices, and now we don't want him to try to be the national representative for the Hispanic community," Round Table chairman Ralph Arellanes said in announcing the resolution, which gave Richardson a grade of F as governor.

Arellanes said Richardson failed to address "tremendous needs" in such areas as employment and education and said Hispanics made no gains under his watch.

"He focused his two terms as governor on himself and his political ambitions," Arellanes said.

Richardson vetoed legislation in 2009 to create a cabinet-level Department of Hispanic Affairs, saying it would be irresponsible to expand state government without the money to do so. New Mexico has a Cabinet-level Indian Affairs Department in state government and an Office of African American Affairs.

Instead, he pledged to appoint a special adviser in his office to work on a proposal for an Office of Hispanic Affairs.

Arellanes said after the veto an office was unacceptable because it wouldn't have the visibility or power of a department.

The Round Table has been at odds with the administration. In 2005, it called on Richardson to fire his Children, Youth and Families secretary, contending she was out of touch with Hispanic culture and young people and was not hiring enough Hispanics in top-paying jobs.

The group also criticized Richardson for not putting more Hispanics in his cabinet.

The resolution said New Mexico Hispanics are severely underrepresented in education and employment, have the highest numbers of working poor and poverty, have low rates of home ownership and health insurance, and face issues over immigration and land grants.

It also criticized Richardson for a forecast $450 million shortfall in the state budget and pay-to-play allegations. Although a pay-to-play investigation ended with no charges against Richardson or top aides, the allegations and a pending federal investigation into state investments continued to fuel criticism.



http://www.abqjournal.com/abqnews/abqne ... or-us.html

BOOHOOHOO! My heart does not bleed for you moaners and groaners.
Your opinions flip flop so often that your words have zero meaning.

One minute Richardson is your hero and the next he's the devil.

Related: http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-223310.html

Originally Posted by Ratbstard

Related: http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-223310.html

"We missed you last night Tinman AKA:Mr.Party "

Originally Posted by stevetheroofer

"We missed you last night Tinman AKA:Mr.Party "

Suffering with the Flu.

More DEMANDS and whining from hispanics...

Originally Posted by elpasoborn

A coalition of New Mexico Hispanic groups demanded Thursday that Gov. Bill Richardson not speak on behalf of the community, saying he failed to follow through on promises and was abusive toward Hispanics in his eight years in office.

So if he doesn't speak for Mexicans, I am not too sure who he speaks for. In fact, who even listens to him when he speaks?