LUPE Calls for Latina Representation On NJ Redistricting Commission
By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media
CALIFON — Leaders of the state’s most influential organization for Latina leadership, LUPE, has called on Gov. Phil Murphy and other New Jersey state elected leaders to add Latinas to the state’s legislative redistricting commission.
“For the last two decades, Latinas have had representation in the decision-making of the New Jersey Legislative Redistricting Commission,” a statement accompanying the LUPE letter said. “With just days from the deadline of selecting the Democratic members, LUPE strongly urges Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee to appoint a Latina to this Commission.”
The letter, signed by LUPE Inc. President Patricia Campos-Medina and LUPE PAC President Laura Matos, pointed out that in the last 10 years the Latin American population in New Jersey has seen the highest growth and expansion into all counties.
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“Our voices must be part of the decision-making that determines political access for our community in the next decade. Representation matters,” the letter said.
The letter asked for Latinas to continue to have representation on the commission.
“[We] strongly ask that the appointments to the Redistricting Commission reflect the party’s commitment to empowerment and progress for all,” the letter said. “Further, we are ready to meet and provide you with suggestions of qualified Latinas who could serve all of New Jersey.”
The full contents of LUPE’s letter can be found below:
November 12, 2020
John Currie, Chairman
Peg Schaffer, Vice Chairwoman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee 194-196
West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Dear Chairman Currie and Vice Chairwoman Schaffer,
As the Latino community continues to bear the disproportionate impact of Covid-19, we are reassured by the results of this Presidential election: New Jersey voters strongly support President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, while opposing the hate rhetoric of President Trump and his Administration.
For the last two decades, Latinas have had representation in the decision-making of the New Jersey Legislative Redistricting Commission. It is with this fact in mind that we respectfully remind you that this representation must be maintained, if not increased, this year. We must not regress now and with just days from the deadline of selecting the Democratic members, you must appoint a Latina to this Commission.
In the last decade, the Latinx population in New Jersey has seen the highest growth and expansion into all counties in our state, and as such, our voices must be part of the decision-making that determines political access for our community in the next decade. Representation matters.
Latinas United for Political Empowerment PAC (LUPEPAC) is highly active in training and endorsing Latina candidates throughout the State of New Jersey. Additionally, through LUPE Inc, we directly engage with the NJ Latina electorate educating them to understand the importance of having their voices heard by voting and civic engagement at the local level and through service on boards and commissions.
We ask that you continue to ensure that diverse representation on this Commission, and strongly ask that the appointments to the Redistricting Commission reflect the party’s commitment to empowerment and progress for all. Further, we are ready to meet and provide you with suggestions of qualified Latinas who could serve all of New Jersey.
Sincerely,
Patricia Campos-Medina and President, LUPE
Laura Matos President, LUPE PAC
cc: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Senator Stephen Sweeney, Senate President Assemblyman Craig Couglin, Assembly Speaker Senator Nellie Pou Senator M. Teresa Ruiz Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez Assemblyman Pedro Mejia Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera Assemblywoman Pintor-Marin Assemblyman Annette Quijano
County Chairs: Michael Suleiman, Atlantic Paul Juliano, Bergen Joseph Andl, Burlington Senator James Beach, Camden Brendan M. Sciarra, Cape May Steven Errickson, Cumberland Leroy Jones, Jr., Essex Senator Fred Madden, Gloucester Amy DeGise, Hudson Arlene Perez, Hunterdon Janice Mironov, Mercer Kevin P. McCabe, Middlesex David Gordon Brown, II, Monmouth Chip Robinson, Mercer Wyatt Earp, Ocean Steven Caltabiano, Salem Marguerite Schaffer, Somerset Dawn Rowe, Sussex Nick Scutari, Union Tom Palmieri, Warren
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