Marvel’s remark on “wetbacks” raises eyebrows

Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 | 12:28 p.m.

CARSON CITY -- Assemblyman John Marvel's use of the word "wetbacks" has raised some eyebrows in the Legislature.

Marvel said the term "wetbacks" was used to describe Mexican workers, but now they are called "green cards."

He made his comments during Friday's discussion by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee of restoring the adobe exterior of the Lost City Museum in Southern Nevada. Marvel asked why somebody doesn't hire "wetbacks."

Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said the entire committee was concerned. "Hopefully, it didn't reach out and offend too many people."

Committee Chairman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, said Marvel "should use some discretion." But he added, "We all know John is not a racist."

After the comment, Arberry leaned over and talked to Marvel about the comment, which went out over the audio on the Internet.

Later Marvel told reporters the "wetbacks" were "Mexican artisans" who worked at ranches in constructing or repairing adobe buildings. He is a former rancher from Battle Mountain and is the senior Republican in the Assembly.

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