Letter: Alvarez’s criticism of Herrera unfair

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000 | 9:25 a.m.

Although likely well-meaning, Bruce Alvarez's criticism that Herrera has lost touch with the Hispanic community, just because he had not attended board meetings of the Hispanics in Politics organization, was naive and totally off the mark.

Mr. Herrera's effectiveness as a county commissioner who happens to be Hispanic should not be judged on whether he attended a board meeting of a non-profit Hispanic organization but rather on what good things he does for the Hispanic community.

Herrera has repeatedly expressed pride in his Hispanic heritage.

Nevertheless, everyone knows that he was not elected to the County Commission because of Hispanic votes or money. Herrera's district is overtly non-Hispanic and his money supporters are also overwhelmingly non-Hispanic.

Regrettably, Mr. Alvarez's criticism served only to reinforce a widely held perception that Hispanics have not progressed politically because they always tear down and criticize each other. Personally, I have no doubt that Mr. Herrera will be fair in dealing with the Hispanic community, providing that they are resourceful enough to bring credible projects and issues to his attention.

Over the past 20 years, for example, over $100 million in federal Community Development Block Grant monies have flowed into Clark County. Only an infinitesimal amount of those funds, however, have gone to Hispanic projects. The reason: the Hispanic community did not submit grants for funding.

The lesson to be learned here is that if you want someone to help you, then give them something to support and if you don't do that, then don't criticize.

THOMAS RODRIGUEZ