Hispanic leader Alvarez resigns after criticism of commissioner

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000 | 11:55 a.m.

Hispanics in Politics moved to oust one of its board members four days after his remarks critical of Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera were published in a newspaper article.

The board of directors voted during their monthly gathering Thursday to schedule a special meeting to allow Brian Alvarez to defend himself before booting him off the board. Herrera abstained from the vote.

Board President Fernando Romero said late Tuesday that the special meeting was canceled after Alvarez agreed to submit his resignation.

"Everything is moot now, and I would rather just leave things as they are," Romero said Tuesday.

Alvarez questioned Herrera's commitment to the Hispanic community in a Jan. 16 article published in the Sun.

"He's one of the most important and prominent Hispanics in our community and he's nowhere to be seen," Alvarez had said. Alvarez also complained that Herrera hadn't made a Hispanics in Politics board meeting in seven months. Herrera was there on Thursday.

Herrera said he made it to Thursday's meeting because the organization changed its scheduling and he was given enough advanced notice to shuffle his own schedule. Board members said meetings have always been held the third Thursday of each month.

The Alvarez item was placed on the agenda after the article was published.

Board members claim Alvarez spoke for the organization, which is a violation of its bylaws.

"The concern was he spoke for the organization when the president is the one who is voted to represent the entire organization to the press and to others," Romero said.

Although county sources said Herrera made calls to board members after the story was published, Herrera insisted he spoke to nobody. He said fellow Hispanics in Politics board member Tony Sanchez called him the day of the meeting asking if Herrera could make it.

"Brian Alvarez is completely insignificant to me," Herrera said. "He doesn't in any way, shape or form understand what this commissioner does for the Hispanic community."

Herrera also criticized Alvarez for contradicting the goals of the board. "The board meant to send a message that people should support the leaders who are making a difference in the Hispanic community," said Herrera, who emphasized he was speaking for himself and not the board. "If you're going to talk the talk, then walk the walk."

Alvarez did not learn of the action taken at Thursday's meeting until Tuesday. Initially, Alvarez was angry at the board's decision.

"If I went against the organization by not supporting Dario Herrera, give me a break. Live with it," Alvarez said. "I'm glad I was able to cause a ripple effect to get Herrera to show up for a meeting."

Alvarez later said he decided to submit his resignation because he could not fulfill his obligation to the organization.