This is the time for municipal elections in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and it is important for the Latinos of the region to become aware of the meaning that this event has for the development of our region.

These elections are particularly important. The cities of Massachusetts and New Hampshire are going through one of the worst financial crisis recorded in the history of the region, overwhelmed by the fiscal deficit and the budget cuts. The high index of unemployment, healthcare, the humongous cost of housing and, in the case of Massachusetts, the dramatic changes that have been added to education with the immersion into the English program. These are some of the topics, considered in these elections that deeply worry the citizens of these two states.

In the last few years, the Latino voters have been noticeably increasing their level of participation in the electoral process of the state. In Lawrence for instance, the Latinos currently represent about 40% of the electoral force of the city, which shows the importance they have acquired. As a fruit of that political maturity in recent years several Latinos have been able to be part of the local government. This is the case of Felix Arroyo in Boston and Marcos Devers, Julia Silverio, and Nilka Alvarez in Lawrence. All of them have done a commendable work in their positions, allowing the Hispanics to have a voice and a presence for the first time in the institutions of local power in these cities. We believe that in these elections we must back up these outstanding Latino politicians so they continue contributing to the development of our communities.

In Lawrence, for example, the presence of these young candidates is especially comforting precisely due to the little interest in public office shown by the Hispanics in these elections.

In spite of the fact that the Latinos in Lawrence are nearly 70% of the total population of the city and that the changes pushed by the Department of Justice to make the election of Latinos possible has been effective, for this elections only four Latinos decided to postulate themselves. Two of them: Barbara Gonzalez and Israel Reyes, are candidates at large. The other two, Carlos Matos and Franklin Fernandez are nominated for districts B and D, respectively.

In this picture of worrisome apathy, we believe that these four young people deserve our total support. Not only for their courage but also for their grip and the preparation the electoral battle requires.

In the same way, it is outstanding the effort carried by Martina Cruz y Carlos Ramos who at the last moment decided to run for sticker when the lack of candidates for the School Committee for District B was noticed.

In all the cities of the region where electoral processes will take place, the Latinos must take active participation. To be informed about the projects of every one of the candidates will allow us to make an educated choice. We shouldn’t back up a candidate just because he or she is Hispanic. To elect the best one, the candidate must be considered on previous performance and merits as a person and a politician. The deciding factor of the elections is participation.

Our best recommendation is: Go out and vote because the vote is power!