052104 Press C0nference Statement

May 21, 2004

Board of Directors Tomás Alberto Ávila President Melba Depeña Executive Vice President Domingo Morel Vice President Johanna Petrarca Secretary Claudia Cardona Assistant Secretary Sylvia Bernal Treasurer Ingrid Ardaya Assistant Treasurer Christopher Petrarca Legal Advisor Members at Large Tony Affigne Alberto Cardona Nellie Gorbea Senator Juan Pichardo

It’s a great day in the state of Rhode Island, and it’s an even greater day in the minority community of Rhode Island. On behalf of the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee and the Latino community, I join our African American brothers and sisters in this great victory and want to tell you that we are with you. I am very happy to see that this agreement has been reached, and this new district has been added that will give you the same satisfaction that we enjoyed for the last two years, of having our own Senator to represent us, just like you had one of your own previously, and now have the opportunity to have one of your own again. I like to congratulate the Senate President Montalbano, and Majority Leader Paiva-Weed for their leadership in getting this settlement accomplished. As we know this case was their before their leadership, and the fact that we are here today in such a short time demonstrate their leadership and their commitment to settle this matter and empower the minority community of Rhode Island. Thank you. I also want to thank all the people that have been involved in this process from the beginning, as I see many faces with whom I met starting in 1997, whom invested their time and energy in preparation for the 2001 redistricting and who play a roll for us being here. To our African American brothers and sisters, I want to tell you that we are here to help you and work with you in moving forward with your political empowerment and stand ready to build consensus as was expressed by the Senate President. I also like to invite us to concentrate in what we have in common, and put aside our differences as we move forward. Today we attain a second Senate seats and that’s great, but we must realize that as Cliff just mentioned we are 55% of the population of Providence, and together we can achieve greater political power and truly be a force. Congratulations once again and thank you for the opportunity of being here. Tomas Alberto Avila President

P0 Box 23020 * Providence, RI 02903 * Tel: 401-274-5204 * [email protected] http://www.rilpac.com