Ltr To Editor

League of United Latin American Citizens

Dear Editor: I am writing regarding the article “Ward 5: Political newcomer taking on governmental insider,” written by Ms. Bodfield which contained inaccuracies and/or omissions. First, Ms. Bodfield, failed to mention, the Arizona Daily Star, endorsed Richard Fimbres for the Ward 5 Council seat. Secondly, the paragraph alleging that both Richard and his wife, Mary, had withheld access to secret bank accounts. A "cursory audit" was done by a financial officer from the national organization of League of United Latin American Citizens, and found no improprieties in the account. Mary and Richard Fimbres continued to work with LULAC. Some highlights include Mary Fimbres was honored and recognized at the 2009 LULAC National Convention with the National Presidential Citation Award awarded by National LULAC President Rosa Rosales. Richard Fimbres is the immediate past National Vice President for the Elderly and past National VP for the Farwest region. They are the founding members of the LULAC Youth Leadership Conference now in its 21st year. Between Richard and Mary Fimbres they have served on the LULAC National Education Service Centers board for approximately twenty years. Richard Fimbres is also a co-founder of the NAACP Rosa Parks Community Celebration. It was Richard and Mary, who have held Youth Conferences for LULAC in Tucson for the past twenty-years, as well as their effort to have young people go to Washington D.C., to learn about their national government. Also, LULAC 1057, has held annual, FBI, Community Service Awards honoring those from all walks of life, who work to make Tucson, a better place to live. Richard, through LULAC National worked with Tyson Foods for the donation of 33,000 pounds of chicken product for the benefit of the Tucson Community Food Bank and Southern Arizona. As the State Director of the League of Latin American Citizens, I am honored, proud and fortunate enough, to have people, like Mary and Richard Fimbres, as members of the organization, who were described by the Tucson Weekly as “ ... low-key and down to earth,” with both having put “ ... put in hundreds of hours of volunteer work, covering a wide range that includes Tucson High School academics and athletics, Southside recreation and neighborhoods, the Knights of Columbus (with Richard being a 4th Degree member) among others.” Richard and Mary Fimbres’ leadership and energy have taken LULAC to the next level. Sincerely,

Ana Valenzuela Estrada State Director - LULAC Arizona

All for One - and One for All P.O. Box 7671 Tucson, AZ 85725