Press Release: Latino advocates, “New Bostonians” voice their support for Mayor Menino

For Immediate Release       

For More Information Contact:

Nick Martin, 617-367-1900

Saturday, October 24, 2009        

Mayor receives endorsements from ¿Oíste? and Coalition of New American Voters

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has received endorsements from two leading advocacy organizations that together represent tens of thousands of Latinos and the “New Bostonian” immigrant community.  ¿Oíste?, the first and only statewide Latino political advocacy organization in Massachusetts, officially endorsed Mayor Menino for reelection.  The Coalition of New American Voters (CNAV), an umbrella organization representing thousands of voters in Boston that aims to maximize the political power of all immigrant communities, also endorsed the Mayor.  These latest endorsements add to the growing support that Mayor Menino has received from communities of color, New Bostonians, and progressives throughout the city.

In its endorsement, ¿Oíste? declared, “We endorse Mayor Menino for his significant commitment to neighborhood revitalization and the development of affordable housing.  We also acknowledge his effective response to the federal lawsuit demanding changes in the electoral procedures in Boston. ”

CNAV’s endorsement highlighted that, “The City of Boston is one of the only cities in the country that has opened an office to specifically deal with issues affecting the city’s growing immigrant communities.  The Office of New Bostonians was created under the leadership of Mayor Menino, a champion of immigrants and refugees who live in Boston.”

“Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of Boston, and we’ve worked tirelessly to make our city more inviting and inclusive of all communities,” Mayor Menino said.  “We couldn’t do it without the dedicated efforts of organizations such as these, and I could not be more proud to have the support of these groups as we continue to improve our city for all its people.  I’m honored to have them share in our vision for building a better Boston, and I look forward to continuing our partnership and our advocacy for years to come.”

The mission of ¿Oíste? is to promote the principles and practice of democracy and to advance the political, social and economic standing of Latinos in the state.   ¿Oíste? commits it resources to assist the Mayor in developing strategies for inclusion and participation in Boston's civic life.

CNAV, an organization that promotes the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees by educating and empowering voters and encouraging greater participation in the electoral process, cited Mayor Menino’s leadership in this regard.

“Mayor Menino is a strong leader that needs our full support,” CNAV went on to say.  “Boston’s immigrant communities need him at city hall to continue to be a champion on education, public safety and the health of our New Bostonians.”

¿Oíste? and CNAV’s endorsements add to the wide-spread and growing support that the Mayor has received from communities of color, new Bostonians, and progressives throughout the city.  Last weekend, Mayor Menino was endorsed by a group of progressive community leaders, and non-profit organizations such as MassEquality, NOW, and the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (MLEV) have all voiced their support for the Mayor.

 
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