Activists gather in Albany for annual summit

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Community activists, elected officials and labor leaders from throughout the state gathered in Albany the weekend of March 14 for the 16th annual Somos El Futuro (We Are the Future) legislative conference.

The three-day summit, organized by the New York State Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, featured more than a dozen workshops that addressed important topics such as health issues affecting Hispanic women, trade relations between the United States and Cuba, Latino workers and the American labor movement, the impact of Governor George E. Pataki’s budget cuts on education, and the status of the campaign to end military bombing practice on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques.

“It’s so critical to put these types of events together,” said Assemblyman Luis M. Diaz, a Bronx Democrat. “It also makes our people aware they are represented in local politics.”

Labor leader honored In addition to the array of educational workshops, there were cultural presentations and numerous exhibit booths that sold books and artwork.

The weekend conference also paid tribute to the labor movement. Numerous political leaders, including Attorney General Elliot Spitzer, attended the annual Labor Breakfast at the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown Albany, where Gov. Pataki’s proposed budget cuts came under heavy fire. “It’s a tougher situation than in the mid-1970’s,” said New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson. “This is a war that we are in, not just for our members, but for all workers,” said Brian McLaughlin, president of the New York City Central Labor Council.

At the breakfast meeting, Santos Crespo, Executive Vice President of Local 372 and president of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, was honored with a Labor Service Award. “Whether you are a union member or not, everyone benefits from a strong labor movement,” said Mr. Crespo as he received his award.

In the workshop on U.S.-Cuba trade relations, several legislators spoke in favor of resuming commerce with the Caribbean island. “Opening up markets in Cuba would be good for New York farmers,” said State Senator Kevin Parker. He pointed out that the state leads the nation in producing cabbage and apples.

An underlying theme at the conference was the growing number of Hispanic elected officials in the state. For example, Assemblyman José R. Peralta from the 39th Assembly District recently became the first Latino from Queens elected to the State Legislature. Brian McLaughlin, however, urged caution with this new development. “It’s important to look at the fundamental issues,” stressed the veteran Irish-American labor leader and Assembly member. “There are Irish Americans who are screwing working people.”

“While our communities have daunting problems to overcome, we also have much to be optimistic about,” said State Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera, who chairs the task force. “Our growing role and importance in state and national elections is a prelude to great future achievements.”