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News 13 At The Summit On Puerto Rican Affairs
Saturday, May 22, 2010 11:11:31 PM
Reported by Ybeth Bruzual
KISSIMMEE -- About 200 people showed up in Kissimmee, attending the Summit on Puerto Rican Affairs: “A Vision of the Future.” In its three years, this was the first time in the Orlando-Kissimmee area. The main event would have been the keynote speaker, Gov. Charlie Crist, but he was a no-show. A few hiccups in the program with that. Gov. Crist sent a recorded message via DVD -- but that DVD was empty! However, at the end of program, it seems there was technical difficulty, and the recorded message did appear on the screen after all -- but at that point, a lot of attendees had left, and other politicians on the podium had poked fun at the fact that Gov. Crist did not show up in person.
A Surprise Guest
State Rep. Darren Soto was at the podium, and announced a surprise guest: Florida’s chief financial officer -- and a candidate for governor -- Alex Sink. She spoke and got a few standing ovations during her 20-minute or so speech, where she spoke about hot topics such as oil drilling, the economy, special interests, etc. I was the emcee at this luncheon, and I could see that many took pictures with Alex Sink to the side of the stage, and back-to-back I was able to introduce the keynote speaker: U.S. Senate candidate Maurice Ferre. His name recognition is unmatched -- all due to his political pedigree. The crowd erupted into applause when he exclaimed in a raised tone of voice, “I am running for us!”
The Issues
Future Political Status of Puerto Rico
Ferre said: “The future of Puerto Ricans should be determined by Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico, and only then should the U.S. Congress handle it. By the way, I believe in statehood.”
Back to Ferre the Candidate
When it comes to immigration, he said: “It’s unfair. This is not a partisan issue. Do not vote for any politician who changes his mind so fast. I am talking about Crist, Marco Rubio -- they flip-flop depending on how the political winds blow.”
On Latinos in Florida
Speaking to the crowd regarding who is registered to vote, Ferre said some 600,000 (The actual number he said is closer to 530,000) Latino Democrats are registered to vote.
On Voting
“Si no votas no te respetan,” meaning: “If you do not vote, you will not be respected.”
He touted his experience of 12 years as mayor of Miami, plus his 25 years in the business world.
He recalled how he got 64 percent of African-Americans’ votes in 1981, and felt very proud of that.
Ferre added that he feels so many Puerto Ricans don’t vote in the U.S. because they do not feel motivated.
Also In Attendance
- Representatives from the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, in Old San Juan
- Bill Segal, Orange County commissioner running for county mayor
- Linda Stewart, another commissioner running for county mayor
Many other candidates were there as well.
By the way, in case you were wondering what was served for lunch: Arroz con gandules, chicken, plantains and flan for dessert.
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(L-R: Art Otero, John "Q" Quinones, Darren Soto, Luis DeRosa, Luz Weinberg, Amy Mercado,
James Auffant, Patricia Silver, and Mike Rios)
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(L-R: Jorge Franchi, Luz Fonseca, Raul Gaya, Ramon Ojeda, Samuel Lopez, Bill Segal,
Jacqueline Centeno, Belinda Ortiz, and Jose Bosque)
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(L-R: Edward Hernandez, Esq.; Marisol Gomez, Esq.; Edgardo Bigas, and Mike Rios)
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(L-R: Luis DeRosa, Don Fisher, Miriam Martinez, Jacob Gill, and Celeste Brown)