PLATFORM : Democracy at Work in Bell Gardens

The recall election represents the coming of age of Latino voter consciousness and is the result of a well-orchestrated voter registration effort. If the people of Bell Gardens want a more representative government, they must now identify candidates who address the real needs of the community.

While Bell Gardens is now viewed as the city where the Latino voice was finally heard, it also faces the threat of being manipulated by outside interests. The No Rezoning Committee, which claims credit for the recall, receives substantial monetary support from absentee landlords. The real forces behind No Rezoning are outside politicians who seek to use Bell Gardens to gather influence for their statewide political goals and absentee landlords.

Some No Rezoning organizers turned the recall election into an issue of whites versus Latinos. We must take a stand against the politics of division and diversion. Instead, the people should turn to candidates who focus on important community issues. For example, we have a gang problem and need to find a solution. Young people in our community are falling into gangs before they complete elementary school. If we allow ourselves to be diverted into focusing on false issues such as ethnic differences, we will lose sight of the real problems.