FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2017

Contacts: 
Christian Estevez, President
(973) 418-7012
esteveznj@gmail.com
Daniel Ulloa, Communications Coordinator
(908) 421-1422
Dlulloa216@gmail.com

The Latino Action Network [LAN] today endorsed the appointment of Assemblywoman Marlene Caride [D-36^th District] as the new Commissioner of the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. The appointment marks the first major Latino appointment by Governor-Elect Phil Murphy.

“We consider this an important first step by the Governor-Elect to select a diverse cabinet and administration reflecting the demographics of New Jersey,” said Christian Estevez, LAN President. “We expect the incoming governor to fulfill his promises to a community that strongly supported him and which makes up about 20 percent of the state’s population.”

The appointment of Caride leaves a vacancy in the State Assembly in a district with a large Latino population including the City of Passaic. During the 2011 redistricting process the LAN worked to insure that a Latino was selected in that district because of the relatively light representation of Latinos in the State Legislature.

There are currently only 3 Latino State Senators out of 40 and 7 Assembly members out of 80.

“We expect the legislative leadership in the district, and specifically Senator Paul Sarlo, to work with LAN to insure Latino representation in the 36^th District,” Estevez concluded. Latinos make up 35 percent of the population of the 36^thDistrict.

The Latino Action Network was founded in 2009 to fight for political empowerment and defend civil rights.