By: Jesus Nava, IHN President,   

Chief Administrative Officer, Santa Clara Valley Water District

Immigration is once again at the forefront of the national agenda.  Much of it is due to the 75% support Latino voters gave President Obama in the November election.  Jobs and the economy were the number one issue for Latinos in the last election but immigration also fared high as evidenced by the quick attention given the issue by both political parties.  Now Democrats and Republicans are rushing to win over the "hearts and minds of Latinos" through immigration reform.

Both parties can start by issuing an apology to Latinos for the negative public image and hostile sentiments that were allowed to gain foot in America during the immigration debate.  Because most undocumented immigrants are Latino, all Latinos became suspect and subject to racial profiling.  In addition, state and local governments were allowed to adopt unjust laws aimed at making life very difficult for Latinos.  There are plenty of examples to choose from that make the point including Arizona, Alabama, and Farmer's Branch, TX.  Few high-ranking members of the Democratic or Republican parties stepped forward to defend Latinos or set the record straight.  A simple "we're sorry for not doing anything to help" would go far in making amends.

Each political party can then present its Latino agenda.  Their mission:  "To comprehensively improve the lives of Latinos in the U.S."  The party that ultimately gains Latino support will provide opportunities for education and academic success; entrepreneurship and business development; improved health and housing; in short, full access to the American dream.  The political party for Latinos will be the one that is most welcoming and respectful; the most kind and gentle and the most progressive in recognizing the unique binational, bilingual and bicultural world in which Latinos live.

Each party must also end any and all discussions of "get tough" provisions in any immigration proposal.  It is unconscionable to want to be tough on the poor, the disenfranchised, the weary and fearful.  I understand that every politician wants to be tough on crime and that once elected it is their duty to protect us from those scofflaws who have crossed the border illegally with impunity. 

However, as an American I am personally embarrassed and ashamed that my country would act to make the lives of undocumented immigrants tougher and even more difficult than they are currently.  I take no pride in making a hard situation even harder.  I see with my own eyes how undocumented immigrants live in the U.S. and I doubt whether anyone can truly justify making it tougher for them to join mainstream society. On the contrary Democrats and Republicans should learn that the hand of friendship is warm and gentle and not a tight crushing grip.

Finally I think that any immigration reform proposal from either party should involve Mexico.  If the U.S. grants citizenship to 11 million Mexicans, then Mexico should in turn grant citizenship to 11 million U.S. citizens who are interested in dual citizenship.  As dual citizens, 22 million residents would be free to travel between neighboring nations unhindered by immigration status.  Dual citizenship also would give individuals full legal rights in each nation thereby promoting greater family and business ties.  As a citizen of both nations, we would be able to pursue life, liberty and happiness within a greater geographical sphere without worrying about legal status.

As assistant city manager in Laredo, many years back, I witnessed the massive movement and transfer of people, goods and services between the U.S. and Mexico.  Hundreds of thousands of people crossed the border monthly.  Millions of cars and trucks went back and forth annually.  The livelihood of the border region was depended on facilitating business between the two nations.  This meant making it easier for people to travel back and forth and not more difficult.

I remind our members that we are the ones that have to deal with immigration issues at the local level because undocumented immigrants are our residents.   So please pledge to do your part and speak out for good, pragmatic and humanistic public policy.  Do not allow the immigration reform debate to occur in a vacuum within the confines of the Capital Beltway.

IHN Thanks the Sponsors of the Regional Professional Networking Event in Irving, TX

IHN is grateful for the generous support provided by all of the sponsors of the recent IHN Regional Professional Networking Event held February 23, 2013, in Irving, TX. These sponsors provided IHN with the opportunity for members and guests in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex area to network, develop professional connections, and meet the IHN Board of Directors; and also allowed IHN to introduce the organization to potential new members.

These sponsors also allowed IHN the opportunity to honor Latino local government administrators, managers and leaders in the area, and to especially recognize the City of Ft. Worth's Hispanic Leadership Organization (HLO) for their long-standing career development efforts.

Please join the IHN Board of Directors in expressing IHN's appreciation to the sponsors of the event:

Sponsors -

Special Recognition -  

IHN would especially like to extend its gratitude to IHN Members Rolando Bono (San Antonio, TX); Ramiro Lopez (City of Irving, TX); and Gilbert Perales (City of Arlington, TX) for planning and organizing this successful Regional Professional Networking Event; and to recognize the City of Irving, TX, the Irving Chamber of Commerce, and the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau for their help in hosting and planning the event!

By: Nachie Marquez, Chair of Communications Committee and Director, Communications and Public Affairs, City of Chandler, AZ

The City of Tucson, Arizona's new City Manager

Richard Miranda,  City Manager   City of Tucson, Arizona

Richard Miranda, was born and raised in Tucson. Mr. Miranda was officially sworn in as City Manager on May 10, 2012. He has served the residents of Tucson for almost 38 years. 

 

 

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Arizona followed by a Masters Degree from Northern Arizona University.  In 1975, he joined the Tucson Police Department and in October 1998, he was appointed Chief of Police, the position he held until June 2008 when he began his career as Assistant City Manager.  In July 2009, Mr. Miranda was appointed Deputy City Manager in charge of the day-to-day operation of the City.   In September 2011, Mr. Miranda was appointed Interim City Manager.  

 

 

As Tucson's City Manager, Mr. Miranda has set the following goals for himself and Tucson's City organization:

 

By: Nachie Marquez, Chair of Communications Committee and Director, Communications and Public Affairs, City of Chandler, AZ

 

 

The City of San Antonio, Texas, recently announced the appointment of two new executives. Both of these individuals are members of the International Hispanic Network (IHN).

 

Gloria Hurtado, IHN Member, Assistant City Manager City of San Antonio, TX

San Antonio City Manager Sheryl L. Sculley has appointed Gloria Hurtado as an Assistant City Manager. Hurtado will provide supervision over the Human Services and Parks and Recreation departments, the San Antonio Metro Health District and the San Antonio Library. 

 

Hurtado began her employment with the City in 2011 as the Director of Human Services.  Prior to working for the City, she spent 21 years with the City of Phoenix in the Human Services Department. She served as Human Services Director for the last 13 years in Phoenix. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts from Whittier College, in Whittier, California.

 

Carlos Contreras was also appointed as Assistant City Manager.  Contreras will manage the daily operations of the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Departments, as well as the Center City Development and Military Affairs Offices.

Carlos Contreras, IHN Member,  Assistant City Manager City of San Antonio, TX

 

Contreras began his career with the City in 2009 as the Director of International Relations.  Prior to joining the City, Contreras was employed with KB Home and directed the company's local government affairs.  He has also served as legal consultant for multiple business corporations, transportation companies and trade associations. 

 

Contreras holds a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and a Master's degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, in Austin, Texas, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.

 

Congratulations to both Gloria Hurtado and Carlos Contreras on these outstanding leadership appointments.

By: Nachie Marquez, Chair of Communications Committee and Director, Communications and Public Affairs, City of Chandler, AZ 

Where do public administrators go to refresh their skills and learn from their colleagues around the United States and the world?  To the Annual Conference of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) that will be held March 15-19 in New Orleans, LA at the Hilton Riverside.

 

ASPA is the most prominent organization working to strengthen public service by providing an environment for practitioners, academics and students to access professional opportunities. Its annual conference is one of the largest gatherings of individuals working in the public sector with its offerings of professional development, networking and career recognition awards.  More than 1,100 individuals attend ASPA's conference every year.

 

 

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne

The 2013 Annual Conference with its theme "Governance and Sustainability: Local Concerns, Global Challenges" draws attention to the issues associated with good stewardship and responsible management of resources. Conference panels and presentations will consider whether we have reached or exceeded the limits of the democratic state, the governance implications and the effects on public service. More than 400 public service experts will address these issues and many more during the five-day conference.  Over 150 panels are already confirmed. Sessions will cover multiple tracks such as sustainable leadership, performance and human resources; social equity, gender and diversity; sustainable cities and communities; health, transportation and technology sustainability and many more.  The 15 tracks are listed on the conference website at www.aspanet.org/2013conference. 

 

  Attendees can also gain inspiration from renowned public servants who will headline the named lectures.  Gene Dodaro, U.S. Comptroller General, will present the Elliot Richardson Lecture, a keynote focused on sharing practitioner experience 
 

Gene Dodaro, U.S. Comptroller General

while Dr. Kenneth J. Meier will present the Donald C. Stone Lecture, which highlights significant or emerging scholarship. The conference will open with a keynote presentation by Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne. There are also special events, like the Section for Women in Public Administration (SWPA) Breakfast and the Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Luncheon. Both events honor public administrators working on behalf of gender issues and social justice, respectively.   

 

 

To learn more about the ASPA conference and registration, visit www.aspanet.org/2013conference.

How to Help Boomerang Kids

Facing the brutal job realities of today's tough economy, many young adults are moving back in with their parents to cut costs while they look for steady jobs, pay off student loans, or build up savings for the future. Boomerang kids can put a financial strain on their parents, but there are ways to make the arrangement more manageable:

• Start with a plan. Talk with your young adult up front about how long this temporary arrangement is expected to last and what you expect them to contribute to the household - either with money or by helping out in other ways. Some parents charge rent, but keep the money in a fund that helps finance the child's ultimate flight from the nest.
• Save on technology. You may be able to consolidate individual cell-phone plans into one family plan. Review your cable and Internet plans to eliminate extra expenses.
• Set financial goals. What will trigger moving out of the house - a solid job, for example, or a certain level of savings? Be frank about why your son or daughter is living at home, and help him or her set up a budgeted amount toward savings or debt payments every month, for example, or minimize expenses while looking for a job.
• Cut insurance costs. Most people can now keep their kids on their health insurance policies until age 26, which can be a big financial plus if the child doesn't have a job with coverage. Adult children with their own cars usually have their own car insurance, but you could get a discount if you both have the same insurer. If the back-at-home child drives a family car, add him or her to your policy. Yes, that will raise your rates, but it's likely to be cheaper than buying separate coverage.
• Match contributions. When your young adult starts work, encourage him or her to start saving for their own future. Consider matching their contributions to a savings account to establish the habit of saving. Encourage participation in a 457 or 401 plan or other retirement plan through their employer or, if that's not available, explain the advantages of a Roth IRA. 

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be construed or relied upon as investment advice. Except as expressly permitted by ICMA-RC, reproduction or redistribution of this content in its entirety or any portion thereof, is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of ICMA-RC. For more information, contact ICMA-RC at 777 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4240. 800-669-7400. Copyright © 2009 ICMA-RC. All rights reserved.