1/7/2004 - CONCERN AMPLIFIED BY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

CONCERN AMPLIFIED BY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
By Christy Martinez, freelance writer

At a Monday meeting of the Hispanic Agenda, a coalition of representatives of Hispanic organizations, the group discussed the City Council’s recent decision not to hire Tommy Gonzalez, who has been serving as Lubbock’s interim City Manager for the past nine months, or, another finalist for city manager.

Members requested a presentation to learn of the hiring process as well as to articulate concern and assure fair and due process in selecting a city manager. City Councilman Victor Hernandez provided a brief synopsis of the details and the procedure for selecting a city manager. Individuals expressed distress about the two finalists who happened to be minority, as well as asked a series of questions regarding the decision, and the cost associated in the search for a new city manager.

Some discussion included recommendations to organize efforts to boycott city-owned utility services; hold a series of sit-ins during council meetings; as well as encourage members sitting on City Boards and Commission to resign in lieu of the decision. However, overall consensus was that people should mobilize others to get out and vote to impact future leadership.

Further, representatives were asked to have representation at a Public Comment time that will be held at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 1625 13th Street. The Council day will be held with a work session at 9:00 a.m. followed immediately by the Council meeting at 10:00 a.m.

In addition, an emergency meeting will be held Monday, January 12, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. the LULAC Office located at the corner of 13th and Ave. O, as follow-up to all the events and meetings, and to further mobilize efforts as deemed necessary.


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