Candidates’ group ID not as vital as willingness to serve

Serving as District 3 Orange County commissioner during the suspension of former Commissioner Mildred Fernáández was an honor and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. When I accepted the responsibility, I pledged that I would serve with integrity and do everything within my power to instill public confidence and trust in government.

One of the things that I like most about our community is that our population is comprised of a cross-section of citizens of various cultures, races and ethnicities from all around the world. My own father is an Italian immigrant who came to this country at the age of 21 in search of the American dream. As a firstgeneration Italian-american, I am extraordinarily proud of my heritage and thankful to live in a place that embraces cultural diversity and offers opportunity to all.

With that said, I respectfully disagree with those who think that only someone who shares the same race, ethnicity, culture or place of origin can adequately represent their interests. To me, that mentality only perpetuates divisiveness. In his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, the Rev. Martin Luther King said that people should be judged on “the content of their character.” I agree, and believe that we should select our public servants based on their character as well as their knowledge, abilities and desire to serve, along with their willingness to learn, adapt and represent everyone.

During my term of service, I went to great lengths to represent our entire community, and paid particular attention to our Hispanic citizens who comprised approximately 40 percent of the district I represented. I hired a bilingual, capable and experienced staff with diverse cultural backgrounds. Additionally, I made18 appointments, of whom 12 were Hispanics, to various boards and commissions.

I also fought to be sure that our largest Hispanic economic- development organizations received proper funding and support.

What has been most humbling to me is the fact that others have taken note of my efforts. In fact, La Asociación Borinqueña (The Puerto Rican Association of Central Florida) named me its 2011 Citizen of the Year, and the Hispanic Women Chamber of Commerce honored me with its annual Aguila award. And the Metro Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce paid me a special tribute during its annual holiday celebration, recognizing meas an “honorary Hispanic” for being a champion of the many issues of importance to its members.

In my 48 years on this planet, I have learned that people have more in common with one another than they have differences, and that we all want what is best for our community.

Everybody wants to know that their representatives care, listen and try to help. I can tell you from firsthand experience that when I personally responded to a business or household of a different background or culture than my own, they cared less about my race or ethnicity and more that I was there to help.

This is what public service is about. My service as commissioner has shown me that anyone, regardless of skin color, ethnicity or place of origin, is capable of representing others as long as that person understands issues, and exemplifies positive character traits and is devoted wholeheartedly to the cause.

These are the things that truly matter.

I respectfully disagree with those who think that only someone who shares the same race, ethnicity, culture or place of origin can adequately represent their interests.