Latino issues topic of county task force

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

A task force will determine how Larimer County can best reach out to the Latino community.

The still-to-be-constituted group will set priorities and determine whether the county should create a formal advisory board or use other methods to better communicate with a diverse Latino population.

"This is a natural opportunity," said Rich Salas, assistant director of Colorado State University's El Centro Student Services.

The Rev. Stan Perea, a part-time Red Feather Lakes resident who advises metro-area school districts in their minority outreach efforts, said that this is an excellent chance for the county to collaborate with other agencies in meeting their mutual needs.

"Everybody is dealing with the same issues. Everybody is piece-mealing these things," Perea said. "Let's put one (program) together that addresses the entire community."

The discussion arose from Commissioner Karen Wagner's pre-election suggestion to consider forming a Latino Issues Advisory Board. Those participating in the Feb. 28 work session agreed that such a board may not be necessary. But they also concurred that the county could do a better job determining the needs of the Latino community and informing members of available public services and programs.

"Larimer County has a terrible track record of attracting and informing these people," said LeRoy Gomez, a self-declared Latino/Hispanic activist and member of the county's Workforce Investment Board.

Salas said if the county is to successfully engage the Latino community, it must be specific--focusing on health, housing and employment issues. He said the county also must establish a sense of trust that Salas doesn't believe exists right now.

"I see it as part of marketing," said county administrator Frank Lancaster. "How do we market to the Latino community and meet their needs?" He said it's no different than the way the county seeks out ways to better serve other segments such as the agricultural community.

At commission chair Kathay Rennels' suggestion, Wagner agreed to first form a task force before bringing the issue back before the board. The group will prioritize issues affecting what Wagner called the county's single largest minority community - constituting nearly 9 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.