Latino community applauds newly approved aldermanic district borders
MILWAUKEE - The Latino community won a battle in the Milwaukee Common Council in terms of representation in their neighborhoods.
On Wednesday, Common Council members approved a plan that makes Latinos more represented within the council.
Applause came in council chambers over the plan that changes borders in south side neighborhoods based on census reports.
One plan came from Alderman Bob Donovan, to leave districts essentially the same.
He said the issue should not be race-related.
"The issue in my opinion should not be about race. It should be about what's right," said Donovan.
The other plan came from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, with Latino community support.
It highlights changes in minority areas, and demands more attention and representation in the 8th and 12th districts.
The council overwhelmingly chose Hamilton's plan which creates two supermajorities concentrating the population in those two districts.
"The Latino voting age population increases closer to 70%, and that's a very good development because there are many barriers the Latino community faces compared to non-Hispanic populations," said Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the executive director of Voces de la Frontera.
Hispanics can now choose to vote for someone they feel is better suited to help them highlight issues within their community.
"This makes sure the community's voice is heard by elected officials," explained Neumann-Ortiz.
The group says they are now going to take their battle to the state level, and make sure they are accurately and fairly represented there.
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