Hispanic Caucus Elects New Officers, Hears Congressman Speak
The final day of the Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Convention featured the election of new officers and a rousing speech by Chicago Democrat Rep. Luis Gutierrez. View all photos from the National Teamsters Hispanic Caucus 2010 Convention.
International Vice President George Miranda introduced Gutierrez as a great friend of the Teamsters.
“He’s a tireless worker on behalf of all working men and women,” Miranda said.
Gutierrez, who represents Illinois’ 4th Congressional District, said he’s worked with the Teamsters for 25 years. In that time, he said, “I’ve seen the Teamsters change, I’ve seen the Teamsters grow, I’ve seen the Teamsters mature.
“You’re a better unit of people and a more forceful unit of people on behalf of working men and women,” he said.
Gutierrez applauded the Hispanic Caucus for helping the Teamsters Union’s growth and success.
The caucus added three new chapters, in Texas, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico.
New officers were elected. Miranda was elected President; he is also Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 210 and President of Joint Council 16 in New York City. Ron Herrera, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396 in Covina, California, was elected Executive Director.
Art Cantu, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 36 in San Diego, was elected First Vice President. Marie Perez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 97 in Union, New Jersey, was elected Second Vice President.
The Hispanic Caucus’s Financial Secretary is Ruben Torres, Secretary Treasurer of Local 237 in New York City. Chicago Local 703 Business Agent Jesse Miranda was elected Recording Secretary.
Trustees are: Tony Gonzalez, President of Teamsters Local 890 in Salinas, California; Oscar Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer Local 202 in New York City; Ernesto Medrano, Political Director for Teamsters Local 952 in Orange, California; Leo Correa, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 968 in Houston and President of Joint Council 58; and Chuck Baez, Business Agent for Local 710 in Mokena, Illinois.