Hispanic Assembly chief opts not to quit after all

Marco Diaz, who stepped down last month as chairman of the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly, will remain at the post, the executive committee announced this week.

Diaz had cited increased responsibilities in both his church and family life as reasons for his Feb. 17 resignation.

"I'm humbled by the trust of my colleagues," Diaz said, noting the executive committee had agreed to take on some of the chairman's responsibilities.

At a March 9 meeting, the executive committee requested that Diaz reconsider his resignation and unanimously voted to reduced the chairman's day-to-day responsibilities through increased involvement and participation by its members.

Some had speculated that Diaz was pressured into his resignation. It came after he was shouted down at a Hispanic community meeting while attempting to explain his "reluctant support" for a then-proposed Senate bill to replace illegal immigrants' drivers' licenses with driving privilege cards that can't be used for identification. The bill, SB227, has been signed into law.

Miguel Rovira, the assembly's first vice chairman, said in a statement that Diaz's leadership is important to the assembly's success.

"Mr. Diaz has created a solid foundation for the assembly and we welcome the opportunity to help him balance his personal and professional responsibilities," Rovira said.

Second vice-chairwoman Sylvia Haro said in the statement: "His energy and determination will help the assembly move forward."