From Deseret News archives:
No barriers, Huntsman vows to Hispanics
All should share in success, governor tells monthly meeting
"All we want to do is create an environment in which all can participate in the great state of Utah," Huntsman said at "Contactos," a monthly networking meeting held by the chamber.
Education and economic development are two priorities that came out of a meeting with some representatives of the Hispanic community, Hunstman told the more than 200 people who attended the event at the Christensen and Jensen law firm in downtown Salt Lake.
Huntsman said he sees power in the $4 million in Hispanic purchasing power in Utah. His goal, he said, is to "make sure you have the government doing everything it can to make this state successful."
Some of those who attended the meeting said it's too early to tell how well Latinos will fit into the governor's economic development plan.
"Now we'll have to see if Huntsman's actions match his words," said Josie Valdez, assistant director of minority business development for the Small Business Administration's Utah district office.
She said economic growth consists of a cycle — a good job, so you can live in a good neighborhood with good schools, so your children can be well educated and gain a good job.
"If he can help that circle, he'll be a good governor for our communities," she said.
Miguel Rovira, executive director of the chamber, said Hispanic small business owners face the same challenges that all small businesses face, such as access to capital.
He said the governor promised during a meeting with some chamber members that he was going to involve Latinos more than ever before. Another meeting is scheduled to discuss economic development, he said.
"At that point, we'll have a better idea what role Latinos have in his economic development plan," Rovira said.
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com
