Bernal to lead Hispanic Demos

The Salt Lake County Hispanic Democratic Caucus has elected Philip Bernal as its chairman.

Bernal, 62, is associate director of public works for Salt Lake County. He said he ran for the one-year position because he felt he could contribute to creating a more formal structure to help more delegates get involved in campaigns and to boost fund-raising efforts.

"It's a larger membership than it has been in the past," Bernal said.

The caucus has nearly 90 delegate members and has typically been active during campaigns. "I'd like it to be active all the time," he said. "I feel sort of humbled because I know it's a large task."

Bernal took the post immediately after Wednesday's election. He defeated opponent James Yapias in what outgoing chairman Archie Archuleta described as a close vote. Archuleta did not run for re-election.

Archuleta also serves as chair of the Utah Hispanic Democratic Caucus, which will elect officers in May.

The county caucus also elected as vice chairs Araueni Olivares and Jennifer Mayer-Glenn; secretary Angela Romero; treasurer Gabriella Archuleta; and sergeant-at-arms Daniel Argueta.