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Hartford hearing draws wide public support for Puerto Rican and Hispanic History and Culture Commission
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Summary
At a Feb. 17 public hearing, Hartford residents and community leaders urged the City Council to establish a Puerto Rican and Hispanic History and Culture Commission, saying it would preserve history, promote cultural programming and expand visibility; no vote was recorded at the hearing.
Councilman Alexander Thomas, chairing a Feb. 17 public hearing of the Hartford City Council, introduced an ordinance to establish a Puerto Rican and Hispanic History and Culture Commission and opened the floor to public comment.
The proposal, introduced by Councilwoman Mallie Rosado with multiple co-sponsors, drew a series of speakers who voiced near-uniform support for creating a permanent commission to preserve history, expand cultural programming and ensure Hispanic and Puerto Rican residents are visible in the city’s civic life.
"Hartford's identity has been shaped in profound ways by its Puerto Rican, Hispanic, Latino residents today," said Dr. Leslie Torres Rodriguez, a Hartford resident, who testified in strong support and said "about 44" of the city's population identifies as Hispanic or Latino and that about two-thirds of that group are Puerto Rican. She told the council the commission would "create a space" where stories are preserved and cultural understanding can inform city policy.
A former councilman, identifying himself as Torres, recounted historical ties between Hartford and Puerto Rico and urged passage, citing sister-city links and economic and military connections. Luis Delgado described the commission as a chance for the community to "write and tell our history" and called the work healing. Daniel Rodriguez, a longtime resident and robotics volunteer, offered equipment and teaching time if the commission or its programming needs financial or in-kind support.
Carmen Sierra, identifying herself as treasurer and a long-term resident, called the commission "extremely overdue" and said it would ensure Hispanic voices are included in cultural decisions. Gladys Rivera, a longtime parade organizer, and Victor Luna, CEO of Luna Entertainment Productions and Latino Fest USA Inc., also urged the council to move the ordinance forward, saying it would strengthen community events and reach beyond Hartford.
Council representatives noted the commission would be a mayor-appointed board and that a formal appointment process exists. The transcript records no formal vote or conclusive action on the ordinance during the hearing; Chair Thomas closed the meeting after public comment.
The hearing also included a brief announcement of item 2.1, an ordinance amendment (cited in the meeting as section 38 32-18 of the municipal code) to extend the elderly tax relief program; the chair solicited comment and none was offered.
