Gov. John Kasich has appointed Tony Ortiz, Latino community liaison for Wright State University, to the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.
Ortiz’s appointment to a term ending Oct., 7, 2014, was announced Feb. 14.
Ortiz said he intends to keep the governor informed of issues affecting Latino communities as well as work on efforts to create jobs around the state both for Latinos and all Ohioans.
“This gives me an opportunity at a state level to do more,” said Ortiz.
Ortiz heads the Latino Dream Team, a proactive group of Dayton-area Latino organizations whose mission is to preserve the culture of Latinos and assimilate them into the fabric of the community. The group has taken the lead in addressing education, health care, economic and quality-of-life issues relating to the Latino community.
The commission advises the governor, Ohio General Assembly and state government agencies on matters affecting Hispanic Ohioans by issuing reports, proposing programs, commenting on legislation and conducting policy-related research.
The panel also strives to connect the diverse Latino communities across the state by serving as a hub of information and works to build Latino community organizations.
By Jim Hannah