Re “First-Year Assembly Speaker Made a Huge Racial Gaffe”
Responding to stern objections from California Friends of the African American Caucus and other groups, first-year Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) today announced he has appointed Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto) to serve as Assistant Majority Policy Leader for the new session.
Protests erupted across the state when it emerged that not a single black member was on his nine-member Democratic caucus leadership team — which now has 10 persons.
Said Sen. Curren Price (D-Culver City), Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus:
“Assemblymember Carter's appointment to this important post will make the Legislature stronger as a whole by ensuring that every community has a voice in the Legislature. She will be a strong and effective leader in this new role, and will be a critical part of our efforts to create new jobs in California.”
After “correcting” his course, Mr. Pérez said said he is “delighted” Ms. Carter “will be bringing her commitment and skill to her new role. “Ms. Carter is dedicated to education and job creation, two of the Assembly's top priorities. She is a respected legislator. Her soft-spoken approach gets results. I am confident that as a part of the leadership team, she will be effective in helping shape our policy priorities and oversight activities.”
After enjoying an instant promotion, Ms. Carter said she is ready because “I can use the experience I've gained serving in these tough times.
“I can help the Democratic majority, especially new members, set priorities and advance the kind of innovative policy solutions our state needs to create jobs, recover from the recession and prepare our students.
“I am also looking forward to helping ensure the policies we enact are implemented to the full benefit of the people of California.” Ms. Carter’s 62nd District covers Rialto, Colton, portions of Fontana and San Bernardino, along with Bloomington and Muscoy. For 16 years, she was a member of the Rialto School Board.
Mr. Pérez may be contacted at www.asmdca.org/speaker
