For immediate distribution: 22 March, 2023
Contact: Madelin Martinez (Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus),
Jossie Flor Sapunar (CASA)
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Members of the Maryland Latino Caucus were joined by dozens of Latino leaders including community leaders, local elected officials at a Lawyers Mall press conference today to call on the Maryland Senate to approve the nomination of Maria Martinez to the Maryland Stadium Authority Commission. Participants called on the Senate to move expeditiously to appoint Martinez to the Commission. The press conference comes a day after over 80 Latino leaders released a letter calling Martinez an extraordinary visionary and committed supporter of advancing Latino businesses.
“We write as a group of leaders who have nurtured the advance of Latino representation in local and state government,” says the letter signed by a wide coalition of public service, media and public affairs, organizational, and business leaders. “We believe that until the most important commissions include Latinos among their membership, Maryland is failing in its responsibility to adequately include 11.1% of the State’s population and a community overrepresented in business new starts. Maria is a woman who has earned her place in our hearts and the person we are asking you to confirm to the Maryland Stadium Commission without delay.”
The groups pointed to Maria Martinez’s extensive business experience, community leadership, and philanthropic endeavors.
“Maria’s commitment to public service is unwavering. She has made it her life’s mission to open doors for women and minority communities. She has been confirmed on three prior occasions and served with distinction. It is now time to confirm her to the Stadium Authority Commission,” said Latino Caucus Vice-Chair Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk.
“Maria is a Latina powerhouse who has been an integral partner to developing successful politicians across the state. Now it is our turn to come out to support her,” said Delegate Deni Taveras, (D 47b).
“Maria has a lifetime of proven service and leadership that Governor Moore has recognized as necessary to serve on the stadium authority commission, which is why he nominated her. I am in full support of her nomination and call on the Senate to affirm her nomination,” said Latino Caucus Chair Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo.
“Yolanda Maria Marinez’s lived experiences mirror that of many Marylanders – from trial to triumph, she has exhibited courage and resilience. I wholeheartedly support Governor Wes Moore in his appointment of Maria to the Maryland Stadium Authority Board,” said Delegate Ashanti Martinez (D 22).
