When Democratic Ward Leader Carlos M. Matos decided to support Cherelle Parker as the Democratic nominee for Mayor, he surprised many political players in the city. He had initially committed to his compatriot Maria Quiñones Sánchez, who dropped out of the race, saying the flood of money from self-funding candidates and outside spending groups made it impossible to complete successfully. Recognizing that Latinos and African Americans are natural allies in that they share the same deteriorating neighborhoods undergoing gentrification. He is unapologetic in working out strategic deals for the benefit of the Latinos and other minorities in the city. He is astute at building alliances with the many ethnic communities that populate Philadelphia because he believes in the strength of all the citizens of Philadelphia. His strong ties to Latino voters across the city give him insight into the issues that affect this community.
He pulled Latino elected officials, clergy, and community leaders to join him and state Senator Christine “Tina” Tartaglione to provide the coveted role Latinos can play in a crowded election ballot for mayor. Although his community makes up only 15.9% of the population, Matos said that the “Latino voters could be the swing vote in the May 16, Democratic Primary”.
On Thursday, a bright and pleasant springtime day, he announced his endorsement of Parker. He coordinated the verbal commitment of key Latino leaders to hit the streets to turn out the Latino vote for his candidate of choice.
Matos, who is of Puerto Rican descent, said that his trust in Parker was cemented when he had an honest and frank discussion on her plans to be a mayor for all the people of Philadelphia.
In joining Matos at the rally, former State Representative Benjamin Ramos said he got to know Parker when the two served in the Pennsylvania Legislature. He noted that Latinos will benefit from a Parker administration, and he will help in any way he could in shaping her administration to reflect the diversity and inclusion of such a large metropolis.
“Matos’ endorsement touched off other prominent Latino leaders, like me, to Cherelle Parker. None of the other Democratic candidates have strong roots in the Latino neighborhoods or a plan to develop roots,” said Nayda R. Cintrón, who was the co-founder, President and served as the neighborhood group’s executive director.
“Latino voters could be a major factor in the Democratic primary, and Carlos’ endorsement could be significant,” said longtime union leader Cándido Silva. Examining the rapidly changing demographic in Philadelphia and the energy and outreach can help the long-neglected and ignored community thrive, as many African Americans and White Europeans have succeeded.
