Marcelino Quiñonez Announces his Candidacy for the State House of Representatives in District 27

By: Cindy G. Castillo

“April 23, 2010 at 1 o’clock, that is when Governor Brewer signed SB1070,” Marcelino Quiñonez reminds the group of supporters that gathered this past January 8^th at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center.

A group of more than a hundred followers gathered to hear Quiñonez officially announce his candidacy for the State House of Representatives in District 27. This was a crowd that doubled the attendance of a couple years back when Quiñonez announced his candidacy for the Roosevelt School Board.

When questioned regarding his reasons, Quiñonez simply responds, “I am entering this race to serve. It’s a lesson that I’ve learned from my parents.”

It’s the idea of taking the time to understand issues and work along with them that Quiñonez has made his focus, and this is exactly what is going to improve District 27.

As an educator, a major focus for him will be early childhood education by working along with other legislators. He explains the need for spending enough resources to make sure that students are prepared once they enter kindergarten.

“If by the time they are in the third grade we expect them to know how to read or not, and if they’re not ready by the time they show up, they don’t have a shot,” he said.

Small businesses in South Phoenix will also be a big focus. The unemployment rate in Arizona is one whole point higher than the national average. “That cannot be. This is not the Arizona that we know of.”

Finally, an important focus for Quiñonez is to invest on individuals with both mental and physical disabilities. “We’ve got to put it upon ourselves to seek out to those folks who don’t understand that they have a voice.”

It is with a set plan in mind, and a devoted team that surrounds Quiñonez that his candidacy for State House Representative in District 27 will thrive with the aid of supporting team members.

Maria Elena Coronado, Campaign Manager for Quiñonez also spoke on the importance of electing someone that is going to be able to represent the community, and that was the primary reason she signed up to help out Quiñonez.

“I feel we really need people to galvanize a move and just really cut down the barriers between the brown and black politics, and Marcelino has been able to be that catalytic willing to work together with some of our very important African American community members as well as a growing GLBTQ community that is happening in South Phoenix,” she said.

Also supporting Quiñonez’ campaign is Chairman Danny Ortega, who emphasized the financial implications of running a campaign. Not only is it necessary to be out on the streets spreading the word, but it is also important to be aware of the monetary help needed.

“This is a very tough business, raising money, and it’s easier to get people to attend these events and to clap and be excited, but it’s another thing to put your money where it counts,” Ortega said.

Just like Quiñonez fought last year on the Roosevelt School board, this year, he is determined to fight the same way, but, he needs the help of a united solidary community.

“I need you to take this campaign to your porches, to your backyards, to your living rooms, to your social media; I need every single person you talk to between now and August 26 to understand how serious we are about improving our district and as a result, improving our state. Tell them that it is going to happen and tell them to become a part of this movement. Can I count on you?”

To learn more about Marcelino Quiñonez’ campaign or become involved, you can follow his movement on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Marcelino4Arizona or Twitter at @MarceQ_AZ