Apology Sought From LULAC National President Candidate Darryl Morin Concerning Inaccurate Claims About President Of LULAC Council 346

Morin's Facebook press release about an illegal Wisconsin State Convention draws crticism and several comments, but were deleted to avoid any response and an apology from Morin, a candidate for LULAC National President for making inaccurate claims.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 25, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, Attorney Sarah Blackwell, the Vice-president of League of Untied Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 330 (Womens Council in Wisconsin) posted a comment and asking if an apology from Darryl Morin is "forthcoming." Morin's press release dated May 20 addressed the issue of holding an illegal Wisconsin State Convention and Blackwell's claim about Morin's personal "defamation" attacks on an individual that he failed to name on the press release. The unnamed individual also posted a comment in response to Morin's press release and identified himself as Jaime Alvarado, the LULAC Council President for #346. Alvarado is also requesting an apology from Morin. Both Blackwell's and Alvarado's comments were conspicuously removed (deleted) from Morin's press release Facebook (FB) post dated May 20th on his LULAC National President Facebook candidate page. Blackwell was also blocked from posting in Morin's FB page. It seems that Morin is facing an embarrassing situation and might be hesitant to respond to both Blackwell's and Alvarado's comments, but did admit that another Wisconsin State Convention should be held after Morin who is the Wisconsin State LULAC Secretary of the Executive Board and a LULAC National Presidential candidate; and Eileen Figueroa de Lopez, the Wisconsin LULAC State Director apparently ignored advised from Patricia Kraker, the Deputy State Director for Women and the LULAC Women's Council #330 who had also advised Morin and Figueroa de Lopez two weeks prior to the State Convention that it was an illegal act to hold the convention that soon without proper notice and during the week, but despite Kraker's and the Women's Council objections, Morin and Figueroa de Lopez decided to hold the convention, which is now null and void, according to a recent ruling from Manuel G. Escobar Jr., the LULAC National Legal Advisor after Alvarado filed a 3-page complaint against Morin and Figueroa de Lopez for multiple irregularities that occurred in Wisconsin affecting multiple LULAC councils.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has included Alvarado's 3-page complaint, Morin's press release concerning Alvarado's complaint, Alvarado's response to Morin's press release and Blackwell's response as well. Please note that both Alvarado's and Blackwell's comments posted on Morin's Facebook press release "Darryl Morin Calls For End To LULAC Politics As Usual & For New Wisconsin State Convention" post dated May 20th were removed, but HNNUSA has obtained a copy of the comments and has made them public. Morin nor Figueroa de Lopez have yet to respond to Escobar's ruling about Alvarado's complaint and the comments requesting a response by Alvarado and an apology from Morin requested by Blackwell.

The following is Blackwell's comment that was previously posted on "Darryl Morin Candidate for LULAC National President" Facebook page. Blackwell later posted, "As some of you know, LULAC Wisconsin held its annual State convention last week. At the convention, Jaime Alvarado sought to be recognized as a candidate. He was told he was not eligible. He also objected to the date and day of the convention because the LULAC Constitution requires 30 days notice and must not be held on a weekday. The date of the convention was announced less than 30 days prior and was held on a Thursday. After the convention, he filed a complaint with LULAC National.

After Jaime Alvarado files his complaint, Darryl Morin posts a statement on his FB page "Darryl Morin for LULAC National President" on May 20, 2018. The statement defames Jaime, proclaims Darryl's loyalty to the LULAC Constitution, expresses his support for calling a new convention, and implies that had he known the convention was improperly called, he would have certainly intervened to correct the error before the convention.

On May 21, LULAC National upholds all of Jaime's claims: he was eligible for election and the convention was improperly called (so the election results are void).

Today, I posted a response to Darryl's statement, after much debate with myself. I decided that staying silent meant I implicitly agreed with what Darryl said in his statement even though I believe what he said was wrong. I am not going to be silent.

In less than an hour, the statement was deleted from the FB page "Darryl Morin for LULAC National President". Not only is he gratuitously defaming people to advance his political agenda, he is interfering with freedom of speech.

Please feel free to share this onto your timeline. At least this message cannot be deleted.

Apologies for the long post.

BELOW IS THE POST DELETED FROM THE Facebook Page "Darryl Morin for LULAC National President"

I read statements like the one Darryl posted on May 20 and I am filled with sadness and dismay.  I have debated with myself about whether I should say anything and hoped that someone else would speak out, but that hasn't happened. Part of me thinks I should just stay quiet because saying anything is likely to make some people very unhappy.  But my conscience tells me I have to speak because if I don't speak, then I am implicitly supporting something that I think is wrong.  

Until this statement, I had a great deal of respect for Darryl, respect that had increased in recent weeks when he took the time to meet with my Council to tell us about the challenges confronting LULAC and his vision for transforming the organization. When he met with us, he spoke earnestly and candidly.  I was impressed with his plan. 

This statement changes everything for me.

I have watched this posting with great interest for the last few days to see how others react.

My initial interest was:

1. Would anyone object to his gratuitous defamation of an unnamed person in the first two paragraphs?

Defamation is intended to harm another person's reputation.  The target of defamation does not have to be named. The defamation in Darryl's statement was completely unnecessary and done clearly for his political gain. Ironic then that he accuses his target of playing politics.

The LULAC Code calls on members to be honorable. There is nothing honorable about defaming another LULAC member.

2. Would anyone note the irony of his statement that he stands by the LULAC Constitution?

His statement implies that he initially believed the convention date was proper.  The Constitution though is quite clear: 30 days notice and the convention must not be held on a weekday.

Darryl is the Secretary of Wisconsin LULAC State Executive Board.  As a long time member of LULAC and a person with many years experience in LULAC leadership positions, it seems reasonable to believe he knows the LULAC Constitution very well.

He attended the Board meeting that set the date of the convention.  He did not object to the date.  Only one person objected: Patricia Kraker.

Darryl has significant influence on State Executive Board.  Had he objected to convention date at the Board meeting, the Board would have listened to him, so the presumption must be that he was prepared to allow an improper convention proceed. 

And what of the contradiction between paragraph two, where he claims 30 day notice was given, and paragraph three, where he says that the lack of 30 day notice is reason to call another convention?

3. Would anyone challenge his statement that all councils were represented at the State Convention?

All Councils were not represented at the convention. Three councils were unable to send any delegates because of the timing of the convention.

My later interest was:

1. Given Darryl has been proven wrong on the claims that the defamed person raised, would he issue a public apology?

National LULAC has upheld the claims of the unnamed target of defamation. He was eligible to stand for election. The State Convention also was improperly held: it should not have been held on a weekday and there was not 30 days notice.

On learning this, an honorable person would issue a public apology. So far, there is only silence from Darryl, but perhaps an apology will be forthcoming.

LULAC National Legal Advisor Ruled That Wisconsin State LULAC Director Eileen Figueroa de Lopez Must Hold A New State Convention

Escobar Jr., the LULAC National Legal Advisor agreed with complainant Jaime Alvarado, President of LULAC Council 346 that Eileen Figueroa de Lopez, the Wisconsin State Director erred and held an illegal convention during the week and should have given appropriate written notice to members of councils to have "maximum participation", which has been customary to do so in the organization.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 23, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Manuel G. Escobar Jr., the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Legal Advisor ruled that Eileen Figueroa, the Wisconsin State LULAC Director held an illegal weekday State Convention on Thursday, May 17th and should hold another one with appropriate notice to all state LULAC Councils to maximize participation and all transactions during the May 17th Convention were null and void. Escobar wrote in his findings, that the leadership in LULAC should become familiar with the LULAC Constitution, Bylaws and Protocol to provide guidance to members and that "The LULAC Constitution is clear. A LULAC state convention is to be held on a "weekend." Under the circumstances, the LULAC Wisconsin State Convention must be conducted again on a new date, and any and all actions taken by the delegation seated at the Convention on May 17, 2018 are of no force or effect."

Concerning a 30-day convention notice, Escobar says that the LULAC Constitution provides for a 30-day notice for National Board of Directors and State Executive Committee meetings, which has also become a practice by State LULAC organizations to give a 30-day notice "to provide sufficient notice to encourage participation by LULAC members and officers at all levels."

Escobar also ruled that Jaime Alvarado, the President of LULAC Council 346 who was barred from being nominated to run as State LULAC Director on May 17th by Darryl Morin, the State LULAC Secretary including Figueroa de Lopez and others at the convention erred as well and that Alvarado "met all the qualifications to run for State Director," if Alvarado desires to do so when nominated.

On Saturday, Alvarado, released a filed complaint with Joe Henry, LULAC National VP for the Midwest and Manuel Escobar, LULAC National Legal Advisor with the National LULAC Board claiming multiple irregularities that led to holding an illegal LULAC State Convention in Wisconsin on May 17th at the UMOS Coporate Headquarters on S. Chase Ave. in Milwaukee in less than 30-days and not giving appropriate notice Wisconsin LULAC Councils.

Alvarado also claimed in a 3-page filed complaint with Henry and Escobar, that his candidacy for State Director in Wisconsin was rejected and blamed the "iron fist" tactics used by Yolanda Santos-Adams; the Wisconsin State LULAC Director Eileen Figueroa de Lopez and Darryl Morin, candidate for National LULAC President and current State LULAC Secretary.

Morin, in a candidate for LULAC National President letterhead released a press release Sunday, the day Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) broke the story concerning a LULAC State Convention held illegally in Wisconsin. Morin in his press release conceded that a new State Convention in Wisconsin should be held due to the lack of proper notice to State LULAC Councils. Morin wrote, "I agree given that the lack of 30 day written notice a new convention should be held." Apparently, Patricia Kraker, the Deputy State Director for Women and the LULAC Women's Council #330 had advised Morin and Figueroa de Lopez two weeks prior to the State Convention that it was an illegal act to hold the convention that soon without proper notice and during the week, but despite Kraker's and the Women's Council objections, Morin and Figueroa de Lopez decided to hold the convention, which is now null and void, according to Escobar.

Figueroa de Lopez on April challenged three chartered LULAC Councils, which Alvarado and Patricia Kraker helped organized to be registered. According to Alvarado, Figueroa de Lopez gave no evidence in her challenge that the charters were not credible and the National Board eventually decided to approve the three LULAC Council charters that were challenged by Figueroa de Lopez.

Alvarado claimed that a $20 fee was charged for all members attending the State Convention last week Thursday, which it is also illegal to hold a convention on a weekday, according to the LULAC Constitution and Bylaws and that the fees were geared for council members to attend the 89th LULAC National Convention in Arizona in July and those new council members with less than one year in existence would be required to pay the $20 fee, but would be excluded from using and sharing the same funds to attend the national convention.
Morin nor Figueroa de Lopez have not released any information, if the new LULAC Councils will also benefit from the convention fees to be used to attend the annual LULAC National Convention in Arizona.

LULAC Council 346 President Jaime Alvarado Claims State Convention Held In Wisconsin Illegal And Requests Another Be Held

Last week's LULAC State Convention held at the UMOS Corporate Headquarters in Milwaukee was not legally scheduled and it was held on a Thursday causing hardship for some members to attend, which LULAC has a history of holding State Conventions on the weekends and not on a weekday.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 20, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, Jaime Alvarado, the President of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 346 released a filed complaint with Joe Henry, LULAC National VP for the Midwest and Manuel Escobar, LULAC National Legal Advisor with the National LULAC Board claiming multiple irregularities that led to holding an illegal LULAC State Convention in Wisconsin on May 17th at the UMOS Coporate Headquarters on S. Chase Ave. in Milwaukee in less than 30-days, violating a 30-day notice stipulation under the LULAC Constitution, including the use of a "cheat sheet" list to elected certain hand picked corporate candidates by four "corporate" LULAC councils (#337, #333, #342 and #343), which all the candidates on the list won election. Alvarado also claimed in a 3-page filed complaint with Henry and Escobar, that his candidacy for State Director in Wisconsin was rejected and blamed the "iron fist" tactics used by the Wisconsin State LULAC Director Eileen Figueroa de Lopez and Darryl Morin, candidate for National LULAC President and current State LULAC Secretary.

Figueroa de Lopez and the corporate councils apparently have endorsed Morin, a Republican for National LULAC President and Figueroa on April challenged three chartered LULAC Councils, which Alvarado and Patricia Kraker helped organized to be registered. According to Alvarado, Figueroa de Lopez gave no evidence in her challenge that the charters were not credible and the National Board eventually decided to approve the three LULAC Council charters that were challenged by Figueroa de Lopez.

Alvarado claimed that a $20 fee was charged for all members attending the State Convention last week Thursday, which it is also illegal to hold a convention on a weekday, according to the LULAC Constitution and Bylaws and that the fees were geared for council members to attend the 89th LULAC National Convention in Arizona in July and those new council members with less than one year in existence would be required to pay the $20 fee, but would be excluded from using and sharing the same funds to attend the national convention.
Having a State Convention on a weekday is not legal according to the LULAC Constitution and LULAC Bylaws, ARTICLE II, Conventions, Section I—Authority To Hold Conventions: Annual conventions of the National, State and District Assemblies may be held as authorized in Article VI, Section l.c., Section 4.c., & Section 6.c., respectively, of the National Constitution. All conventions shall be held in the months stipulated in the Article and Section cited, at such dates as the National Board of Directors, State and District Councils may determine, provided such dates fall on a weekend.
As a remedy, all transactions that transpired during an illegal State Convention would be considered null and void, according to the LULAC Constitution and Bylaws.

Alvarado says, "It is frustrating that over the years, a core group, led by Darryl and Eileen, consistently rule over the state board like an iron fist, promotes discrimination, and shuts down inclusiveness - there are many more examples. It is also frustrating that they are willing to pick and choose the rules that are only convenient to them and not the state as a whole."

As a remedy, Alvarado is requesting for another State Convention to be held on the weekend (Saturday) in June or July in Wisconsin at a local library and for free and he hopes to see fair treatment for all LULAC Councils in the state and their members, despite who they support for LULAC National president. 

Civil Rights Texas Attorney Domingo Garcia, a Democrat from Dallas, Texas seems to be the favorable candidate expected to be elected at the National LULAC Convention in Arizona by a majority of LULAC Councils from Texas and nationally, according to endorsements made publicly.

Morin in response to Alvarado's complaint acknowledged that he agrees, that a State Convention should be held due to the lack of a 30-day notice, but Morin failed to address several issues that Alvarado also exposed in the complaint, that the convention was held on a weekday, thus violating the LULAC Constitution and Bylaws and promoting discrimination by charging new councils a required $20 fee to attend the convention, which these same councils will be excluded from using the same funding and fees to participate at the LULAC National Convention in Arizona due to a decision rendered by Morin and others during the convention on Thursday.
See attached press release by Morin.

Alvarado's response to Morin's press release.

Dimitrios Pagourtzis, A 17-year-old Demestic Terrorist And Nazi Sympathizer Charged With Capital Murder For the Santa Fe High School Massacre

Pagourtzis entered the school with several weapons and at least 10 pipe bombs and killed 10 victims, according to authorities.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 18, 2018

Sante Fe, Texas - On Friday, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, was taken into custody and booked for one count of capital murder with no bond in connection with 10 homicides reported at the Santa Fe High School (SFHS) in Texas. 10 additional  victims were also reported injured. Pagourtzis is facing 9 additional counts for capital murder and if convicted on all counts, he could face the death penalty.

Pagourtzis entered the SFHS around 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun including a .38 Caliber revolver handgun and at least ten pipe bombs including a Molotov to commit carnage, according authorities. The weapons were legally bought and belonged to Pagourtzis's father.

Ten victims were reported killed including one teacher and 9 students, a police officer was also reported injured.

Pagourtzis is a known Nazi sympathizer, according to news reports.

The following law enforcement agencies responded to the shooting at the SFHS massacre, the Santa Fe ISD PD, Santa Fe Police, Galveston County Sheriff's Office, Texas City Police, Galveston Police, Galveston Fire and Galveston EMC and Hitchcock Police. The FBI and the ATF are also handling the investigation.

Former Fort Atkinson Father William A. Nolan Charged With 6 Felony Counts Of Sexual Assault Of A Child Under 16

Nolan facing life in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old male church participant.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 7, 2018

Fort Atkinson, WI - On Thursday, retired Father William A. Nolan, 64, of Madison was charged with 6 felony counts for 2nd-degree sexual assault of a child under 16 in Jefferson County., according to the Fort Atkinson Police Department. If convicted on all charges, Nolan will face up to 40 years in prison for each count and up $100,000 in fines for each count. Nolan was freed on a $50,000 signature bond and his next preliminary court hearing was set for June 5.

Nolan allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old male church participant at least 100 times at his rectory''s office, church, altar boy room, his residence and other places, which the assaults occurred within the period between 2006-2010. The victim was a student at the St. Joseph's Catholic School in Fort Atkinson, according to the criminal complant.

Dr. Federico Zaragoza Appointed As The 9th President For The College Of Southern Nevada

Dr. Zaragoza will begin his tenure at the College of Southern Navada on August 15.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 13, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada - On Friday, Dr. Federico Zaragoza was unanimously appointed as the 9th president of the College of Southern Navada (CSN) by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, according to CSN press release. Dr. Zaragoza will begin his tenure at CSN on August 15.

Since 2004, Zaragoza has been the current the vice chancellor for economic and workforce development at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) in Texas. Dr. Zaragoza will replace Acting President Dr. Margo L. Martin who has served as acting president since the retirement of President Dr. Michael D. Richards in February. Martin will return to her position as vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Zaragoza comes to CSN with more than 30 years of experience in higher education and workforce development. In his current position, he has focused on ensuring that programs at the Alamo College District's five colleges align with industry demand in the San Antonio area. He is credited for doubling the graduation rate at the ACD.
Dr. Zaragoza was born in Mexico City, Mexico and raised in Laredo, Texas. 

Dr. Zaragoza has held various leadership positions, including State Director for the Wisconsin–Job Training Partnership Act Programs, President and CEO of the Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County, and Dean of Continuing Education for the Milwaukee Area Technical College in Wisconsin.  He also worked for the Milwaukee Public School District as Director for Alternative Education Programs, where he headed a network of 16 public alternative and specialty schools.  Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor at the ACD in Texas, Dr. Zaragoza served as Vice President of Administration for St. Philip's College–Southwest Campus.  Dr. Zaragoza holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master's degree in Vocational Education, an Educational Specialist degree in Industrial and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education and Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

LULAC National President Candidate Domingo Garcia Presents Listening Tour In Milwaukee

Garcia was in Milwaukee conducting a listening tour with the local LULAC leadership and prominent members of the Latino community and to promote his candidacy for President of the National LULAC organization.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 7, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Attorney Domingo Garcia from Dallas held a luncheon with Latino leaders and LULAC leadership at the Cielito Lindo Restaurant in Milwaukee as part of his "Listening Tour" about his candidacy for the League of Untied Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National President. Those present at the luncheon were Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz; Carmen Cabrera, the City of Milwaukee Election Commissioner; Matt Flynn (D), candidate for Governor of Wisconsin; Earnell Lucas, candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff; Luz Sosa, a community organizer; Hector M. Flores, former LULAC National President (2006-2008); Román Palomares, the Chief of Staff and Chairman of Veterans Affairs Committee; Jaime Alvarado, President of LULAC Council #346 and others.

Garcia also held a second gathering in the afternoon at Oscar's Pub and Grill in the Southside of Milwaukee where members of the prominent Latino community were invited to meet with Garcia.

Garcia during the afternoon event told attendees that he will work to increase the LULAC membership to 1 million and will work to address Latino issues affecting Hispanics in the U.S.

The two events were organized by Rodolfo "Rudy" Martinez, the State Director-Elderly  from the LULAC Texas Civil Rights Council #9900, which Martinez is the President of the Council and sponsored by Garcia.

Garcia is a well known Democrat in the State of Texas, which the LULAC National President's election is non-partisan and the election will be held during the 89th Annual LULAC National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona from July 17 - 21 at the Convention Center.

According to a press release, on Sunday, Illinois Latino leaders and LULAC welcomed Garcia, the LULAC National Presidential Candidate to Chicago on May 6th, 2018, which the event was hosted by IL State Director Jose Javier Lopez; Past LULAC National VP for Midwest, Blanca Vargas and Cicero Democratic Township Committeewoman; U.S. Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL); candidate for U.S. Congress District 4 Chuy Garcia (D-IL) and Chicago Alderman Ricardo Muñoz.

Garcia released the following statement about his Listening Tour in Milwaukee and Chicago and talking to LULAC leadership and members of the Latino community in both cities. "This is a critical opportunity for me to listen firsthand to them about issues challenging Latinos in the region which is one of the most important to our community throughout the United States," said Garcia.
Garcia lives is Dallas, Texas where is a practicing civil rights attorney. He is a former member of the state legislature and the youngest city council member ever to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in one of America's largest cities. Garcia is also author of Texas' DACA legislation which served as the template for President Obama's national DACA program.
"I am extremely proud of the work being done by our LULAC members in the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas and appreciate the endorsements by retiring U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, who is now running to succeed him in Illinois' 4 th District," said Garcia. "This region represents a vital and vibrant community for Latinos but there are still many challenges which we need to overcome," he added.

Garcia cited a study conducted on the Chicago Metro Area by the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy and the Great Cities Institute. A project team analyzed U.S. Census Data during a year-and-a-half for 12 neighborhoods in Chicago with more than 25,000 Latinos. Despite having higher median incomes in five of the 12 communities, Latinos still lag far behind in receiving a quality public education or healthcare.
"In Milwaukee, research by the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee's Center for Economic Development, found that segregation is still the 7th highest among the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S.," says Garcia. "In fact, it has remained unchanged since 1990, even though we've seen a significant growth in the Latino population. These are the kinds of disparities I am committed to fighting," adds Garcia.
Garcia's election bid will take place at 2018 LULAC National Convention July 17 - 21 in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 2019, the 90th Annual LULAC National Convention will be held in Milwaukee, WI.