Activist urges Hispanics to vote 'yes' on Hills. Co. light rail
Activist urges Hispanics to vote 'yes' on Hills. Co. light rail
By Ashley Jeffery, Video Journalist
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 13, 2010
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY --
The sound of a light rail train could soon be pulling into Hillsborough County if voters decide to give the plan the green light.
Voters like Hispanic community activist Norma Reno think it's an issue that needs to be pushed, especially in the Hispanic community.
"They just do their own thing and don't vote even though we're like 12 percent of the votes in this area," said Reno.
Reno said one reason for low Hispanic voter turnout in elections is because some people may not understand the election system. And she believes that now is the time to reach out to get more Hispanics to the polls.
"We need to go out and vote and demonstrate that we can make a difference," said Reno.
Supporters of the referendum said it's important for people to get out and vote because not only will it move Hillsborough County forward in terms of transportation, it'll also create a lot of jobs.
"We need jobs more than any other time in my lifetime in this community," said former Congressman Jim Davis. "And this plan will produce the jobs it has in Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Charlotte and many other cities similar to Tampa where people want to get back to work."
Those positions are the reason Reno said more people should be lining up to cast their ballot.
"We need to go out and vote for the rail system because it's going to bring more good things than bad to our community," she said. "Why? Because it's going to bring more jobs. We're going to show the community that we care."
However, until the votes are final on November 2nd, it's up to people like Reno to help get Hispanic light rail voters on track.