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Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Interested Parties VR Research Two Countries One Voice
This memorandum details our research findings on Andres Ramirez, Juan Jose Gutierrez, Two Countries One Voice and Vamos Unidos.
ANDRES RAMIREZ
Andres Ramirez is a 34 year old Las Vegas, Nevada based political consultant. Ramirez got his start in politics as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Harry Reid and as deputy director of Governor Bob Millers Washington D.C. Office. After a brief stint as a federal lobbyist for U.S. Strategies, Ramirez returned to Nevada and embarked on a campaign consulting career. Ramirezs primary focus has been field operations with extensive work on voter registration and outreach. Ramirez has consulted for the Obama re-election campaign this election cycle on Latino outreach issues. Ramirez is currently the president of the Ramirez Group, a Nevada based corporation, vice chair of the DNC Hispanic Caucus and a partner with Democracy Partners, a full service political and public affairs firm. Democracy Partners claims to have consulted for many Democratic elected officials, progressive organizations and unions, including the Communications Workers of America.
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Union Ties
In June 2011, Campaigns & Elections reported that Ramirez would be a partner in a new Democratic
consulting firm, Democracy Partners, along with Robert Creamer, Heather Booth, Renee Schaeffer, Marc Cerabona, Brett C. Di Resta, Carla Engle, Jeffrey Garcia, Ken Grossinger, John Hennelly, Jackie Kendall, Mike Lux, Dan Manatt, Donald McFarland, Josie Mooney, Braidy O'Neal, Linda E. Saucedo, Joel Silberman, and Cheri Whiteman. According to its website, Democracy Partners clients have included Democratic elected officials, unions (including SEIU, AFSCME, AFL CIO and CWA) and progressive organizations.
Political Professional
From 1999 to 2000, Ramirez lobbied the U.S. Congress on behalf of the City of Las Vegas and Palm Beach
County as a lobbyist for U.S. Strategies, an Alexandria, Virginia based governmental relations firm.
On January 22, 2011, Ramirez incorporated Ramirez Group in Nevada. Ramirez listed himself and his wife,
Jacqueline as the corporations officer. Ramirez Group is active and in good standing.
On January 24, 2001, Ramirez incorporated Ramirez & Associates in Nevada. Ramirez listed himself and his
wife, Jacqueline, as the corporations officers. The entities status is permanently revoked, indicating that the business is no longer active in Nevada.
In May 2012, Roll Call reported that Ramirez was a democratic strategist, working on Hispanic outreach
protect the Colorado River by raising its water flows and introduced a corrido written to honor the river, unveiled on the 85th anniversary of Cesar Chavez birthday. In February 2012, Ramirez maintained that the Colorado River was not just a river, its our river, noting its historical and cultural importance.
In October 2011, Politico quoted Ramirez in an article on voter registration and mobilization in Nevada and
Administration and campaign officials to discuss Hispanic outreach and noted that Ramirez maintained that a hyper obsession with immigration issues had resulted in many Hispanic voters overlooking Obamas positive Latino accomplishments like appointing Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. In August 2011, Ramirez said that Hispanic voter frustration with the Obama Administration was understandable and warranted but manageable for the campaign.
In July 2011, The New York Times reported that Ramirez was the leader of the Nevada Latino Redistricting
Coalition which sought to ensure that the states new Congressional seat would be competitive for a Latino candidate and that Ramirez had said that Latinos were in a pivotal position with redistricting.
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In December 2009, Roll Call reported that Ramirez worked on immigration issues while working for Senator
Harry Reid and that Ramirez had defended Reid as a long time advocate for immigration reform.
In November 2009 when Lou Dobbs left CNN, the Washington Post reported that Ramirez, who helped
organize the CNN boycott to pressure the network to remove Dobbs from its lineup, claimed that CNN realized that Dobbs was not consistent with CNNs brand.
In September 2009, the DNC announced that Ramirez had been elected Vice Chairman of the DNC Hispanic
Caucus.
In August 2008, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez splits time between Las Vegas and
Washington D.C.
In 2008, Ramirez worked for the Nevada Democratic Party as its Caucus Outreach Director educating Latino
voters about the states caucus system, an effort which Ramirez characterized as the most significant and aggressive outreach effort in Nevada History.
In November 2004, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez had spent the 2004 election cycle as
Nevada State Director of Voices for Working Families, a voter registration effort. Voices for Working Families was part of an association of 33 organizations registering voters.
In February 2004, India Abroad reported that Ramirez had been hired as the campaign manager for Ro
Khanna who was challenging sitting Congressman Tom Lantos (D CA) in the Democratic primary. In March 2004, Maad Abu-Ghazalah, another of Lantos and Khannas opponents in the Democratic primary filed a formal complaint against Khanna alleging that Khanna offered him a quid pro quo arrangement to get out of the race so that the two would not split the Indian vote.
In February 2004, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez firm had developed a voter drive
Democratic Caucus.
In July 1997 speaking as the information manager for Nevada governors office in Washington D.C.,
Political Candidate
In June 2005, Ramirez lost his bid to unseat North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon 59% to 41%. The
race was nonpartisan. The Associated Press reported that despite the races nonpartisan nature, the Nevada Democratic Party spent $34,280 on Ramirez campaign.
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In May 2005, Montandon filed a criminal complaint against Ramirez and Ramirez was questioned by police after Montandon alleged that Ramirez stole his yard signs. Police found 48 Montandon yard signs at Ramirez house. In March 2005, Democracy for America, a group run by former presidential candidate Howard Deans brother, Jim, announced that it was endorsing Ramirez race for North Las Vegas Mayor, noting that Ramirez had done organizing for Howard Deans campaign and that Ramirez had union backing..
In 2002, Ramirez ran for a place on the Nevada Board of Regents but came in third of three candidates
running. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez was working as a political consultant and pursuing his undergraduate degree in political science from UNLV.
Vamos Unidos
On August 19, 2009, a DBA was filed in LA County to conduct business as Vamos Unidos USA Inc.
According to is website which is entirely in Spanish, Vamos Unidos USA provides immigration law services. Gutierrez bio is the only one contained on the website. Vamos Unidos provides legal protection plans with individual and family legal plans costing from $799 to $1,600 annually.
On April 20, 2009, Gutierrez filed incorporation papers for Vamos EUA Moving Forward USA with the
California Secretary of State and listed himself as president. The corporation is currently active and in good standing.
According to a Nexis business search, the State of California has filed three tax liens against Vamos Unidos
USA and Vamos EUA totaling at least $13,000. We will confirm these liens with the LA County Recorder.
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In December 2009, Vamos Unidos organized a rally at a Los Angeles Salvation Army store in response to a
news report that the Salvation Army in Houston, Texas was requiring recipients of Christmas toys to provide social security numbers. In response to the rally, LA Salvation Army spokesman Robert Brennan said that the organization would not require social security numbers and that the information requested was only to detect fraud or duplication. Gutierrez called on the Salvation Army to compromise on its identification policy, maintaining that the policy was intended to intimidate.
engaged in unfair labor practices by retaliating against and threatening employees engaged in union activities. In December 1999, a three member panel of the NLRB considered an appeal of the decision and affirmed Judge Crafts decision in the matter. The decision affected two cases, each brought by a former employee of One Stop Immigration Center who claimed he was fired for engaging in union organizing activities. One case was filed by the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District Eleven on behalf of Gumaro Oviedo Flores and the other was filed by Hector Alvarado. In her decision, Judge Craft noted three instances in which she could not credit Gutierrezs testimony, including on the issue of whether Gutierrez promised to give a job back to one of the employees if he ceased union activities. The case decision noted that Alvarado and 22 other employees had petitioned One Stops board to consider workplace issues including allegations of sexual harassment by Gutierrez and union issues. Judge Crafts decision detailed anti union actions taken by Gutierrez including asking employees to identify union organizers, threatening employees engaged in union activities and attempting to coerce an employee to cease union activities. In affirming Crafts decision, the NLRB affirmed her original order requiring that One Stop reinstate the employees to their old positions or an equivalent position, provide the employees with back pay and benefits and post a notice to all employees informing them of the NLRBs decision and stating their right to organize.
In January 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that One Stop had defied a NLRB order to rehire two
workers whose terminations were found to be in violation of union agreements and noted that the organization had ties to prominent labor leaders including LA County Federation of Labor political director Fabian Nunez who served on the organizations board. In response to questions of his ties to One Stop and its defiance of the NLRB order, Nunez claimed that he had told Gutierrez to settle with the union and that a decision from the NLRB is as good as a document signed by God.
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In response to questions from the paper, Gutierrez said that he was not at liberty to discuss the issue but claimed that One Stop was not an anti labor organization. Nunez told the Los Angeles Times that One Stop was nearly bankrupt due to state and city funding cuts and that the organization would have to negotiate a settlement with the terminated employees in order to avoid insolvency.
In July 2000, Gutierrez, speaking as the director of One Stop Immigration, claimed that there was high
demand from Latinos for services to assist with becoming citizens, but little available funding for nonprofits like One Stop.
In May 1998, the Orange County Register reported that One Stops class rosters, financial and employee
records had been subpoenaed by the Clinton Administration and that Gutierrez had confirmed the request for the records.
In July 1994, One Stop Board Member Stephanie Lopez resigned claiming that Gutierrez had denied her
access to financial records and that the board had not voted on many of the funding decisions including center closures that had occurred over the previous 14 months. In response to the accusations from Lopez, Gutierrez claimed that One Stop was going through a very difficult period, citing funding cuts which required center closures.
In February 1997, Gutierrez said that he could not in good conscience recommend to his clients that they
apply for new identification numbers required by the IRS because he was unsure whether the information would be shared with the INS.
Regeneration Movement of Mexicans Abroad, an effort to ensure that Mexicans living outside of Mexico had the opportunity to vote in the countys elections. In June 2012, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gutierrez was supporting Andres Manual Lopez Obrador for president of Mexico, claiming he represented true change.
In September 2011, Gutierrez protested with hundreds of other activists outside a West Hollywood Obama
protesting the treatment of immigrant labor and calling for citizenship for illegal immigrants. These marches have varied in size and tone through the years. In April 2011, the Los Angeles Times reported that the annual May Day rally turnout could be suppressed due to a dispute between the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, backed by the L.A. County Federation of Labor and the Southern California Immigration Coalition over who would organize the march and noted that Gutierrez was the coordinator of the larger, union-backed group.
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Gutierrez has served as an attorney for braceros, workers who came to the U.S. legally as temporary workers
from 1942 to 1964 and who had a percentage of their paycheck deducted and deposited into Mexican banks but were never refunded the money after returning to Mexico. Some braceros fall under a settlement with the Mexican government dealing with payments to workers who were in the U.S. during and immediately following the World War II. In November 1999, the Orange County Register reported that Gutierrez had been involved with the braceros lawsuits since the early 1980s when he petitioned the Mexican government to return the funds to the braceros.
In June 2007 after the U.S. Senate failed to pass an immigration reform bill, Gutierrez said that he was
deeply disappointed and said that the bill failed due to racism.
In March 2007, Gutierrezs Latino Movement USA organized an anti war protest with Act Now to Stop War
and End Racism (ANSWER) and Gutierrez stressed that the immigration and anti war movements are connected, noting his own nephew who was killed in Iraq after immigrating from Mexico and joining the U.S. military.
In a June 2006 appearance on Scarborough Country, Gutierrez said that a Philadelphia restaurant owners
decision to put a sign in his window saying speak English and to require customers to order in English was outrageous racism.
In May 2006 while the U.S. Senate debated a bill providing a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants
and also authorizing a border fence, Gutierrez, as a leader of the National Capital Immigration Coalition, organized and attended a protest of the militarization of the border.
In May 2006, Gutierrez, representing Latino Movement USA helped to organize a large scale protest by
illegal immigrants and other immigration reform supporters, asking them to stay home from work that day and to attend rallies in support of full legalization of immigrants in the U.S. Some immigrants rights supporters disagreed with the idea of asking immigrants to boycott work, citing concerns that they might be fired, a position Gutierrez described as paternalistic.
In April 2006, the Washington Times reported that ANSWER, a group with which Gutierrez organized
immigration protests in 2006, had ties to the Marxist World Workers Party.
In October 2004 in response to California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggers veto of an illegal immigrant
drivers license bill, Gutierrez organized a protest of Schwarzeneggers office and called on immigrants to make all their currency in red ink with 100 percent immigrant and to boycott Red Bull products, which he errantly said were made by a company that Schwarzenegger owned.
In March 2001 in an interview on NPR, Gutierrez, described as a senior organizer for SEIU, maintained that it
which drew between 20,000 and 30,000 people of Latino decent, a result which Gutierrez characterized as an unprecedented success.
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The Los Angeles Times reported that unions, including the electrical and electronics workers union provided funding and office space to plan the event.
Gutierrez founded Latino Movement USA after the success of the Coordinadora 96 March and told the
Washington Post that his plan was to make it a membership organization similar in size to the NRA or
Christian Coalition.
In October 1996, the Washington Post reported that Gutierrez was a recent graduate of Loyola University
Law School, which he had attended at night and that Gutierrez had not yet had time to take the Bar.
In October 1996, the Washington Post described Gutierrez as a man of contradictions, noting that while
calling for unity with African Americans, Gutierrez characterized the traditional civil rights movement as exclusionary.
In October 1994, Gutierrez led an anti Proposition 187 March in Los Angeles which was later blamed for
mobilizing support for the proposition due to the wide spread carrying of Mexican flags and other signs of Mexican nationalism.
Political Candidate
In 1999, Gutierrez came in fourth in the primary for L.A. City Council District 14. Gutierrez campaign consultant Rick Taylor maintained that targeted mail, not money would determine the
important issues to the forefront, declined to endorse Gutierrez for LA City Council citing his erratic political judgment and controversies with One Stop.
described its dedication to exposing Carlos Slim, the worlds richest man, and the alleged predatory, monopolistic methods with which he has amassed his fortune.
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The press release invited interested parties to a briefing on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the National Press Club with speakers from the coalition including Andres Ramirez, Juan Jose Gutierrez, Arturo Carmona with Presente.org and Ricardo Juarez with Mexicanos Sin Fronteras. The press release contact, Yohana de la Torre, is a Florida based media consultant with extensive Republican and media ties. According to her firms website, De la Torre is currently the owner of YDT Media, a media consulting firm and the owner and managing editor of Gulf Coast Times LLC, a monthly 32 page magazine. De la Torres media clients include Conservative Political Action Conference and the Hispanic Leadership Network. De la Torres past work experience includes serving as deputy press secretary at the Republican National Convention (2008), serving as a communications specialist for U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (2005 to 2006), serving as deputy director of specialty media at the Republican National Convention (2004), serving as a freelance associate producer for Univision (1999 to 2004), serving as an on air reporter for the Don Strock Show on WTVJ NBC (2002) and serving as a reporter for the Miami Herald (2001 to 2002).
In August 2012, Reuters reported that Ramirez and Gutierrez had claimed that the coalition was made up of
about 50 organizations which funded its activities. According to the groups website, the coalition has 47 members, most of which are activists in Los Angeles and Las Vegas who have worked with Ramirez or Gutierrez. Several of the groups affiliated with the activists work in conjunction with or are funded by unions. New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D-31) participated in the August 2012 Two Countries One Voice protest at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. Espaillat was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1996 and served there until he won a seat in the New York State Senate in 2010. Espaillat is originally from the Dominican Republic. In 2012, Espaillat challenged New York Congressman Charlie Rangel in the newly drawn 13th Congressional district. Espaillat lost the Democratic by a slim margin, resulting in court action and Espaillat claiming illegal voter suppression. Espaillat ultimately dropped his challenge. The new district is a majority Hispanic district. Since 1998, Espaillats top donor for his campaigns has been unions, including the CWA. He has received very little money from the telecommunications industry. New York State Assemblyman Nelson Castro (D-86) participated in the August 2012 Two Countries One Voice protest at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. Castro was elected to the New York Assembly in 2008. Prior to his election, Castro worked as chief of staff for Espaillat. Castro is originally from the Dominican Republic. Since 2008, Castros top donor for his campaigns has been unions, including the CWA. Castro has received very little money from the telecommunications industry. New York State Assemblyman Robert J. Rodriguez (D-68) participated in the August 2012 Two Countries One Voice protest at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. Rodriguez was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2010. Since 2010, Rodriguez received the most contributions from real estate industry sources, with unions second with $15,600 in contributions.
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New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-10) participated in the August 2012 Two Countries One Voice protest at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. Rodriguez was elected to New York City Council in 2009. Rodriguez has been active in the Occupy movement and was arrested in November 2011 in Zuccotti Park. Rodriguez was born in the Dominican Republic. During his 2009 campaign for City Council, Rodriguez received significant contributions from 6 labor unions totaling $16,000 (each gave the maximum contribution of $2,750).
In August 2012, Reuters reported that in response to Slims son-in law Arturo Elias Ayubs claim that GWU
protesters were paid to be there, Ramirez maintained that participants were not paid to protest but that some were reimbursed for transportation and food expenses.
On August 2, 2012, Two Countries One Voice announced a four day protest in front of Saks Fifth Avenue and
announced that Yo Soy 132, Occupy Wall Street and Occupy DC had joined the Two Countries One Voice Coalition. The contact for the Saks Fifth Avenue protest press release was Melisa Diaz, who has her own Hispanic media consulting firm where she provides communications advice, event planning and translations. Diaz previously worked for TMG Strategies (now McGinn and Company), served as director of Hispanic media for the Democratic National Committee (2004), served as the Washington correspondent for El Vocero, Puerto Ricos largest newspaper, served as communications director for Congressman Jose Serrano (D NY), served as deputy communications director for the House Democratic Caucus, served as Hispanic outreach coordinator at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and worked on Hispanic outreach for President William J. Clintons second Inaugural.
After the press release went out, Yo Soy 132, a Mexican student movement, denied that it had agreed to be
part of the Two Countries One Voice Coalition and a blog on The Nations website noted a report in La Jornada which claimed that Yo Soy 132 decided not to participate due to the involvement of Democratic party operatives. Occupy organizer Aaron Black emphasized that he planned to attend the protest as an individual, noting that the Occupy movement would not be part of any coalition with elected officials.
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ANDRES RAMIREZ
Vital Statistics Federal Lobbyist
18 !
18 ! 19 !
WORKED FOR U.S. STRATEGIES AS LOBBYIST; CLIENTS INCLUDED CITY OF LAS VEGAS, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (1999-2000) 19!
Corporate Affiliations
Ramirez Group
INCORPORATED RAMIREZ GROUP IN NEVADA (2011); CORPORATION ACTIVE AND IN GOOD STANDING (2012)
20 !
20 !
20!
20 !
20!
Politics
HAS WORKED ON HISPANIC OUTREACH FOR SHELLEY BERKELY IN NEVADA SENATE RACE (2012)
20 !
20!
SPOKESMAN FOR NUESTRO RIO, GROUP CALLING ATTENTION TO NEED TO PROTECT COLORADO RIVER (2012) 20! Said Not Just a River, Its Our River, Noted Historical and Cultural Importance POLITICO REPORTED RAMIREZ AS POLLSTER (2011) REPORTEDLY ADVISED OBAMA CAMPAIGN ON LATINO ISSUES, SAID HISPANICS OVERLOOKING POSITIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS DUE TO HYPER-OBSESSION WITH IMMIGRATION ISSUES (2011) Said Hispanic Voter Frustration Understandable and Warranted but Manageable for the Campaign 21 ! LED NEVADA LATINO REDISTRICTING COALITION (2011) REPORTED WOULD BE PARTNER IN DEMOCRACY PARTNERS, DEMOCRATIC CONSULTING FIRM (2011) Firms Clients Include Democratic Elected Officials, Unions Including the Communications Workers Union and Progressive Organizations CLAIMED WORKED ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES FOR REID, SAID REID ALWAYS IN FAVOR OF REFORMS (2009) CLAIMED TO HAVE HELPED ORGANIZE BOYCOTT OF LOU DOBBS (2009) ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF DNCS HISPANIC CAUCUS (2009) ARTICLE SAID RAMIREZ SPLIT TIME BETWEEN NEVADA AND D.C. (2008) APPEARED AT ISSUES FORUM SPONSORED BY GRUPO SALINAS (2008) TOOK JOB WITH NEW DEMOCRAT NETWORK (NDN) (2008) 22 ! 26! 26! 26! 26! 26! 26! 22! 22! 21! 21! 21!
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SERVED AS CAUCUS OUTREACH DIRECTOR FOR NEVADA DEMOCRATIC PARTY, SAID OUTREACH WORK MOST SIGNIFICANT AND AGGRESSIVE OUTREACH EFFORT IN NEVADA HISTORY TO GET HISPANICS TO THE CAUCUS POLLS (2007-2008) 27! LOST NONPARTISAN RACE FOR MAYOR OF NORTH LAS VEGAS (2005) Despite Race Being Nonpartisan, Nevada Democratic Party Spent $34,000 on Ramirez Race Opponent Filed Criminal Complaint Against Ramirez for Stealing Yard Signs (2005) Endorsed by Group Run by Howard Deans Brother, Ramirez Had Done Organizing for Dean Campaign, Endorsement Noted that Ramirez Had Union Backing (2005) WORKED AS STATE DIRECTOR FOR VOICES FOR WORKING FAMILIES DOING VOTER OUTREACH (2004) SERVED AS CAMPAIGN MANAGER FOR INDIAN AMERICAN WHO CHALLENGED SITTING DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN IN PRIMARY (2004) In Formal Complaint Primary Opponent Claimed Ramirez Candidate Offered Quid Pro Quo If He Dropped Out of Race 29 ! DID VOTER ANALYSIS FOR PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY (2004) RAN NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR GET OUT THE VOTE PROJECT (2002) RAN FOR UNIVERSITY REGENT POSITION, CAME IN LAST (2002) Reportedly Working as Political Consultant, Pursing Undergraduate Degree in Political Science While Running for Office 29 ! SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF HISPANIC DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS (2002) AS INFORMATION MANAGER FOR GOVERNORS OFFICE, SAID NO ONES A NATIVE IN NEVADA (1997) 29! 29! 29! 29! 29! 27 ! 28! 28! 28! 28! 27!
30 !
30 ! 30 !
30!
Website is Entirely in Spanish, Says Vamos Unidos Provides Immigration Legal Services, Includes Legal Protection Plans Costing as Much as $1,600 Annually 30 ! GUTIERREZ FILED INCORPORATION PAPERS FOR VAMOS EUA MOVING FORWARD USA, INC. (2009) STATE OF CALIFORNIA HAS FILED THREE TAX LIENS AGAINST VAMOS UNIDOS USA, VAMOS EUA (2011-2012) 31! 31!
VAMOS UNIDOS ORGANIZED RALLY AT LA SALVATION ARMY IN RESPONSE NEWS STORY THAT SALVATION ARMY IN TEXAS REQUIRED RECIPIENTS OF CHRISTMAS TOYS TO PROVIDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS (2009) 31!
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LA Salvation Army Spokesman Said Would Not Collect Social Security Numbers, Only Information Collected to Detect Fraud or Duplication 32 ! Gutierrez Called on Salvation Army to Compromise on Identification Policy, Said Intended to Intimidate 32 !
32 !
32! 32! 33!
Gutierrez Claimed Organization Going Through a Very Difficult Period, Cited Funding Cuts Requiring Center Closures 33 ! SAID COULD NOT ADVISE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CLIENTS TO COMPLY WITH IRS REQUIREMENT THAT THEY OBTAIN TAX NUMBERS, SAID NOT SURE INFORMATION WOULD NOT BE SHARED WITH INS (1997) 33!
NLRB Action
33 !
NLRB AFFIRMED DECISION OF ALJ WHO FOUND GUTIERREZ AND ONE STOP HAD VIOLATED FAIR LABOR LAWS BY THREATENING AND RETALIATING AGAINST EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN UNION ACTIVITIES (1999) 33! Cases Brought by Two Employees, One Employees Case Filed by the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District Eleven (19971998) 34 ! In Decision, Judge Noted Three Instances in which She Could Not Credit Gutierrezs Testimony 34! Case Included Allegations of Sexual Harassment of Employees by Gutierrez 34 !
Judges Decision Detailed Anti Union Action Taken by Gutierrez, including Asking Employees to Identify Union Organizers, Threatening Employees Engaged in Union Activities and Attempting to Coerce an Employee to Cease Union Activities 35 ! FINAL DECISION ORDERED ONE STOP TO REINSTATE EMPLOYEES, PROVIDE BACK PAY AND BENEFITS AND POST NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES INFORMING THEM OF NLRB DECISION AND STATING THEIR RIGHTS TO ORGANIZE (1999) 35! ONE STOP DEFIED ORDER BY NLRB TO REHIRE LAID OFF WORKERS (2000) Board Member Claimed Told Gutierrez to Settle with Union, Said Decision from the NLRB is as Good as a Document Signed by God 36 ! Gutierrez Claimed Not at Liberty to Discuss the Issue, Said One Stop Not an Anti-Labor Organization 37 ! 36!
Nunez Said One Stop Nearly Bankruptcy Due to City and State Funding Cuts, Said Would Need to Settle With Employees to Avoid Insolvency 37 !
Litigation
37 !
Politics
COORDINATOR OF NATIONAL REGENERATION MOVEMENT OF MEXICANS ABROAD, EFFORT TO ENSURE MEXICANS LIVING IN U.S. CAN VOTE ABSENTEE IN COUNTRYS ELECTIONS (2012)
41 !
41!
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Supported Lopez Obrador for Mexican Presidency Said Represented True Change (2012) PROTESTED AT OBAMA FUNDRAISER, SAID DISAPPOINTED WITH PRESIDENT (2011) LONGSTANDING ORGANIZER OF MAY DAY MARCHES IN L.A., WASHINGTON D.C.
41 ! 42! 42!
While Serving As Coordinator for Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, Organized March Backed by L.A. County Federation of Labor; Dispute with Another Group Over Policy Threatened to Dampen Turnout for March (2011) 42 ! LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR EX BRACEROS FIGHTING TO GET PAYCHECK DEDUCTIONS REMOVED FROM CHECKS (2008) Involved in Braceros Lawsuits Since Early 1980s SAID FAILURE OF SENATE TO PASS IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL RACISM (2007) 43 ! 43! 43!
HELPED ORGANIZE ANTI WAR PROTEST, SAID IMMIGRATION AND ANTI WAR EFFORTS CONNECTED, CITED OWN NEPHEW KILLED IN IRAQ AFTER IMMIGRATING FROM MEXICO AND JOINING MILITARY (2007) 43! SAID BUSINESS OWNER REQUIRING CUSTOMERS TO ORDER IN ENGLISH ENGAGED IN OUTRAGEOUS RACISM (2006) 44! ORGANIZED DEMONSTRATION AGAINST BORDER FENCE BY NATIONAL CAPITOL IMMIGRATION COALITION (2006) 44! LED WORK BOYCOTT PROTEST BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (2006) Said Opponents of Boycott were Paternalistic (2006) WORKED WITH GROUP WITH TIES TO WORKERS WORLD PARTY (2006) 44 ! 45! 44!
TOLD IMMIGRANTS TO MARK CURRENCY WITH RED INK TO DEMONSTRATE ECONOMIC POWER, ERRANTLY TOLD THEM TO BOYCOTT RED BULL DRINKS BECAUSE OF TIES TO SCHWARZENEGGER WHEN SCHWARZENEGGER DID NOT OWN SHARES IN COMPANY (2004) 45! AS SENIOR ORGANIZER FOR SEIU, SAID UNIONS INTEREST SERVED BY ORGANIZING ILLEGAL WORKERS (2001) 45! RAN FOR LA CITY COUNCIL, CAME IN 4TH IN PRIMARY (1999) Consultant Said Gutierrez Council Race about Targeted Mail, Not Money (1999) 46 ! 46!
LA Weekly Did Not Endorse Gutierrez, Cited Issues With Workers, Erratic Political Judgment (1999) 46 ! LEADER OF COORDINADORA '96 MARCH IN D.C., CALLED MARCH UNPRECENDENT SUCCESS (1996) Unions Provided Funding and Office Space to Plan the March 47 ! 46!
LATINO MOVEMENT USA FOUNDED AFTER 1996 MARCH ON WASHINGTON, SAID PLAN TO BECOME A MEMBER ORGANIZATION SIMILAR IN SIZE TO THE NRA OR CHRISTIAN COALITION (1996) 47! ATTENDED NIGHT SCHOOL AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, SAID HAD NOT HAD TIME TO TAKE BAR (1996) 47! WHILE CALLING FOR UNITY WITH AFRICAN AMERICANS, CHARACTERIZED THE TRADITIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AS EXCLUSIONARY (1996) LED MARCH AGAINST PROP 187, MARCH BLAMED FOR PROPOSITIONS PASSAGE (1994) 48! 48!
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49 !
49 !
TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE ANNOUNCED COALITION, SAID DEDICATED TO EXPOSING CARLOS SLIM (2012) 49! Said Briefing Would Include Presentations by Coalition Members Including Ramirez, Gutierrez, Arturo Carmona and Ricardo Juarez 49 ! Press Contract Yohana de la Torre Runs Media Firm in Florida, Has Ties to Republican Organizations and Politicians, Former Worked for Univision 49 ! IN RESPONSE TO SLIMS SON IN LAWS CLAIM THAT GWU PROTESTERS WERE PAID TO BE THERE, RAMIREZ CLAIMED THEY WERE NOT PAID TO PROTEST BUT THAT TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD COSTS WERE COVERED FOR SOME (2012) 49! ANNOUNCED PROTEST AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE TARGETED DUE TO SLIMS HOLDING IN SAKS STOCK, NOTED YO SOY 132, OCCUPY WALL STREET AND OCCUPY DC HAD JOINED TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE COALITION (2012) 50! Press Release Contact Former Spokesperson for Hispanic Media for Democratic Party Organizations, Worked for Communications Consulting Firm 51 !
Coalition Members
51 !
TOLD REUTERS THAT TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE FUNDED BY ABOUT 50 ORGANIZATIONS MAKING UP THE COALITION (2012) 51! TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE WEB SITE LISTS 47 COALITION MEMBERS, MOSTLY INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN LATINO ACTIVISM IN NEVADA AND CALIFORNIA WITH TIES TO RAMIREZ OR GONZALEZ 51!
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Javier Trujillo, Chair, Latin Chamber of Commerce (Nevada) Mario Cardenas, President, COFEM Miguel Barrientos (NV), Radio Host, Asi se Habla Radio Vicenta Montoya (NV), Founder, Si Se Puede Democratic Caucus Edgar Flores, Familias de Juarez Project Marco Antonio Pacheco, President, Casa de la Cultura Maya Adelita Grijalva (AZ), Board Member, Tucson Unified School District Juan Ortega, President, Dream Big Vegas Art Terrazas, New Mexico State University / Hispano Chamber of Commerce Antonio Garcia, Organizacion Duranguense Francisco Morales, Hispanic Student Union UNLV Luz Mosquera, Executive Director, Hermandad Mexicana Stavan Corbett, President of the Board, Luz Coalition Margarita Rebollal, Executive Director, Community Services of Nevada Jose Melendrez, Co-Founder, Nevada Alliance for Latino Education and Justice Leo Murietta, President and Co-Founder, Nevada Youth Alliance Fernando Romero, President, Hispanics in Politics Michael Flores, Southern Nevada Director, Nevada Reform Immigration for America Francisco Pacheco, Day Labor Program (East Coast Coordinator) Bessy Blanco, President, Association of Salvadoran Attorney from DC Camilo J. Quila, Legal Aid Justice Center Jose Artiga, Director, SHARE EL SALVADOR Reveriano Sanchez, Las Americas News Gil Lopez, SOL UNLV Loamy Diaz, MeCHA CSN Roberto Bravo, Director, CBO Comunitarias (Asociacion de Puebla) Rosa Posadas, Director, Union de Emigrantes Guatemaltecos (UGE) Francisco Rivera, President, Mesa Redonda Centroamericana Leoncio Velasquez, President Hondurenos Unidos (HULA) Daniel Morales, Director, Collective Space Josefina Herrera, President, Club Juarez, Chihuahua Baldomero Capiz, President, Asociacion de Ex-Braceros de Los Angeles Sonia Zaldivar, Treasurer, Salvadoran Corridor Ricardo Amado Castillo, George Washington University Student Alumni Association Raul Murillo, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional
George Martinez, Representative of Occupy Wall Street and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Pace University 59 !
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Lucia Gomez Jimenez, Executive Director, La Fuente, Inc. Nieves Padilla, Community Organizer, Make the Road NY Too Little Information Provided, Not Possible to Identify Details on 8 Coalition Members YO SOY 132 CLAIMED HAD NOT JOINED COALITION, REPORT SAID GROUP DECIDED NOT TO JOIN DUE TO INVOLVEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY OPERATIVES (2012)
60 ! 60 ! 60 ! 61!
Occupy Organizer Also Said Organization Not Official Part of Coalition, Said Not a Part of Any Coalition with Elected Officials 61 !
Elected Officials
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR ADRIANO ESPAILLAT (D-31) Espaillat Challenged New York Congressman Charlie Rangel in Primary, Lost (2012) Espaillat Has Received Significant Funding from Unions (1998-2012) NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMAN NELSON CASTRO (D-86) Unions Are Castros Top Campaign Contributor (2008-2012) NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMAN ROBERT J. RODRIGUEZ (D-68) Largest Contributor Real Estate Industry, Second Largest Unions (2010-2012) NEW YORK CITY COUNCILMAN YDANIS RODRIGUEZ (D-10) Received Significant Contributions from Unions (2009) 65 ! 64! 63 ! 62 ! 62!
62 !
62!
63!
64!
64!
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ANDRES RAMIREZ
Vital Statistics
FULL NAME
Andres Ramirez Jr.
FAMILY
Spouse: Jacqueline Ferreiro Marriage Date: August 5, 2000 Daughter: Victoria
CAREER TIMELINE
YEARS AND LOCATION 2011 to Present 2009to Present 2008 to 2011 2011 to Present 2007-2008 2004 2001 to unknown 1999 to 2000 EMPLOYER AND POSITION Ramirez Group, President DNC Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chair NDN, Senior Vice President Democracy Partners, Partner Nevada Democratic Party, Caucus Outreach Director Voices for Working Families, State Director Ramirez & Associates, President U.S. Strategies, Legislative Affairs Analyst Governor Bob Miller, Washington D.C. Office, Deputy Director U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D NV), Legislative Aide
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ORGANIZATION AND POSITION Nevada Latino Redistricting Coalition, Leader Latinos for Equal Representation North Las Vegas Committee, Vice President
Federal Lobbyist
WORKED FOR U.S. STRATEGIES AS LOBBYIST; CLIENTS INCLUDED CITY OF LAS VEGAS, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (1999-2000)
From 1999 to 2000, Ramirez lobbied the U.S. Congress on behalf of the City of Las Vegas and Palm Beach County as a lobbyist for U.S. Strategies, an Alexandria, Virginia based governmental relations firm. The chart below provides details on Ramirezs lobbying activities and compensation to U.S. Strategies.
CLIENT
BRANCHES LOBBIED
PERIOD COVERED
AMOUNT
HR 2684 VA HUD Appropriations HR 2084 Transportation Appropriations Multiple bills characterized as Labor/Antitrust/Workplace, Housing, Transportation, Urban Development/Municipalities, Real Estate/Land Use/Conservation, Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice Multiple bills characterized as Housing, Urban Development/Municipalities, Real Estate/Land Use/Conservation, Clean Air and Water Quality, Agriculture
$0 to $9,999.99
$40,000.00
$40,000.00
TOTAL
$80,000 to $89,999,99
(Year End Report, U.S. Strategies, Filed February 9, 2000; Mid Year Report, U.S. Strategies, Filed August 14, 2000)
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Corporate Affiliations
Ramirez Group
INCORPORATED RAMIREZ GROUP IN NEVADA (2011); CORPORATION ACTIVE AND IN GOOD STANDING (2012)
On January 22, 2011, Ramirez incorporated Ramirez Group in Nevada. Ramirez listed himself and his wife, Jacqueline as the corporations officer. Ramirez Group is active and in good standing. (Nevada Secretary of State Web site, NV SOS Entity Search: Ramirez Group, www.nvsos.gov)
Politics
HAS WORKED ON HISPANIC OUTREACH FOR SHELLEY BERKELY IN NEVADA SENATE RACE (2012)
In May 2012, Roll Call reported that Ramirez was a democratic strategist, working on Hispanic outreach for Democratic Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Shelly Berkley. (Roll Call, Key to Senate Seat Lies in Battlegroundsville, May 17, 2012)
SPOKESMAN FOR NUESTRO RIO, GROUP CALLING ATTENTION TO NEED TO PROTECT COLORADO RIVER (2012)
In April 2012, as the spokesman for Nuestro Rio, Ramirez called on policy makers and utility companies to protect the Colorado River by raising its water flows and introduced a corrido written to honor the river and unveiled on the 85th anniversary of Cesar Chavez birthday. According to Ramirez: If we do nothing, the price of water will spike, agriculture and rural communities will become less viable, and households will be forced by utilities and governments to make drastic changes in how they use water. (Colorado Independent, Latinos Celebrate Cesar Chavez Holiday with Song Calling for Colorado River Conservation, April 13, 2012)
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Said Not Just a River, Its Our River, Noted Historical and Cultural Importance
In February 2012, Ramirez maintained that the Colorado River was not just a river, its our river, noting its historical and cultural importance. According to Ramirez: It's not just 'a' river; it's 'our' river. It has a historical and cultural importance to many groups of people. The Colorado River is the lifeline of the Southwest, and not only does the river need to be preserved for generations to come, but also the cultural heritage of the river basin. (Las Vegas Sun, Latino Group Expands Efforts to Preserve Colorado River, February 2, 2012)
REPORTEDLY ADVISED OBAMA CAMPAIGN ON LATINO ISSUES, SAID HISPANICS OVERLOOKING POSITIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS DUE TO HYPER-OBSESSION WITH IMMIGRATION ISSUES (2011)
In August 2011, the Washington Post, on its website, reported that Ramirez had met with Obama Administration and campaign officials to discuss Hispanic outreach and noted that Ramirez maintained that a hyper obsession with immigration issues had resulted in many Hispanic voters overlooking Obamas positive Latino accomplishments like appointing Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. According to the paper: Andres Ramirez, a Las Vegas-based Democratic strategist who met this month with administration and campaign officials to discuss Hispanic outreach, said a hyper-obsession with immigration issues has led many voters to overlook other accomplishments - including the appointment of a Puerto Rican woman to the Supreme Court. Most people forget that he appointed Sonia Sotomayor and how big of a deal that was," Ramirez said. (Washingtonpost.com, Obama Team Targets Hispanic Voters, August 22, 2011)
Said Hispanic Voter Frustration Understandable and Warranted but Manageable for the Campaign
In August 2011, Ramirez said that Hispanic voter frustration with the Obama Administration was understandable and warranted but manageable for the campaign. According to Ramirez: The frustration is understandable and ... warranted. "But it's also manageable. [Ellipses in original] (Las Vegas Sun, Obama Backers Express Frustration But Are Still Committed, August 21, 2011)
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Firms Clients Include Democratic Elected Officials, Unions Including the Communications Workers Union and Progressive Organizations
According to its website, Democracy Partners clients have included Democratic elected officials, unions (including SEIU, AFSCME, AFL CIO and CWA) and progressive organizations. All representative clients listed on the firms website are listed below.
Access Living of Chicago 21st Century Democrats ActBlue AFL-CIO AFSCME Council 31, Illinois AIDS PAC Alliance for a Better Minnesota Alliance for Excellent Education Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) America Coming Together American Families United
American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) American Heart Association American Small Business Alliance Americans Against Escalation in Iraq Americans for Financial Reform (AFR) Americans for Small Town Values Americans United for Change Americans United to Protect Social Security
AMOS, Jewish Social Justice initiative Anne Sumers for Congress (DNJ) Arizona Leadership Institute Arts PAC Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) Atlantic Philanthropies Benny Kiester for Delegate (DVA) Bill Curry for Governor (D-CT) 22
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Blog PAC BlueAmericaPac Bobby Rush for Congress (D-IL) Brady Campaign Brian Baird for Congress (D-WA) Campaign for a Progressive Future Campaign for America's Future (CAF) Campaign for Quality Care, Illinois Campaign to Renew and Rebuild America NOW! Carol Moseley Braun for U.S. Senate (D-IL) Center for American Progress Center for Community Change Center for Community Change (CCC) Center for Democracy in the Americas Change To Win Chet Edwards for Congress (DTX) Citizen Action/Illinois Citizens Information Service, Chicago Citizens Utility Board of Illinois Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Coalition for Democratic Values Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Communities for Quality Education Community Renewal Society of Chicago Congressman John Carney Congressman Tim Bishop DailyKos David Cain for State Senate (DTX) David Phelps for Congress (D-IL) David Scott for Congress (D-GA) David Wu for Congress (D-OR) Democracy Alliance Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Democratic National Committee (DNC) Democratic Party of Colorado Democratic Party of Illinois Democratic Party of Maryland Democratic Party of Nevada Democratic Party of Pennsylvania Democratic Party of Slovakia Democratic Party of South Carolina Democratic Party of Texas Democratic Party of Virginia Democratic Party of Washington
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Demos Dick Cranwell for Delegate (DVA, El Tinklenberg for Congress (MN-06) Elaine Bloom for Congress (DFL) Elijah Cummings for Congress (D-MD) Emergency Campaign for America's Priorities (ECAP) EMILY's List Fair Taxes for All (FTFA) Families USA Florida Consumer Action Network Foundation (FCANF) Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Generation Green Gerry Schipske for Congress (DCA) Governor Jennifer Granholm Governor Tim Kaine Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Howard Dean for Governor (DVT) Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Illinois Coordinated Campaign Illinois Joint Council
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Immigration Reform for America Jan Schakowsky for Congress (DIL) Jim Maloney for Congress (DCT) Joe Garcia for Congress (D-FL) Joe Moore for 49th Ward Alderman (D-Chicago) John O'Connor for Congress (DMA) Joseph Mario Moreno for Town President (D-Cicero, IL) Lane Evans for Congress (D-IL) Larry Suffredin for County Board (D-Cook, IL) Lauren Beth Gash for Congress (D-IL) League of Conservation Voters Lt. Governor Jim Folsom (AL) Maine Peoples Alliance Mark Dayton Recount Committee Mark Green for Mayor (D-NY) Maryanne Connelly for Congress (D-NJ) Mayor Washington Campaign (Chicago) Media Matters Michigan Citizen Action Education Fund Midwest Academy
Minnesota DFL Party Mobilize for Women's Lives MoveOn.org NAACP NAACP National Voter Fund NARAL National Indian Gaming Association National Organization for Women National People's Action Natural Resources Defense Council New Jersey Citizen Action New Mexico Democratic Coordinated Campaign New York Citizen Action New York Democratic Coordinated Campaign North Dakota Health Care Reform '09 Ohio Democratic Party One Nation Working Together, Senior Advisor Oregon NARAL
Rebuild and Renew America Now Campaign Reform Immigration for America Richard M. Daley Campaign Committee (D-Chicago) Schiff for Congress (MN-05) Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) Sen. Dan Akaka (D-FL) Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Sheila Jackson Lee for Congress (D-TX) Shelley Berkley for Congress (DNV) Southwest Electric Cooperative of Illinois Stephanie Tubbs Jones for Congress (D-OH) Steve Kagan for Congress (D-WI) Student Environmental Action Council The Bulgarian Association for Fair Elections The Campaign for Competitive Electric Rates of Illinois The Chicago Housing Authority
Palm Beach County Democratic Party, Florida Pat Casey for Congress (D-PA) People for the American Way Phillip Randolph Institute Planned Parenthood
The Committee for Ukrainian Voters The Environmental Law and Policy Center The Illinois Association of Social Service Executives
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The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) The National Women's Political Caucus The Red Cross of Illinois The World Learning Center, Washington DC Union of Concerned Scientists United Auto Workers CAP Council United For A Fair Economy (UFE) United Steelworkers Union of America (USWA) USAction Violence Policy Center Violence Prevention Campaign Voices for Illinois Children Voices for Progress Voters for Choice We Are America Alliance Wisconsin Citizen Action Women Voices/Women Vote Women's Voices. Women Vote. Working Assets
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CLAIMED WORKED ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES FOR REID, SAID REID ALWAYS IN FAVOR OF REFORMS (2009)
In December 2009, Roll Call reported that Ramirez worked on immigration issues while working for Senator Harry Reid and that Ramirez had defended Reid as a long time advocate for immigration reform. According to the paper: This is an issue Reid has believed in for years ... even before political advantageousness became involved," said Andres Ramirez, senior vice president and director of hispanic programs at the New Democrat Network. Ramirez, who worked on immigration issues for several years in Reid's office, argued that while Reid's interest in immigration reform may have actually hurt him in previous elections, the changing face of Nevada has turned the issue into a critical one for the Democratic leader. (Roll Call, Reid Sees Votes in Immigration, December 7, 2009)
ARTICLE SAID RAMIREZ SPLIT TIME BETWEEN NEVADA AND D.C. (2008)
In August 2008, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez splits time between Las Vegas and Washington D.C. (Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevadans Want End to Illegal Residency, August 25, 2008)
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SERVED AS CAUCUS OUTREACH DIRECTOR FOR NEVADA DEMOCRATIC PARTY, SAID OUTREACH WORK MOST SIGNIFICANT AND AGGRESSIVE OUTREACH EFFORT IN NEVADA HISTORY TO GET HISPANICS TO THE CAUCUS POLLS (2007-2008)
In 2008, Ramirez worked for the Nevada Democratic Party as its Caucus Outreach Director educating Latino voters about the states caucus system, an effort which Ramirez characterized as the most significant and aggressive outreach effort in Nevada History. According to Ramirez: We have conducted the most significant and aggressive outreach effort in Nevada history to educate Hispanic voters about the Nevada caucuses. (Arizona Republic, Nevada Vote to Gauge Latinos Influence, January 18, 2008; Targeted News Services, State Democrats Roll Out Presidential Caucus Web site, April 5, 2007)
Despite Race Being Nonpartisan, Nevada Democratic Party Spent $34,000 on Ramirez Race
The Associated Press reported that despite the races nonpartisan nature, the Nevada Democratic Party spent $34,280 on Ramirez campaign. (Associated Press, North Vegas Mayor Wins Easy Re-Election Over Democratic Activist, June 8, 2005)
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Opponent Filed Criminal Complaint Against Ramirez for Stealing Yard Signs (2005)
In May 2005, Montandon filed a criminal complaint against Ramirez and Ramirez was questioned by police after Montandon alleged that Ramirez stole his yard signs. Police found 48 Montandon yard sides at Ramirez house. According to the paper: Ramirez said police called him in for questioning about the incidents. Ramirez said he told police he took Montandon's signs down after getting permission from property owners to erect his own signs. A lot of people said, 'You can put yours up if you take the other sign down, Ramirez said. Police recovered 48 signs from Ramirez's home. (Las Vegas Review-Journal, Campaign Sign Warfare Becomes Police Matter, May 20, 2005
Endorsed by Group Run by Howard Deans Brother, Ramirez Had Done Organizing for Dean Campaign, Endorsement Noted that Ramirez Had Union Backing (2005)
In March 2005, Democracy for America, a group run by former presidential candidate Howard Deans brother, Jim, announced that it was endorsing Ramirez race for North Las Vegas Mayor, noting that Ramirez had done organizing for Howard Deans campaign and that Ramirez had union backing.. According to UPI: A North Las Vegas, Nev., mayoral candidate won the endorsement Tuesday of a group headed by Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean's brother, Jim. Andres Ramirez, a former volunteer in Iowa and New Hampshire for the Dean for president campaign, is described as a first-time office seeker with union backing. He's one of the first three candidates in 2005 to win the backing of Democracy for America, which says its mission is to rebuild the Democratic Party from the bottom up. (UPI, Dean Group Announces First Endorsements, March 29, 2005)
WORKED AS STATE DIRECTOR FOR VOICES FOR WORKING FAMILIES DOING VOTER OUTREACH (2004)
In November 2004, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez had spent the 2004 election cycle as Nevada State Director of Voices for Working Families, a voter registration effort. Voices for Working Families was part of an association of 33 organizations registering voters (Las Vegas Review-Journal, Political Notebook: Politicians Ponder Future Races, November 29 2004; Atlanta Journal Constitution, Rivals Roll Dice in Nevada, September 19, 2004)
SERVED AS CAMPAIGN MANAGER FOR INDIAN AMERICAN WHO CHALLENGED SITTING DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN IN PRIMARY (2004)
In February 2004, India Abroad reported that Ramirez had been hired as the campaign manager for Ro Khanna who was challenging sitting Congressman Tom Lantos (D CA) in the Democratic primary. According to the paper: In the meantime, he has assembled a strong team headed by campaign manager Andres Ramirez who had earlier managed the state of Colorado for the Gore-Lieberman Democratic ticket in the last Presidential election. (India Abroad, Howard Deans Support Boosts Rohit Khannas Congressional Campaign, January 9, 2004)
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In Formal Complaint Primary Opponent Claimed Ramirez Candidate Offered Quid Pro Quo If He Dropped Out of Race
In March 2004, Maad Abu-Ghazalah, another of Lantos and Khannas opponents in the Democratic primary filed a formal complaint against Khanna alleging that Khanna offered him a quid pro quo arrangement to get out of the race so that the two would not split the Indian vote. (San Mateo County Times, Race is Over, But Campaigns Far from It, March 6, 2004)
DID VOTER ANALYSIS FOR PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY (2004)
In February 2004, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez firm had developed a voter drive strategy for People for the American Way. (Las Vegas Review-Journal, Political Power: Hispanic Influence Growing, February 16, 2004)
Reportedly Working as Political Consultant, Pursing Undergraduate Degree in Political Science While Running for Office
The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Ramirez was working as a political consultant and pursuing his undergraduate degree in political science from UNLV. (Las Vegas Review Journal, Board of Regents District 12, August 22, 2002)
AS INFORMATION MANAGER FOR GOVERNORS OFFICE, SAID NO ONES A NATIVE IN NEVADA (1997)
In July 1997 speaking as the information manager for Nevada governors office in Washington D.C., Ramirez noted that nobodys a native in Nevada. According to the Times Union: Nobody's a native in Nevada,'' said Andres Ramirez, an information manager in the Nevada governor's office in Washington, D.C. 'Nevada is made of people who move to Nevada.' (Times Union [Albany, NY], Thousands Gamble on Nevada, July 4, 1997)
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CAREER TIMELINE
YEARS AND LOCATION 2011 to Present 2009 to Present 2006 to Present 1996 to Present 1986 to 2001 EMPLOYER AND POSITION Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition Vamos Unidos, President Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Latino Movement USA One Stop Immigration Centers
Website is Entirely in Spanish, Says Vamos Unidos Provides Immigration Legal Services, Includes Legal Protection Plans Costing as Much as $1,600 Annually
According to is website which is entirely in Spanish, Vamos Unidos USA provides immigration law services. Gutierrez bio is the only one contained on the website. (Vamos Unidos USA Web site, Conocenos, www.vamosunidos.net)
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Vamos Unidos provides legal protection plans with individual and family legal plans costing from $799 to $1,600 annually. (Vamos Unidos USA Web site, Legal Protection www.vamosunidos.net)
GUTIERREZ FILED INCORPORATION PAPERS FOR VAMOS EUA MOVING FORWARD USA, INC. (2009)
On April 20, 2009, Gutierrez filed incorporation papers for Vamos EUA Moving Forward USA with the California Secretary of State and listed himself as president. The corporation is currently active and in good standing. (Nexis Business Search, Vamos Unidos, www.nexis.com; California Secretary of State, Business Entity Search: Vamos EUA, www.kepler.sos.ca.gov)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA HAS FILED THREE TAX LIENS AGAINST VAMOS UNIDOS USA, VAMOS EUA (2011-2012)
According to a Nexis business search, the State of California has filed three tax liens against Vamos Unidos USA and Vamos EUA totaling at least $13,000. We will confirm these liens with the LA County Recorder. The chart below provides detail on the liens.
CREDITOR
FILING DATE
DETAILS
AMOUNT
9/2/2011 3/8/2012
6/24/2011
$3,778.00
VAMOS UNIDOS ORGANIZED RALLY AT LA SALVATION ARMY IN RESPONSE NEWS STORY THAT SALVATION ARMY IN TEXAS REQUIRED RECIPIENTS OF CHRISTMAS TOYS TO PROVIDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS (2009)
In December 2009, Vamos Unidos organized a rally at a Los Angeles Salvation Army store in response to a news report that the Salvation Army in Houston, Texas was requiring recipients of Christmas toys to provide social security numbers. Alicia Molina, a Vamos Unidos attorney, decried the practice: No borders should be placed upon happiness for children at Christmastime. (Los Angeles Times, Rally Aims at Charity, December 3, 2009)
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LA Salvation Army Spokesman Said Would Not Collect Social Security Numbers, Only Information Collected to Detect Fraud or Duplication
In response to the rally, LA Salvation Army spokesman Robert Brennan said that the organization would not require social security numbers and that the information requested was only to detect fraud or duplication. According to Brennan: The Salvation Army is in the business of helping people, not in the business of informing on them. (Los Angeles Times, Rally Aims at Charity, December 3, 2009)
Gutierrez Called on Salvation Army to Compromise on Identification Policy, Said Intended to Intimidate
Gutierrez called on the Salvation Army to compromise on its identification policy, maintaining that the policy was intended to intimidate. According to Gutierrez: The question for us is, if they were willing to register families without identification from the get-go, and they were clear about discouraging fraud, why institute the policy to begin with? As far as we're concerned, it's simply to intimidate. (Daily News of Los Angeles, Salvation Armys ID Policy is Denounced, December 3, 2009)
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Gutierrez Claimed Organization Going Through a Very Difficult Period, Cited Funding Cuts Requiring Center Closures
In response to the accusations from Lopez, Gutierrez claimed that One Stop was going through a very difficult period, citing funding cuts which required center closures. According to Gutierrez: We're going through a very difficult period. The reason why One Stop is more visible in the face of these (funding) problems is we did things to try and maintain our level of services that are affecting us now. [Parenthesis in original] (Orange County Register, Head of Immigrant Service Centers Defends Record, July 7, 1994)
SAID COULD NOT ADVISE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CLIENTS TO COMPLY WITH IRS REQUIREMENT THAT THEY OBTAIN TAX NUMBERS, SAID NOT SURE INFORMATION WOULD NOT BE SHARED WITH INS (1997)
In February 1997, Gutierrez said that he could not in good conscience recommend to his clients that they apply for new numbers required by the IRS because he was unsure whether the information would be shared with the INS. According to Gutierrez: I cannot in good conscience recommend that people apply for this number based on flimsy assurances that the information will not be turned over to the INS. This is creating mass panic. (Los Angeles Times, IRS Tries to Ease Noncitizens Fears of New ID Numbers, February 23, 1997)
NLRB Action
NLRB AFFIRMED DECISION OF ALJ WHO FOUND GUTIERREZ AND ONE STOP HAD VIOLATED FAIR LABOR LAWS BY THREATENING AND RETALIATING AGAINST EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN UNION ACTIVITIES (1999)
In February 1999, Administrative Law Judge Mary Miller Craft found that Gutierrez and One Stop had engaged in unfair labor practices by retaliating against and threatening employees engaged in union activities. In her decision, she stated that One Stop had violated the law: 1. By interrogating employees about their union activities, threatening employees with unspecified reprisals unless they ceased engaging in union activities, and offering to reinstate an employee if the employee stopped engaging in union activities, Respondent has engaged in unfair labor practices affecting commerce within the meaning of Section 8(a)(1) and Section 2(6) and (7) of the Act.
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2. By discharging Gumaro Oviedo-Flores and transferring and discharging Hector Alvarado, Respondent has engaged in unfair labor practices affecting commerce within the meaning of Section 8(a)(3) and Section 2(6) and (7) of the Act. (NLRB Decision and Order, One Stop Immigration and Education Center, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electri-cal, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11 and Hector Alvarado, Cases 21CA32068 and 21CA32280, December 30, 1999) In December 1999, a three member panel of the NLRB considered an appeal of the decision and affirmed Judge Crafts decision in the matter. (NLRB Decision and Order, One Stop Immigration and Education Center, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electri-cal, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11 and Hector Alvarado, Cases 21CA32068 and 21CA32280, December 30, 1999)
Cases Brought by Two Employees, One Employees Case Filed by the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District Eleven (1997-1998)
The decision affected two cases, each brought by a former employee of One Stop Immigration Center who claimed he was fired for engaging in union organizing activities. One case was filed by the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District Eleven on behalf of Gumaro Oviedo Flores and the other was filed by Hector Alvarado. (NLRB Decision and Order, One Stop Immigration and Education Center, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electri-cal, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11 and Hector Alvarado, Cases 21CA32068 and 21CA32280, December 30, 1999)
In Decision, Judge Noted Three Instances in which She Could Not Credit Gutierrezs Testimony
In her decision, Judge Craft noted three instances in which she could not credit Gutierrezs testimony, including on the issue of whether Gutierrez promised to give a job back to one of the employees if he ceased union activities. According to the decision: Gutierrez denied that he said he would take Alvarado back if he would quit his union activities. I credit Alvarado, Martinez, and Gonza-les regarding the meetings events. (NLRB Decision and Order, One Stop Immigration and Education Center, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electri-cal, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11 and Hector Alvarado, Cases 21CA32068 and 21CA32280, December 30, 1999)
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Judges Decision Detailed Anti Union Action Taken by Gutierrez, including Asking Employees to Identify Union Organizers, Threatening Employees Engaged in Union Activities and Attempting to Coerce an Employee to Cease Union Activities
Judge Crafts decision detailed anti union actions taken by Gutierrez including asking employees to identify union organizers, threatening employees engaged in union activities and attempting to coerce an employee to cease union activities. According to Craft: I find that Gutierrez questioned employees about the identity of union organizers, twice threatened Alvarado with unspecified reprisals in retaliation for his union activity, and agreed to reinstate Alvarado only if he eschewed union activity. These findings are based on the credibility resolutions set forth above. In addition, I find that counsel for the General Counsel has adduced substantial credible evidence that the discharge of Oviedo-Flores and the transfer and discharge of Alvarado were motivated by union animus. (NLRB Decision and Order, One Stop Immigration and Education Center, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electri-cal, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11 and Hector Alvarado, Cases 21CA32068 and 21CA32280, December 30, 1999)
FINAL DECISION ORDERED ONE STOP TO REINSTATE EMPLOYEES, PROVIDE BACK PAY AND BENEFITS AND POST NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES INFORMING THEM OF NLRB DECISION AND STATING THEIR RIGHTS TO ORGANIZE (1999)
In affirming Crafts decision, the NLRB affirmed her original order requiring that One Stop reinstate the employees to their old positions or an equivalent position, provide the employees with back pay and benefits and post a notice to all employees informing them of the NLRBs decision and stating their right to organize. In full, the notice was ordered to state: NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES POSTED BY ORDER OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD An Agency of the United States Government The National Labor Relations Board has found that we violated the National Labor Relations Act and has ordered us to post and abide by this notice. Section 7 of the Act gives employees these rights. To organize To form, join, or assist any union To bargain collectively through representatives of their own choice To act together for other mutual aid or protection To choose not to engage in any of these protected concerted activities.
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WE WILL NOT interrogate you about activities on behalf of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Sala-ried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11, threaten you with unspecified reprisals unless you cease engaging in union activities, and offer to reinstate an employee if the employee stops engaging in union activities. WE WILL NOT transfer or discharge you because you engage in union or protected concerted activities. WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce you in the exercise of your rights pursuant to Section 7 of the Act. WE WILL, within 14 days from the date of the Boards Order, offer Hector Alvarado and Gumaro OviedoFlores full reinstatement to their former jobs or, if those jobs no longer exist, to substantially equivalent positions, with-out prejudice to their seniority or any other rights or privileges previously enjoyed. WE WILL make Hector Alvarado and Gumaro Oviedo-Flores whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits suffered as a result of their discharges, less any net in-terim earnings, plus interest. WE WILL, within 14 days from the date of the Boards Order, remove from our files any reference to the unlaw-ful transfer and discharge of Hector Alvarado and the unlawful discharge of Gumaro Oviedo-Flores, and WE WILL, within 3 days thereafter, notify each of them in writing that this has been done and that the transfer and discharges will not be used against them in any way. (NLRB Decision and Order, One Stop Immigration and Education Center, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electri-cal, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFLCIO, District 11 and Hector Alvarado, Cases 21CA32068 and 21CA32280, December 30, 1999)
ONE STOP DEFIED ORDER BY NLRB TO REHIRE LAID OFF WORKERS (2000)
In January 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that One Stop had defied a NLRB order to rehire two workers whose terminations were found to be in violation of union agreements and noted that the organization had ties to prominent labor leaders including LA County Federation of Labor political director Fabian Nunez who served on the organizations board. According to the paper: One Stop Immigration, which has helped thousands of immigrants become citizens and which publicly advocates union membership, has so far defied orders issued Dec. 30 by the National Labor Relations Board to provide back pay and reinstate the workers, who were fired in late 1997. The standoff presents a quandary for local labor, which has worked with One Stop to politically mobilize newly naturalized citizens. Fabian Nunez, political director for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, is president of One Stop's board of directors. Several other highly placed Los Angeles labor leaders also sit on the board, including Mike Garcia, president of a union local representing immigrant janitors. (Los Angeles Times, Group Defies NLRB Order to Rehire Workers, January 29, 2000)
Board Member Claimed Told Gutierrez to Settle with Union, Said Decision from the NLRB is as Good as a Document Signed by God
In response to questions his ties to One Stop and its defiance of the NLRB order, Nunez claimed that he had told Gutierrez to settle with the union and that a decision from the NLRB is as good as a document signed by God. According to the Los Angeles Times:
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Nunez later said he would call an emergency board meeting. As far as I'm concerned, a decision from the NLRB is as good as a document signed by God, he said. Nunez said he first learned of the NLRB ruling two weeks ago, when it was discussed at a board meeting. He said the board told Executive Director Juan Jose Gutierrez to settle with the union. That meeting hadn't taken place, and I didn't know that it hadn't taken place, Nunez said. (Los Angeles Times, Group Defies NLRB Order to Rehire Workers, January 29, 2000)
Gutierrez Claimed Not at Liberty to Discuss the Issue, Said One Stop Not an AntiLabor Organization
In response to questions from the paper, Gutierrez said that he was not at liberty to discuss the issue but claimed that One Stop was not an anti labor organization. According to the Los Angeles Times: Interviewed at his Boyle Heights office Friday, Gutierrez said he was not at liberty to discuss the worker firings or the NLRB order. We're not an anti-labor organization, he added. Labor is well-represented on our board. (Los Angeles Times, Group Defies NLRB Order to Rehire Workers, January 29, 2000)
Nunez Said One Stop Nearly Bankruptcy Due to City and State Funding Cuts, Said Would Need to Settle With Employees to Avoid Insolvency
Nunez told the Los Angeles Times that One Stop was nearly bankrupt due to state and city funding cuts and that the organization would have to negotiate a settlement with the terminated employees in order to avoid insolvency. According to the paper: One Stop has other problems. The nonprofit organization recently lost state and city funding that once subsidized citizenship classes and other services, and is struggling financially. Nunez said a recent accounting found it is two or three months away from insolvency. He said the board would need to negotiate a settlement with the union, because full back pay for the two employees would bankrupt the organization. (Los Angeles Times, Group Defies NLRB Order to Rehire Workers, January 29, 2000)
Litigation
The chart below provides details on the 26 cases that we identified in Los Angeles County which were brought against One Stop Immigration Center.
Party
Type of Case
Date Filed
Case Number/Disposition
Case Name
Location
10/07/1997
Archives
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Party
Type of Case
Date Filed
Case Number/Disposition
Case Name
Location
Ud/Residen ce (Not Drugs/Evict) (General Jurisdiction) Commrcial Compl-Not Tort Or Complx (General Jurisdiction) Ud/Residen ce (Not Drugs/Evict) (General Jurisdiction) Other Compl-Not Tort Or Complex (General Jurisdiction) Commrcial Compl-Not Tort Or Complx (General Jurisdiction) Other Non P/Iwd (Limited Jurisdiction) U.D.Residential (Limited Jurisdiction)
3/09/1994
Archives
8/16/1994
Archives
5/12/1992
Archives
7/03/1991
Archives
4/01/1997
Archives
11/01/1995
Gonzalez, Sylvia Ceja Vs. One Stop Immigration And Educa Armoza, Cesar A. Vs. One Stop Immigration And Educa
6/03/1992
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Party
Type of Case
Date Filed
Case Number/Disposition
Case Name
Location
One Stop Immigration Center One Stop Immigration Center One Stop Immigration Center
3/03/1993
Long Beach
2/23/1994
Long Beach
4/21/2006
06c00819 Available
Labor Appeals (Limited Jurisdiction) Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction) Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction) Unlawful Detainer (Limited Jurisdiction) Notice Of Appeal On Labor Comm (Limited Jurisdiction)
3/31/1993
One Stop Immigration Center One Stop Immigration Center One Stop Immigration Center
3/10/1998
Jorge, Nancy L Vs One Stop Immigration & Education Pitney Bowes Inc Vs. One Stop Immigration & Educati Paramount Plaza Llc Vs Los Angeles One Stop Immigration
Stanley Mosk
4/04/2001
Stanley Mosk
4/21/2004
Stanley Mosk
11/30/1993
93k42472 Available
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Party
Type of Case
Date Filed
Case Number/Disposition
Case Name
Location
Notice Of Appeal On Labor Comm (Limited Jurisdiction) Notice Of Appeal On Labor Comm (Limited Jurisdiction) Notice Of Appeal On Labor Comm (Limited Jurisdiction) Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction) Confirming Labor Comm. Award (Limited Jurisdiction) Notice Of Appeal On Labor Comm (Limited Jurisdiction) Notice Of Appeal On Labor Comm (Limited Jurisdiction)
11/18/1993
6/22/1993
9/25/1991
Djurdjevic, Vincent Vladblav Vs. One Stop Immigration Center Inc Echeverria, Maria Vs. One Stop Immigration & Educational
1/05/1994
6/22/1993
11/02/1993
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Party
Type of Case
Date Filed
Case Number/Disposition
Case Name
Location
5/07/1991
United Pentecostal Church Vs One Stop Immigration & Educational Reines, Leon I. Vs. One Stop Immigration Center Inc
11/02/1993
Politics
COORDINATOR OF NATIONAL REGENERATION MOVEMENT OF MEXICANS ABROAD, EFFORT TO ENSURE MEXICANS LIVING IN U.S. CAN VOTE ABSENTEE IN COUNTRYS ELECTIONS (2012)
In June 2012, Hispanically Speaking News reported that Gutierrez is the coordinator of the National Regeneration Movement of Mexicans Abroad, an effort to ensure that Mexicans living outside of Mexico had the opportunity to vote in the countys elections. (Hispanically Speaking News, Mexicans Living in the U.S. Find Absentee Voting Process Daunting, June 29, 2012)
Supported Lopez Obrador for Mexican Presidency Said Represented True Change (2012)
In June 2012, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gutierrez was supporting Andres Manual Lopez Obrador for president of Mexico, claiming he represented true change. According to the paper: In the L.A. area, Juan Jose Gutierrez, an attorney and immigrant rights advocate, says Lopez Obrador represents the promise of "true change" for the country. The country is in danger, serious danger," Gutierrez said. "We're sending articles, making calls, sending letters, asking our relatives in Mexico to vote for our candidate." (Los Angeles Times, Mexicos Presidential Race has Local Following, June 15, 2012)
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While Serving As Coordinator for Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, Organized March Backed by L.A. County Federation of Labor; Dispute with Another Group Over Policy Threatened to Dampen Turnout for March (2011)
In April 2011, the Los Angeles Times reported that the annual May Day rally turnout could be suppressed due to a dispute between the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, backed by the L.A. County Federation of Labor and the Southern California Immigration Coalition over who would organize the march and noted that Gutierrez was the coordinator of the larger, union-backed group. According to the paper: At odds are the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition, which has support from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and the smaller grass-roots group, the Southern California Immigration Coalition, which had sought to organize its own march. (Los Angeles Times, California: Ready Come What May Day, April 29, 2011)
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The paper continued: Meanwhile, Full Rights coordinator Juan Jose Gutierrez, a U.S. citizen who is an immigrant from Jalisco, said, "I'm a Democratic Party member and proud of it. I wish groups like ours would get the kind of funding that they are claiming we get. We'd be able to do a lot more." (Los Angeles Times, California: Ready Come What May Day, April 29, 2011)
LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR EX BRACEROS FIGHTING TO GET PAYCHECK DEDUCTIONS REMOVED FROM CHECKS (2008)
Gutierrez has served as an attorney for braceros, workers who came to the U.S. legally as temporary workers from 1942 to 1964 and who had a percentage of their paycheck deducted and deposited into Mexican banks but were never refunded the money after returning to Mexico. Some Braceros fall under a settlement with the Mexican government dealing with payments to workers who were in the U.S. during and immediately following the war. (Scripps Howard News Service, Ex Braceros Battle to Claim Earnings from Mexico, December 26, 2008)
HELPED ORGANIZE ANTI WAR PROTEST, SAID IMMIGRATION AND ANTI WAR EFFORTS CONNECTED, CITED OWN NEPHEW KILLED IN IRAQ AFTER IMMIGRATING FROM MEXICO AND JOINING MILITARY (2007)
In March 2007, Gutierrezs Latino Movement USA organized an anti war protest with Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) and Gutierrez stressed that the immigration and anti war movements are connected, noting his own nephew who was killed in Iraq after immigrating from Mexico and joining the U.S. military. According to AP: Both issues are personal for protest organizer Juan Jose Gutierrez. His 22-year-old nephew was killed last year in Iraq after emigrating from Mexico, and becoming a U.S. citizen while serving with the Marines.
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The war is something that affects immigrants dramatically right now," said Gutierrez, president of the Los Angeles-based group Latino Movement USA. "It's important people understand that the anti-war and immigration movements are connected." (Associated Press, Frustrated by Lack of Progress, U.S. Immigration Reform Groups Tap Into Anti-Ware Sentiment, March 15, 2007)
SAID BUSINESS OWNER REQUIRING CUSTOMERS TO ORDER IN ENGLISH ENGAGED IN OUTRAGEOUS RACISM (2006)
In a June 2006 appearance on Scarborough Country, Gutierrez said that a Philadelphia restaurant owners decision to put a sign in his window saying speak English and to require customers to order in English was outrageous racism. According to Gutierrez: Totally uncalled-for. It`s part of the growing wave of anti-immigration hysteria. I t smells of outrageous racism. And the reason why I say that is because this man is not being discreet about his belief that, as far as he`s concerned, anybody that goes into his business ought to be able to order food in English. (MSNBC, Scarborough Country, June 20, 2006)
ORGANIZED DEMONSTRATION AGAINST BORDER FENCE BY NATIONAL CAPITOL IMMIGRATION COALITION (2006)
In May 2006 while the U.S. Senate debated a bill providing a path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants and also authorizing a border fence, Gutierrez, as a leader of the National Capital Immigration Coalition, organized and attended a protest of the militarization of the border. According to AP; The National Capital Immigration Coalition organized the afternoon demonstration on the National Mall a few blocks from where lawmakers debated the issue they cared about. This is a critical moment. We oppose the militarization of the U.S-Mexican border, said Juan Jose Gutierrez, one of the event's organizers. (Associated Press, Senate Approves Fence, Endorses Citizenship Chance for Immigrants, May 17, 2006)
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TOLD IMMIGRANTS TO MARK CURRENCY WITH RED INK TO DEMONSTRATE ECONOMIC POWER, ERRANTLY TOLD THEM TO BOYCOTT RED BULL DRINKS BECAUSE OF TIES TO SCHWARZENEGGER WHEN SCHWARZENEGGER DID NOT OWN SHARES IN COMPANY (2004)
In October 2004 in response to California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggers veto of an illegal immigrant drivers license bill, Gutierrez organized a protest of Schwarzeneggers office and called on immigrants to make all their currency in red ink with 100 percent immigrant and to boycott Red Bull products, which he errantly said were made by a company that Schwarzenegger owned. According to Gutierrez: We are also asking all immigrants to mark all currency with red ink with '100 Percent' immigrant. This is going to be symbolic of the huge economic contributions by immigrants and all Latinos and working people. Secondly, and directly related to Gov. Schwarzenegger, we are calling upon all people of good will to enforce a boycott of Red Bull (energy drinks), which is almost entirely owned by Gov. Schwarzenegger. [Parenthesis in original] (Daily News of Los Angeles, Latinos Call for Boycotts, October 6, 2004)
AS SENIOR ORGANIZER FOR SEIU, SAID UNIONS INTEREST SERVED BY ORGANIZING ILLEGAL WORKERS (2001)
In March 2001 in an interview on NPR, Gutierrez, described as a senior organizer for SEIU, maintained that it was in the best interest of unions to organize illegal workers. According to the transcript: JAFFE: Fox said that there should be a way for Mexicans to work in the United States legally and with protection for their human rights. The co-sponsor of this broadcast couldn't agree more. That was the Service Employees International Union, the largest in the AFL-CIO. About a quarter of its 1.4 million members are immigrants, according to senior organizer Juan Jose Gutierrez.
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Mr. JUAN JOSE GUTIERREZ: We think that it is in the best interest of unions to organize the unorganized, even if at times, you know, we have to involve the undocumented person. We don't want them to remain undocumented and, therefore, we think that it is best if their legal status becomes regularized, becomes normalized. (National Public Radio, Mexican President Visits California, March 23, 2001)
Consultant Said Gutierrez Council Race about Targeted Mail, Not Money (1999)
Gutierrez campaign consultant Rick Taylor maintained that targeted mail, not money would determine the winner in the race. According to the Los Angeles Times: Rick Taylor, a campaign consultant for Juan Jose Gutierrez, says that the candidates with the best, last-minute mail campaigns will be well-placed, and that they don't necessarily need the most money for that. Taylor is working with another consultant, Richie Ross, to develop targeted mail, some written almost entirely in Spanish. "This is the one race where money will not determine the outcome," Taylor said. (Los Angeles Times, Council Candidates Raise Funds Far Beyond District, April 8, 1999)
LA Weekly Did Not Endorse Gutierrez, Cited Issues With Workers, Erratic Political Judgment (1999)
In April 1999, LA Weekly, while extolling Gutierrez skills at community organizing and brining important issues to the forefront, declined to endorse Gutierrez for LA City Council citing his erratic political judgment and controversies with One Stop Employees. According to LA Weekly: Unfortunately, that's not all Gutierrez brings to the table. His political judgment has been erratic: He was largely responsible for what was perceived as the strident nationalism of the massive anti-187 demonstration shortly before the '94 election, which surely hurt the anti-187 cause. His tenure at One Stop has been marked by controversies between Gutierrez and his employees. The strength of his vision and his commitment, sadly, is sapped by his occasional lapses of judgment and conduct. (LA Weekly, Endorsements, April 2, 1999)
LEADER OF COORDINADORA '96 MARCH IN D.C., CALLED MARCH UNPRECENDENT SUCCESS (1996)
In October 1996, Gutierrez was one of the organizers of the Coordinadora 96 March in Washington D.C> which drew between 20,000 and 30,000 people of Latino decent, a result which Gutierrez characterized as an unprecedented success. According to the Los Angeles Times: The organizers of the Latino march and rally in Washington, who were told it couldn't be done, are pretty satisfied with themselves. Getting 20,000 to 30,000 people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Central American and Cuban descent together for the march--and wide media coverage--was no easy task.
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It was an unprecedented success,; says Juan Jose Gutierrez of Los Angeles, the lead coordinator of the event that drew thousands of participants from across Southern California. (Los Angeles Times, Seeing How Deep Grass Roots Have Grown, October 26, 1996)
LATINO MOVEMENT USA FOUNDED AFTER 1996 MARCH ON WASHINGTON, SAID PLAN TO BECOME A MEMBER ORGANIZATION SIMILAR IN SIZE TO THE NRA OR CHRISTIAN COALITION (1996)
Gutierrez founded Latino Movement USA after the success of the Coordinadora 96 March and told the Washington Post that his plan was to make it a membership organization similar in size to the NRA or Christian Coalition. According to the paper: Since then, Gutierrez, a low-key but single-minded immigrant advocate from Los Angeles, has been jetting between coasts, trying to keep the momentum going and making plans to form a national organization based in Washington. Tentatively named Latino USA, the group would promote Latino participation in electoral politics and lobby officials on behalf of Latino causes. Our immediate priority is to help generate the largest Latino vote in American history, up to 6 million of us voting in November," Gutierrez says. "The grand vision is to establish a membership organization that is at least as large as the NRA or the Christian Coalition. We certainly have the constituency to do it," he adds. (Washington Post, The Long Climb after the March, October 23, 1996)
ATTENDED NIGHT SCHOOL AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, SAID HAD NOT HAD TIME TO TAKE BAR (1996)
In October 1996, the Washington Post reported that Gutierrez was a recent graduate of Loyola University Law School, which he had attended at night and that Gutierrez had not yet had time to take the Bar. (Washington Post, The Long Climb after the March, October 23, 1996)
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WHILE CALLING FOR UNITY WITH AFRICAN AMERICANS, CHARACTERIZED THE TRADITIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AS EXCLUSIONARY (1996)
In October 1996, the Washington Post described Gutierrez as a man of contradictions, noting that while calling for unity with African Americans, Gutierrez characterized the traditional civil rights movement as exclusionary. According to the paper: Both in style and substance, Gutierrez is a man of contradictions. He repeatedly stresses the need for Latinos to be inclusive and reach out to other progressive groups, especially African Americans. Yet he also criticizes the traditional civil rights movement for being "exclusionary" and for insisting that "we can't demand the same rights they marched for and paid for dearly." (Washington Post, The Long Climb after the March, October 23, 1996)
LED MARCH AGAINST PROP 187, MARCH BLAMED FOR PROPOSITIONS PASSAGE (1994)
In October 1994, Gutierrez led an anti Proposition 187 March in Los Angeles which was later blamed for mobilizing support for the proposition due to the wide spread carrying of Mexican flags and other signs of Mexican nationalism. (Los Angeles Times, Some See New Activism in Huge March, October 18, 1994)
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Said Briefing Would Include Presentations by Coalition Members Including Ramirez, Gutierrez, Arturo Carmona and Ricardo Juarez
The press release invited interested parties to a briefing on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the National Press Club with speakers from the coalition including Andres Ramirez, Juan Jose Gutierrez, Arturo Carmona with Presente.org and Ricardo Juarez with Mexicanos Sin Fronteras.
Press Contract Yohana de la Torre Runs Media Firm in Florida, Has Ties to Republican Organizations and Politicians, Former Worked for Univision
The press release contact, Yohana de la Torre, is a Florida based media consultant with extensive Republican and media ties. According to her firms website, De la Torre is currently the owner of YDT Media, a media consulting firm and the owner and managing editor of Gulf Coast Times LLC, a monthly 32 page magazine. De la Torres media clients include Conservative Political Action Conference and the Hispanic Leadership Network. De la Torres past work experience includes serving as deputy press secretary at the Republican National Convention (2008), serving as a communications specialist for U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (2005 to 2006), serving as deputy director of specialty media at the Republican National Convention (2004), serving as a freelance associate producer for Univision (1999 to 2004), serving as an on air reporter for the Don Strock Show on WTVJ NBC (2002) and serving as a reporter for the Miami Herald (2001 to 2002). (YDT Media Web site, Experience, www.ydtmedia.com)
IN RESPONSE TO SLIMS SON IN LAWS CLAIM THAT GWU PROTESTERS WERE PAID TO BE THERE, RAMIREZ CLAIMED THEY WERE NOT PAID TO PROTEST BUT THAT TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD COSTS WERE COVERED FOR SOME (2012)
In August 2012, Reuters reported that in response to Slims son-in law Arturo Elias Ayubs claim that GWU protesters were paid to be there, Ramirez maintained that participants were not paid to protest but that some were reimbursed for transportation and food expenses. According to Reuters:
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The coalition protested against Slim at George Washington University in May when he gave the commencement address. Arturo Elias Ayub, Slim's son-in-law and a spokesman for his companies, said in a telephone interview on Friday that the protest had been made up of people who were paid $20 or $30 to turn up. Ayub said that not a single Hispanic had taken part in the protest at the university, and that when he and colleagues questioned the protestors, they said they did not know why they were there. Two Countries' Ramirez said the group had helped with transportation and lunch costs for people who had traveled a long distance, but he said no one had been paid just to protest. (Reuters, Immigrant Rights Groups To Protest Tycoon Carlos Slim At Saks, August 7, 2012)
ANNOUNCED PROTEST AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE TARGETED DUE TO SLIMS HOLDING IN SAKS STOCK, NOTED YO SOY 132, OCCUPY WALL STREET AND OCCUPY DC HAD JOINED TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE COALITION (2012)
On August 2, 2012, Two Countries One Voice announced a four day protest in front of Saks Fifth Avenue and announced that Yo Soy 132, Occupy Wall Street and Occupy DC had joined the Two Countries One Voice Coalition. The press release noted that the following were supportive of the coalitions efforts and would participate in the protest:
Senator Adriano Espaillat, NYS Senate, 31st District Assemblymember Nelson Castro, NYS Assembly, 86th District Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez, NYS Assembly, 68th District Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC Council, 10th District Juan Jose Gutierrez, Leader of Two Countries One Voice Andres Ramirez, Leader of Two Countries One Voice Antonio Attolini, Representative of Yo Soy 132 Mariana Fabela, Representative of Yo Soy 132 and a graduate student at the Universidad Nacional
University
Lucia Gomez Jimenez, Executive Director, La Fuente, Inc. Nieves Padilla, Community Organizer, Make the Road NY (PR Newswire, New York City Leaders, Yo Soy
132, Occupy Wall Street and Occupy DC to Call for the End of Carols Slims Monopolistic Practices, August 2, 2012)
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Press Release Contact Former Spokesperson for Hispanic Media for Democratic Party Organizations, Worked for Communications Consulting Firm
The contact for the Saks Fifth Avenue protest press release was Melisa Diaz, who has her own Hispanic media consulting firm where she provides communications strategic advice, event planning and translations. Diaz previously worked for TMG Strategies (now McGinn and Company), served as director of Hispanic media for the Democratic National Committee (2004), served as the Washington correspondent for El Vocero, Puerto Ricos largest newspaper, served as communications director for Congressman Jose Serrano (D NY), served as deputy communications director for the House Democratic Caucus, served as Hispanic outreach coordinator at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and worked on Hispanic outreach for President William J. Clintons second Inaugural. (Melisa Diaz Web site, About, www.melisadiaz.com)
Coalition Members
TOLD REUTERS THAT TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE FUNDED BY ABOUT 50 ORGANIZATIONS MAKING UP THE COALITION (2012)
In August 2012, Reuters reported that Ramirez and Gutierrez had claimed that the coalition was made up of about 50 organizations which funded its activities. According to Reuters: Two Countries One Voice is a loose coalition of about 50 organizations, according to leaders Andres Ramirez, a public relations executive in Las Vegas, and Los Angeles-based lawyer Juan Jose Gutierrez. The coalition, funded by the groups within it, was formed earlier this year to protest the high phone rates Mexicans face when calling family in the United States.
TWO COUNTRIES ONE VOICE WEB SITE LISTS 47 COALITION MEMBERS, MOSTLY INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN LATINO ACTIVISM IN NEVADA AND CALIFORNIA WITH TIES TO RAMIREZ OR GONZALEZ
According to the Two Countries One Voice website, 47 individuals are members of the coalition, including three Democratic members of the New York State Assembly. Brief bios on the coalition members follow:
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Jose Melendrez, Co-Founder, Nevada Alliance for Latino Education and Justice
Jose Melendrez is the co-founder of the Nevada Alliance for Latino Education & Justice (NALEJ) which works to increase the civic engagement and leadership skills of low-income, urban youth and adults through multicultural, anti-racist community-based education that builds coalitions for social justice advocacy. (Facebook, NALEJ, http://www.facebook.com/NALEJ.NV/info) Since May 2006, Melendrez has served as the Assistant Vice President of Diversity Initiatives at UNLV where he is also pursing a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies and Organizational Leadership in Workforce Education. Prior to working for UNLV and NALEJ, Melendrez worked for United States Senator Harry Reid doing constituent services, Boy Scouts of America, College of Southern Nevada and Univision. (LinkedIn, Jose L. Melendrez, http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jose-l-melendrez/14/254/515; Las Vegas Latino Chamber of Commerce Web site, Board of Directors 2012, www.lvlcc.com/directors/2012/bios/jmelendrez.php) Melendrez currently serves on the board of directors of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce. (Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce Web site, Board of Directors 2012, www.lvlcc.com/directors/2012/bios/jmelendrez.php)
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In November 2010, Romero told the Las Vegas Sun that he and other Latino leaders were considering breaking from the Democratic Party and starting a Tequila Party, similar to the Tea Party movement. After the newspaper ran the story, papers worldwide reported on the Tequila Party proposal. Romero is not affiliated with the National Tequila Party which was started by a Republican political operative. (Las Vegas Sun, Latino Leaders Swirl Around Idea of Tequila Party, November 28, 2010)
Michael Flores, Southern Nevada Director, Nevada Reform Immigration for America
Michael Flores is the Southern Nevada Director of the Nevada Reform Immigration for American, a state chapter of The Campaign to Reform Immigration for America which is affiliated with The Advocacy Fund. The groups goal is to mobilize support for passage of comprehensive immigration reform. The group receives support from unions. In 2009, Flores was hired as the state director for the organization while he was still attending college. Flores also works with Progress Now Nevada which is a coalition of groups mobilizing the Latino vote in Nevada. (Reform Immigration for America Web site, About, www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org; Las Vegas City Life, Local Heros, December 23, 2010)
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George Martinez, Representative of Occupy Wall Street and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Pace University
George Martinez was a leader of the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York. In 2012, Martinez unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Valesquez in the Democratic primary. Martinez previously ran for New York City Council and has served as a District Leader for the 51st Assembly District. Martinez previously worked for the New York Attorney Generals office and as a cultural diplomat for the U.S. State Department. Martinez currently works as an adjunct professor at Pace University. Martinez is active in the New York City hip-hop scene and recorded an anthem for the Occupy Wall Street movement. He is a founder of the Hip Hop Association and Global Block non-profits. Martinez is of Puerto Rican descent. (George Martinez 2012 Web site, Bio, www.bumrushthevote.net)
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Too Little Information Provided, Not Possible to Identify Details on 8 Coalition Members
According to Two Countries One Voice, the following 8 people are members of their coalition but not enough information is provided by the group to confirm additional information about these members.
NAME
DETAIL
Juan Garcia Sandra Ramos Ramona Houston Carmen Martinez Alejandra Lopez Cynthia Vazquez
California Texas Texas Hispanic Student Union, CSN Federacion Jalisciense De Nevada MEChA UNLV
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NAME
DETAIL
(Two Countries One Voice Web site, About Our Coalition, www.twocountriesonevoice.com)
YO SOY 132 CLAIMED HAD NOT JOINED COALITION, REPORT SAID GROUP DECIDED NOT TO JOIN DUE TO INVOLVEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY OPERATIVES (2012)
After the press release went out, Yo Soy 132, a Mexican student movement, denied that it had agreed to be part of the Two Countries One Voice Coalition and a blog on The Nations website noted a report in La Jornada which claimed that Yo Soy 132 decided not to participate due to the involvement of Democratic party operatives. According to the blog: A report in La Jornada states Yo Soy 132's decision not to participate was made because of political disagreements between the groups: In light of the peaceful protest called by the Two Nations organization, the decision to not participate was made because Democratic party operatives were involved, a situation that goes against the principle of nonpartisan Mexican student collective. (The Nation's Blogs, Activists Bring Protest to Saks Fifth Avenue, Yo Soy 132 Does Not Endorese Event, August 8, 2012)
Occupy Organizer Also Said Organization Not Official Part of Coalition, Said Not a Part of Any Coalition with Elected Officials
Occupy organizer Aaron Black emphasized that he planned to attend the protest as an individual, noting that the Occupy movement would not be part of any coalition with elected officials. According to The Nations blog: Aaron Black is an Occupy organizer who had one of his quotes attached to the original, misleading press release. Occupy Wall Street and Yo Soy 132 are not a part of any coalition with elected officials. Sure, we engage them and talk to them about the issues like our democracy being sold to the highest bidder, the housing crisis, trillion dollars in student debt, there are many issues we care about, and sure we're engaging with the power structure, but we're not joining a coalition with them. We were never part of a coalition, he says. Black emphasizes he's attending the event because he believes the world needs to know about Carlos Slim. I gave a quote because I want to be part of this action. It's true I'm an Occupy Wall Street organizer, and there are other Occupy organizers that are here, and many Occupy activists, and I think there are going to be some Yo Soy 132 activists here, but we're here as individuals supporting this. We never joined a coalition. (The Nation's Blogs, Activists Bring Protest to Saks Fifth Avenue, Yo Soy 132 Does Not Endorse Event, August 8, 2012)
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Elected Officials
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR ADRIANO ESPAILLAT (D-31)
New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D-31) participated in the August 2012 Two Countries One Voice protest at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. (PR Newswire, New York City Leaders, Yo Soy 132, Occupy Wall Street and Occupy DC to Call for the End of Carols Slims Monopolistic Practices, August 2, 2012)Es Espaillat was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1996 and served there until he won a seat in the New York State Senate in 2010. Espaillat is originally from the Dominican Republic. (Adriano Espaillat for Congress Web site, About Adriano, www.espaillatforcongress.com)
Espaillat Challenged New York Congressman Charlie Rangel in Primary, Lost (2012)
In 2012, Espaillat challenged New York Congressman Charlie Rangel in the newly drawn 13th Congressional district. Espaillat lost the Democratic by a slim margin, resulting in court action and Espaillat claiming illegal voter suppression. Espaillat ultimately dropped his challenge. The new district is a majority Hispanic district. (New York Daily News, Espaillat Expected to Give Up Fight Against Rangel, July 9, 2012)
Industry
Total
Public Sector Unions , General Trade Unions, Transportation Unions Candidate Committees Lawyers & Lobbyists Real Estate Health Professionals Food Processing & Sales Pharmaceuticals & Health Products Beer, Wine, Liquor Insurance Food & Beverage Education
$183,073 $105,683 $101,500 $44,250 $37,800 $27,206 $19,550 $16,250 $13,600 $11,900 $11,500
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(National Institute for Money in State Politics Web site, Candidate Search: Adriano Espaillat, www.followthemoney.org)
Industry Public Sector Unions , General Trade Unions, Transportation Unions Education Candidate Committees Health Professionals Beer, Wine & Liquor Lawyers & Lobbyists Party Committees Home Builders Health Services Hospitals & Nursing Homes
Total $40,025 $4,750 $4,301 $3,675 $2,750 $2,500 $2,500 $2,000 $1,750 $1,500
(National Institute for Money in State Politics Web site, Candidate Search: Nelson Castro, www.followthemoney.org)
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Industry Real Estate Public Sector and General Trade Unions Lawyers & Lobbyists Candidate Self-finance Hospitals & Nursing Homes Payday/Title Loans General Contractors Beer, Wine & Liquor Telecom Services & Equipment Special Trade Contractors
Total $32,200 $15,600 $12,800 $12,500 $10,900 $7,000 $5,800 $5,000 $4,900 $3,500
(National Institute for Money in State Politics Web site, Candidate Search: Nelson Castro, www.followthemoney.org)
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