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MADISON – State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement on the appointments of Latino Wisconsinites by Governor Tony Evers:
“I’m grateful to Governor Tony Evers—he has prioritized appointing knowledgeable, experienced and diverse candidates to run our state. In particular, I would like to highlight the Latino Wisconsinites Governor Evers has chosen for leadership positions in his cabinet and beyond. From cabinet to various gubernatorial appointments, underrepresented communities are getting more of a voice than ever.
Yesterday, Governor Evers appointed Joaquin Altoro as Executive Director of WHEDA. Altoro is the 2nd Latino Wisconsinite to join Governor Evers’ cabinet. The governor also reappointed Ivan Gamboa to the WHEDA Board. They join attorney Rebecca Cameron Valcq who leads the Public Service Commission. Cameron Valcq is the daughter of long-time leader in our Latino and Milwaukee communities, Maria Monreal Cameron. Governor Evers appointed Cameron Valcq to his cabinet in December of last year.
Additionally, Governor Evers appointed attorney Israel Ramon to Milwaukee County Register of Deeds after the position was vacated in April. Ramon has 25 years of legal experience and is a long-time leader in our Latino, as well as our LGBT communities. Ramon’s appointment is historic as he is the first openly-LGBT individual, as well as the first Latino to serve as Register of Deeds in Milwaukee County.
“Latinos are the fastest growing constituency in Wisconsin, and it makes all the difference in the world to young people of color to see folks like them in positions of power doing well in the world. I’m so proud to see my friends and leaders in the community appointed to these roles, and I know they’ll do an exemplary job. Congratulations to Rebecca, Israel, Ivan, and Joaquin—you’ll do great things for Wisconsin!”
