A local group seeking to get more members of Riverhead’s immigrant community involved in the political process held a meeting in Stotzky Park Sunday, where speakers included Democratic candidates for local office.
Angela DeVito, the Democratic candidate for town supervisor, was one of the invited guests. She told a group of about 20 that the immigrant community needs to become more active.
“We are all part of this community, regardless of our status,” she said. “We need to step up and have all our voices heard.”
DeVito said the event was the first in Riverhead since the 2012 presidential campaign. She said an organizing campaign has been underway in the Hispanic community to form the organization, Raices, which means “Roots.” The group hopes to bring immigrants of all backgrounds together, DeVito said.
The campaign is in the process of identifying registered voters. The organization will soon apply for not-for-profit status. Among its goals are educating local immigrants about the path to citizenship in light of the current national dialogue on the issue, how to be prepared once legislation is in place and how to make sure the necessary paperwork is in order, as well as meeting basic guidelines like having a clean driver’s license and no criminal record.
DeVito said she’s been working with the group’s campaign since the 2012 campaign. Also in attendance were town council candidates Millie Thomas and Bill Bianchi, as well as Second Assembly District candidate John McManmon.
RiverheadLOCAL photo by Emil Breitenbach Jr.
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