By CARLA GUZMAN
MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County Legislator Luis Alvarez stood before the county legislature on October 23 to present a Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation, joined by three community members representing local Latino leadership.
Alvarez noted that Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed nationwide from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the history and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. He highlighted statistics showing those impacts at both the national and local levels, including that roughly one million Hispanic residents live and work in New York State and about 15,000 call Sullivan County their home.
“We have a new lawyer here,” Alvarez said as he introduced Porfirio “Juni” Vega of Wurtsboro, signaling him from the group behind him. Standing with him were Ana Santiago, a county employee, and Joel Santiago, a local business owner, both from Monticello.
Alvarez emphasized that Latino residents of Sullivan County are active across government, nonprofits and small businesses.
“Even between the four of us here, we are involved in many different events in the county,” he said, adding that he served as the legislature’s first—and to date only—Hispanic chair.
Santiago, former vice president of Somos La Llave del Futuro, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Latino community. He thanked the county for the recognition and said he hopes the community continues to work together to ensure the county remains safe and welcoming for all residents. The audience applauded.
The proclamation encourages Sullivan County residents to observe Hispanic Heritage Month in 2025, learn about Hispanic history and engage with the local Hispanic community in positive and supportive ways.
