ROBERTO QUINTANA! SETTING THE RECORD

The other day, I was thinking about Roberto Quintana and the history of his political involvement, including his descent from public service. I don’t have to go much into describing who he is as he is well known and recognized in the political and community arena. I became interested in Roberto Quintana when I got involved in his run for the assembly seat several years ago against the son of the Niagara District Councilman, David Rivera. I had an opportunity to get to know him, and I must admit, he has what the other Puerto Rican/Latino elected officials or community leaders do not have. He has charisma, personality, and an agenda for the growth and development of the community if provided the opportunity.

I experienced the good and the ugly, the political system, or status quo went into the past and threw everything at him. They ganged up on him – bringing his past to life, the present. They were afraid of him and could not take a chance and allow him to come back to elected office. Regardless of his misdeeds, that was the past, and he should have been allowed to redeem himself. What happened to the concept of a “second chance.”  People need to read their bible. 

Living in the community from 1970 to 1985, and from 2012 to the present, I know of the crimes committed by some of our leaders, but they have been well protected due to politics. If one did their research, you would find some of the hidden treasures. The political system gave them a “second chance.” Quintana deserves the same; he is a gift to our community. As an elected official, our community would regain the essential tools needed for the growth and development of our people – character, energy, imagination, and creativity. 

 Quintana will put our Puerto Rican/Latino community on the map. He does not take orders; he gives orders! He is progressive, independent, and has a strong character to represent the West Side, and with GANAS!

 We all, or many of us, have done something in our lives that we are ashamed of, but we did not get caught. We were the lucky ones! Think about that when you criticize Quintana. Karna has a way of calling things to your attention.