MD Governor Martin O’Malley picks Alex Sanchez to head Department of Labor

September 23, 10:39 AMBaltimore Hispanic Business ExaminerElianne Ramos

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Annapolis, MD - September 22, 2009 - At a press conference in the State House in Annapolis, Governor Martin o’Malley formally announced Alexander Sánchez’s appointment to Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations.

He will replace Thomas Pérez, also a Latino of Dominican descent, who is moving on to be assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in President Barack Obama's administration.

Sánchez, of Mexican descent, comes from a rich background working in the legal and non-profit fields, and he has worked for a number of Hispanic causes, including programs for early childhood education and economic self-sufficiency programs for working families.

Sánchez’s appointment is significant on two fronts: In a year when the first African-American president took office and Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina to be confirmed as a Supreme Court Judge, the Governor’s choice to replace Tom Pérez with an equally-qualified Latino reflects the growing political clout of the nation's largest minority group, and signifies another step forward as we move from the political margins to the mainstream.

In a state where over 300,000 members of the population are Latinos, many of which are non-English speaking immigrants, it is refreshing to think this group will be represented and have a say in key policy decisions.

Sánchez is posed to face major hurdles: Maryland’s unemployment rate at 7.2 percent, seasonal, immigrant worker issues as well as labor force training and education of immigrants, to name a few.

He seems to be up to the challenge: “Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Secretary Pérez, the Department has earned a position of national prominence in its work to protect and empower the citizens of Maryland," he said at the press conference. “I look forward to the challenge of continuing to build upon the Department’s achievements.”

While his appointment still has to be confirmed by the Maryland Senate, Sánchez won't have to wait for confirmation, and he is expected to start in October. Our wish is that Sanchez's legal expertise and his many years in the non-profit community serve him well as he works to level the playing field so that all Marylanders, Latinos included, can participate and succeed in the state's current workplace.

All Text and images © 2009 Elianne Ramos. All Rights Reserved. dhep36ub8v