

SANTA ANA — At the close of its international convention held this year in Las Vegas, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) today announced its endorsement of Julio Perez for Assembly. The Laborers is one of the largest organizations representing working men and women on Orange County.
“Julio knows that working families are the backbone of our economy. He understands that to create jobs we have to increase job training opportunities,” said Armando Esparza, business manager of Laborers Local 652, which made the endorsement that paves the way Laborers locals throughout California to support Julio’s bid for the Assembly. “Throughout his career, Julio has stood up for good-paying jobs and that’s why we are standing with him for the State Assembly.”
Founded in 1903, LIUNA represents more than 68,000 workers in construction, environmental remediation, maintenance, food service, health care, clerical, and other occupations in California, with more than 3,000 members that live or work in Orange County. The union also has members in state, local and municipal government, as well as the postal service.
“I am honored to have the support of the Laborers,” Perez said when informed he won their support. “With their help, we will be able to communicate with more voters and together we will meet California’s challenges.”
“Julio understands the needs of working families,” added Esparza. “We will work to educate our members on Julio’s support for issues important to working families and mobilize our voting strength to win this election.”
Julio’s candidacy has already scored early endorsements from Anaheim City School District Board Member Dr. Jose Moreno, Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member John Palacio, North Orange County Community College District Trustee Mike Matsuda, Amin David, who is the immediate past-president of Los Amigos of Orange County and Benny Diaz, who is the current State Director and serves as chair of the Orange County LULAC Foundation.
Julio is running in the June Primary to represent the newly redrawn 69th Assembly District, which now has the highest amount of Latinos of all districts statewide – 78.3%. The seat is currently held by Jose Solorio, who can no longer serve in the State Assembly due to term limits. The top two vote-getters in the June 5, 2012 Primary will run in the General Election in November. The 69th District includes a large part of the City of Santa Ana along with portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Orange.
does this guy have any elected experience? has he ever been elected to anything before?
What kind of elected experience should he have? bending over a few co-workers in a conference room a la Carlos Bustamante? Maybe he have collected finders fees and other compensation like Pulido?
Not being elected can be a blessing. Especially when it comes to the Santa Ana City Council.