Valley Latinos Think Sotomayor Appointment A ‘Great Idea’

INDIO – News of Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court quickly spread through the Coachella Valley’s Latino community Tuesday. The reaction was largely positive.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Indio resident Delila Cardona.

“I think it’s a good idea for everybody else and the Latino ‘gente’,” said Indio resident Fred Orosco.

If confirmed, Sotomayor will be the first Latino justice on the Supreme Court.

“Obviously as a Latina, as a Mexican, we need more culture into that type of environment, just so that the influence is there and the opinion is there; Also, as a woman, because we also need that point of view. The Supreme Court is mainly men and women need to voice their opinion more,” said Cardona.

“I honestly believe it was about time they appointed a female, especially a Puerto Rican lady with a strong power, a strong will. And Puerto Rican ladies like me –we do and say as we do,” said Indio resident Zenny Hernandez.

Mario Rodriguez is an attorney.He says the country needs someone with practical experience in the law.

“Most of the Supreme Court justices for the last 60, 70 years have been essentially from the academic background and it’s important to have someone, and Obama said when he made his announcement, he’d base it on someone who had some understanding of the impact the courts’ ruling would have in peoples’ lives,” said Rodriguez.

Sotomayor’s professional experience is important for some people. But, for others, it’s her personal experience that matters most.

“I’m married to a Latin girl so yeah, he’s right [laughs]. They express their feelings, they’re very strong and their morals are pretty strong based,” said Indio resident Victor Hernandez.