Hispanics already have a candidate
Sebastián Lantos registers his candidacy for state congress.
Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK — For the first time in the history of Oklahoma, a candidate of Hispanic origin will seek election as state representative. It is about Sebastian Lantos, social activist with 19 years of continuous advocacy for the immigrant community.
The race for the government seat will be uphill, but the talent, dedication and perseverance are fundamental attributes of the first Hispanic candidate in intolerable lands like Oklahoma.
The eventual victory of Lantos could constitute a kind of cultural bridge between the various communities.
The district in which the Hispanic candidate will run is located south of the city; the district, called 67, is practically Republican territory. The ratio is 3 conservatives for each Democrat.
The current representative of the area, Pam Peterson, has not had a rival in the last two elections, which is why this contest will be a novelty.
The Candidate
Lantos divided his childhood between his native Buenos Aires and the city of Shrewsbury, in the state of Massachussets.
He was twenty years old when he decided to move definitely to the United States, in order to achieve the long-cherished American Dream.
Thus, he began in the multinational McDonalds serving as manager of training and corporate operations, then completing his higher education at Oklahoma State University, graduating with top honors.
His volunteer work began in the offices of immigration counseling for Catholic Charities, later founding with other activists the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, in which he served as its first president.
Currently, Lantos shares his community activities with his translation and interpretation business.
Lantos and his plan
“The reason for my decisión is that there is no more room for talking, watching and pleading to the political higher-ups …we should talk on equal terms with those who are undermining our communities, Tulsa and our state of Oklahoma,” said Lantos in an exclusive to the Hispano de Tulsa.
The plan of the Hispanic candidate is not merely symbolic, but rather an action properly articulated that will cover topics very important, apart from immigration.
Education, public safety, environmental conservation and infrastructure, will be part of the package of real offers from Lantos to the electorate.
Details and specifications of the so-called "Plan Lantos," will be released in the coming days.
Dream or Possibility?
“If it was impossible we wouldn’t do it, we want to set an example for other districts, less extreme (than 67) that will encourage more people to run,” said Lantos.
Despite the radical nature of the district in southern Tulsa, statistics indicate a very high level of abstention, much more in two consecutive elections where there has been no choice for voters. From there has arisen the hope to fight for a seat in the State Capitol.
Lantos said that "the alarmists in the chambers of Congress not only have been ignorant in imprisoning for innocent problems…but also left free the real problems that afflict us…it’s time to act wisely,” he said with firmness and determination.
