11 January 2006

Governor’s nominees seek to ensure all Kansans represented
Sebelius makes appointments to Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission

The goal of the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission is to ensure that all Kansans have access and representation in state government.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today made three new appointments to the commission and reappointed one current member. The commission cooperates with state agencies, public and private organizations and community based programs to address the needs of Latinos, particularly in the areas of education, employment, health, and housing.

“Every Kansan deserves the opportunity to succeed. The members of this commission work every day to ensure the fair representation of Kansas’ Latino community,” said Sebelius.

Abel Perez, Arturo Ponce and Robert Vinton were appointed to the commission, while James Terrones, Olathe, was reappointed. All four will serve a three-year term.

Perez, Wichita, has an extensive background in human resources management, and since 1997, he has worked in that field for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Previously, he was director of human resources/safety at Rose America Corporation and at Mid-America Building Maintenance., Inc.

Ponce, Kismet, is a member of the IDEAS Project Advisory Group with John Snow Research and Training Institute, Inc. He is also a member of the ENLACES project, part of the United States-Mexico Border Health Association. Since 2001, Ponce has been a member of the Kansas HIV/AIDS Community Planning Group. He has been a guest speaker on number occasions for HIV prevention and education for Hispanic populations.

Vinton, Dodge City, currently serves as the ESL director at USD 443 in Dodge City. He has worked in education since 1990, including as foreign language coordinator, Spanish teacher and principal. Vinton also served on the Northern Region Migrant Coalition, Kansas Equity Advisory Committee, and as chairman of the Multicultural Task-Force in Dodge City.

Contact the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission at 785.296.3465 or visit their website at khlaac.org for further information.