Lt. Governor candidate visits western Massachusetts highlighting Latino communities

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll visited several areas in western Massachusetts to highlight the Healey campaign’s “vision for economic empowerment in Latino communities.”

The Salem Mayor made stops in Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee Monday to let constituents know what’s being done to support economic growth, particularly among the Latino community.

She first visited the Latino Economic Development Corporation in Springfield along with State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez and Orlando Ramos to join a discussion focused on the Latino business community in Western Massachusetts.

Andrew Melendez, Director of the Latino Economic Development Corporation told 22News he’s hopeful that if Driscoll is elected in November, she’ll make Latino business a priority, “We want to let people know that we’re here, we want to grow in any way that we can support our businesses to build wealth for their families, for their education and for the broader community to say let’s support Latino businesses.”

Roughly 52 percent of residents in Springfield identify as Latino and 68 percent of students in the Springfield Public School district are Latino as well.

Melendez noted the positive relationship the local Latino community has had with Karyn Polito’s administration and is hopeful it will continue with the next administration.

Driscoll also met with Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia at 624 South East Street to visit homes in South Holyoke and also stopped at Valley Opportunity Council on Mt. Carmel Avenue in Chicopee.