Late February, a group of Latino elected officials and community leaders met to discuss Latino representation in the Illinois 2nd House District, and the State of Illinois. “This district was created, it was the first Latino District that was created on the South Side of Chicago, and it was done primarily with every intent to elect a Latino. It was about Latino empowerment,” said Senator Martin Sandoval of the 2nd District Illinois House seat. “Community leaders, the residents of Pilsen, have fought for 25 years that it remain in the hands of Latino representation.” In speaking to representing minority districts, Juan Salgado, community leader and recent MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” award winner, said “Latinos are capable of representing their own community and being great representatives for other communities.” The roundtable discussion was made up of Latino Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Sen. Martin Sandoval, owner of Tropical Optical Dan Arce, Founder of the Law Firm Tristan and Cervantes, Homero Tristan, Community Leader Berto Aguayo, Artemio Arreola La Casa de Michoacana, Craig Chico, Executive Director of the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council, Cesar Dovalina, President of Cristina Foods and Juan Salgado, community leader.