Los Angeles—"I want to be a better public servant for the community," Gil Cedillo exclaims during his one-on-one facilitated by Benjie Reyes. These words are not promises just to be written on paper, but it is a statement that needs to be heard. Gilbert "Gil" Cedillo proudly announces his candidacy for 32nd Congressional District. Cedillo’s campaign focuses on creating a competitive workforce, securing access to affordable health care and investment in public safety and transportation.
Cedillo is currently the California State Senator for District 22 encompassing the Los Angeles, Alhambra, Maywood, San Marino, Vernon and South Pasadena areas. He also serves as the Chair for the California Latino Legislative Caucus and the Select Committee on Immigration and the Economy. In addition, he is a member of Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, and Transportation and Housing Committees. Although his eleven years of legislative work precedes him, Cedillo acknowledges his background and community work that made him who he is today.
Growing up in Boyle Heights, Cedillo’s childhood experiences taught him about diversity in his community. He was even mistaken to be Filipino since no one could determine his ethnicity from the varied groups that he was part of. Cedillo attended Roosevelt High School, then UCLA for his undergraduate studies where he was greatly involved in the Ethnic Studies department. He later received a Juris Doctorate degree from the People’s College of Law.
Before the start of his legislative career, Cedillo has won accolades with the labor unions and community organizations. He fought alongside with union leaders to gain the recognition and the rights that the labor workers deserved. Cedillo continues to advocate in behalf of the immigrant community and working class by taking his efforts to the next level.
In spite of oppositions against him, Cedillo, nicknamed "One Bill Gil", moves forward in his efforts to support numerous legislation initiatives. He believes that the impact of legislation starts locally and the change can eventually manifest nationally. Cedillo is a driving force in defending the SB160—California Dream Act, AB 1463—Driver’s License and AB 1978—Filipino Veteran’s Bill. What makes him different from his opponents in the Congressional District race is the more than 80 bills that he has supported during his eleven years of legislative work. He says, "when politicians are faced with difficulties, they tend to step back, but I’ve always believed in moving forward. They take the political not the principal approach."
The AB 1978—Filipino Veteran’s Bill provided Filipino WWII Veterans with their SSP benefits about $334 per month if they choose to return to the Philippines. Because of the 1946 Rescission Act, Filipino soldiers who served in the US Army during WWII were prevented from receiving any sort of military benefits or pensions. Benefits that are made available under the State Supplemental Program (SSP) would be provided as a benefit to veterans eligible to receive SSP. As such, a majority of these Veterans rely on SSI and SSP as their only source of income.
Cedillo is among few of the elected officials with the most Filipinos on staff. Mel Ilomin, his second in command, is a longtime supporter of the Filipino-American community. Cedillo has grown to be a leader not just to a number of specific groups, but to all who needs their voices heard. He will remain committed to addressing the needs of the whole community on the ground level as he supports the people in their struggles. The 32nd Congressional District that covers the areas of Baldwin Park, West Covina, Azusa, South El Monte, Rosemead, Irwindale and Covina has a population that is four to five percent Filipino.
When asked why he was running for Congress, he smiles and points at the photo of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Manny Pacquiao on the front of the March 11-13, 2009 edition of the Asian Journal. He says that it’ll give him reason to take a picture with Manny Pacquiao too. One thing’s for sure: Both Gil Cedillo and Manny Pacquiao are true champions in the Filipino-American community.
( Published on March 20, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A4 )
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
