New Britain's Francisco Cuin appointed to statewide commission.

I have known Francisco Cuin of New Britain for years, now, and I have always been impressed with his passion for advocating for the things that matter to people's lives.  He is a truly decent and sincere person.  That is why I was very pleased that he was called upon recently to serve on an important statewide commission.

Here is a press statement the New Britain legislative delegation issued recently:

The New Britain Legislative Delegation today welcomed news that New Britain resident and community leader Francisco O. Cuin has been appointed to serve on the state’s Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) for the next two years.

Mr. Cuin was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has resided in New Britain since 2002. He is a member of the board of the Spanish Speaking Center and is an elected member of the city’s Board of Assessment. He is also the co-founder of the Parent Network of New Britain, which works to improve quality of life of New Britain Latinos.

Mr. Cuin currently works for the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. in the Head Start Program and with the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. He holds multiple degrees, including a juris doctorate from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.

“Francisco Cuin is a civic leader in the city of New Britain and is a strong advocate for the Latino community in our city,” said Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-6). “He will be a welcome and positive addition to the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.”

“Mr. Cuin has a long history of advocacy and will bring an important voice to the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission,” said Representative Betty Boukus (D-22).

“Francisco is a true leader who genuinely cares for building a better future for people,” Representative Tim O’Brien (D-24) said. “He has the expertise and values to do an excellent job on the commission. Now other state leaders can see the good we in New Britain already know about Francisco.”

“Francisco will make a wonderful addition to the commission,” said Representative John Geragosian (D-25). “He understands the challenges facing the Latino community and the community at-large. He will be a strong advocate for change.”

Mr. Cuin’s term on LPRAC will last through January 8, 2012. He was appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), jointly.

Created in 1994, LPRAC is a nonpartisan public policy agency within the state’s Legislative Branch. LPRAC consists of 21 appointed volunteers who are mandated to advise the General Assembly and the governor on policies that foster progress in the Latino communities residing in Connecticut. For more information, visit www.cga.ct.gov/lprac.

This commission has an important role, providing the legislature with research and information that legislators would not normally have in our decision-making process.  I know that Mr. Cuin will be a strong voice, directing LPRAC to ask tough questions and provide the kind of incisive information that will make our job, in the legislature, in advocating for all people more successful.