Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta. Photos courtesy of Coconino County
Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta and Treasurer Sarah Benatar were in Washington D.C. this week speaking with the Presidential Transition Team regarding key issues facing the nation’s Latino population and Coconino County as a part of a delegation representing the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) and the National Association of Hispanic County Officials (NAHCO).
Archuleta and Benatar were among 20-25 leaders representing organizations from across the country. The meeting was convened by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and NALEO. The meeting was a roundtable discussion with members of President-elect Trump’s transition team and was an important first step in engaging the new administration.
“I’m honored to be in discussions with the transition team on behalf of the interests of Coconino County and the country. The group of elected officials here this week, representing the diversity of the Nation, recognize that we at the local level are at the front lines and we need to begin discussions early so that we can unite and move our country forward,” said Archuleta. “It’s productive to start the relationship building process now. I’m proud to bring the voice of the constituents I represent and elevate the important issues facing Coconino County.”
Sarah Benatar
The roundtable discussions with the transition team were held in closed door sessions and is hoped to be the first of many more discussions.
“I was happy to be a part of these important talks with the incoming administration,” stated Benatar, County Treasurer and NAHCO President. “We must focus on listening to each other and working together to find solutions. Hispanic County Officials are looking forward to future discussions with President-elect Trump’s administration to address issues impacting counties and the Hispanic constituency.”