LDCOC Holds 13th Annual Fall Dinner Dance

NEWBURGH – For thirteen years the Latino Democratic Committee of Orange County has been gathering during Hispanic Heritage Month to host its annual Fall Dinner Dance.

The mission of the Latino Democratic Committee of Orange County (LDCOC) is to enhance the lives of Latinos in Orange County through empowerment, pride of ethnic origin, increase Latino voter registration, political awareness, involvement in government, education and community issues, building coalitions and development of political strength.

Keeping in line with the organizations mission, the LDCOC honored three individuals who have enhanced the lives of Latinos in Orange County.

Teddy and Frankie Harpolis, owners of Danny’s Restaurant in Newburgh, received the Entrepreneurship Award. LDCOC Board of Directors Co-Chair Mary Olivera attested to the fine food at the establishment, telling those in attendance that she eats there several times a week. “I was there last night, and as always, the food was really good!”

Orange County Legislator James Kulisek was honored for his work as a legislator and his commitment to the Latino community in Orange County. Kulisek, who first won office in 2005, currently represents the Sixth Legislative District. In addition to his legislative duties, he is a board member of The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and a founding board member of the Hudson Valley Honor Flight.

Kulisek, in accepting his award said, “I’m humbled by the recognition for my service. I must say I wouldn’t be in a position to serve without the Latino Democratic Committee of Orange Counties help.” He thanked several members who worked very hard, some even knocking on doors, during his re-election campaign.

The Sixth Legislative District, which comprises the western part of the City of Newburgh, which according to the 2010 Census report, the City of Newburgh is 48% Latino. Kulisek said, “You need somebody who understands your issues. I have, and will continue to be an advocate for all of the citizens I represent. And the Latino community is a great portion of my constituency.”

Israel Campos, owner of Cancun Inn, received a special award. Campos, now an American citizen, is originally from Mexico. He came to America in 1973 and found a job in the restaurant business as a dishwasher. Eventually his six siblings were able to join him. The family would eventually open their own establishments. Today, Campos and his family have the Cancun Inn at Sugarloaf.

“Stay true to your family and your customers,” Campos says. To what does he credit his success? Treating customers like family. Campos says, “Our restaurant is an extension of our home.” All of the sibling work very hard in the restaurant, often working 14 hour days for what amounts to minimum wage. Campos says he has fun with the customers, laughing, smiling, getting paid. “Isn’t that something? Only in America. The greatest country in the world.”

This year’s keynote speaker was the Speaker of the New York City Council and Council Member for the 8th District Hon. Melissa Mark-Viverito. She inspired those present with her story of being the first Puerto Rican and Latina to hold a citywide office.

Mark-Viverito spoke passionately about being a national leader on comprehensive immigration reform and what she is doing in New York City to protect children; offering safe and secure identification for all New Yorkers fourteen and older; and supporting the New York Family Unity Project – the nation’s first government-funded legal representation program for detained immigrants.