Hispanic leaders want advisory board reinstated after farmer’s market controversy

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Prominent members of the Hispanic community are now asking commissioners to reinstate a disbanded advisory board.  This comes after massive controversy over the abrupt closing and reopening of a farmer’s market earlier this year.

“We deserve respect,” said local activist and former member of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, Victor Valdes.

The advisory board that was around since 1991 was disbanded last year after lack of participation from the community.  Valdes says that’s because people got frustrated government leaders weren’t listening. He tells WINK News, there’s plenty of interest in reinstating the advisory board after commissioners tried closing a Hispanic farmer’s market in Golden Gate.

“After the Golden Gate market, we found that we needed communication,” said Valdes.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Tom Henning lead the charge to close the market temporarily without allowing the public to comment.  He also referred to the market as a gypsy business, which prompted outrage in the community.

Commissioner Donna Fiala says she’ll bring up the idea of reinstating the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board during Tuesday’s commission meeting.

“If it’s something the Hispanic community feels they would like reinvigorated, especially because it’s like a direct access to the commissioners well, then that’s fine,” said Commissioner Fiala.

Luis Bernal with the Council of Hispanic Business Professionals has been working with commissioners since the advisory board was disbanded. The private group is even working on a permanent solution for the farmer’s market. Bernal says reinstating the advisory board is a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s a sign that the board of county commissioners want to get more involved with the Hispanic community,” said Bernal.

Tuesday’s commission meeting begins at 9 a.m.