Apology sought over 'wetbacks'

Members of the Latin Chamber of Commerce and other local Hispanic organizations demanded a formal apology from Assemblyman John Marvel at a press conference Tuesday for using the term "wetbacks" during a recent meeting.

Marvel, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia, used the term during a Feb. 5 meeting when he suggested hiring "wetbacks" to restore the adobe exterior of the Lost City Museum in Overton.

In defense of his comments, Marvel, R-Battle Mountain, stated he was only trying to make a joke.

If an apology is not made, said Eddie Escobedo, chairman for Amigos for Democracy, a recall motion will be attempted.

Larry Mason, chairman for the Latin Chamber of Commerce, read aloud during the half-hour press conference a three-page statement strongly condemning Marvel's choice of such a derogatory term.

An apology is also demanded of Ways and Means Chairman Morse Arberry, D-North Las Vegas, who suggested Marvel's comment be overlooked and the hearing continue. Because Arberry is black, his decision shocked the organization.

"Does anyone believe that he or any other African American would have reacted so calmly or reasonably if Assemblyman Marvel had used the infamous 'N' word?" Mason asked, reading the statement.

Hispanic groups represented Tuesday included Amigos For Democracy, Allianza Latina, Hispanics in Politics, Hispanic Leadership Summit, Lulac, Latino Peace Officers Assoc., the UNLV Chapter of the Student Organization of Latinos and the Community College of Southern Nevada's chapter of the Student Organization of Latinos.

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