Cisneros Challenges Latinos to ‘Lead the Way’

In his first public appearance in Los Angeles since his fall from grace as the nation’s most promising Latino politician, San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros received a warm welcome from a large gathering of Latino leaders Thursday night and challenged them to “lead in pointing the way” to the nation’s future.

“The destiny of America is changing in fundamental ways,” Cisneros told about 1,000 people attending a banquet of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund at the Bonaventure.

Cisneros quoted studies showing that, by the year 2000, California’s population will be 48% Latino, Asian and black.

The Texas mayor said the nation’s changing demographics place it at a “juxtaposition of opportunity and danger. . . .

“At this threshold, attitudes of Americans must begin to reflect these changing realities,” Cisneros said, adding that the nation’s prosperity and “very survival are at stake.”

Education of Minorities

As an example of the nation’s unresponsiveness to these changing responsibilities, Cisneros pointed to the lack of investment in the education of the nation’s growing population of young blacks, Latinos and Asians.

Cisneros, 41, long-regarded as the national star of Latino politics, took a public tumble last month when he acknowledged problems in his 19-year-marriage and his involvement with another woman. The disclosure followed months of persistent rumors in San Antonio about the mayor’s troubled private life.

Earlier this fall, Cisneros announced that he would not seek a fifth term for mayor and that he planned to withdraw from public life.

He told The Times on Thursday that his plans are to go into private business and to devote more time to his personal life, including the care of his ailing youngest child. But his long-term plan is to eventually return to politics, he said.

As mayor of America’s 9th largest city, Cisneros has won accolades for bridging Anglo and Latino interests as well as spurring the city’s economic development.

He has often been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor or other Texas statewide offices.

Considered by Mondale

In 1984, he was considered as a vice presidential running mate by presidential candidate Walter F. Mondale. And, for Latinos, he came to represent the hope for someday reaching the presidency itself.

The mayor said he will remain active in public issues dealing with education, U.S.-Mexico relations and the Latino community.