Washington, D.C., January 6, 2017.– The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) released the following statement regarding a letter to President-elect Donald J. Trump and his transition team calling for the nomination of Former California Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in the incoming Administration:
 
“A former Lt. Gov. of California and current vineyard owner who spent his youth picking strawberries on his family’s farm, Abel Maldonado has the skills and experience needed to ensure America’s farming and agricultural industry is able to thrive in the coming years.
 
“Lt. Gov. Maldonado and his family have worked in agriculture for three generations, ensuring his firm grasp of the unique and practical challenges facing the hardworking and dedicated farmers who comprise the cornerstone of America’s modern-day agricultural economy.
 
“As an entrepreneur who worked diligently to expand his family’s Santa Maria farm business from a half-acre to 6000 acre enterprise with 250 employees, Lt. Gov. Maldonado knows firsthand how difficult it can be for America’s farmers to navigate government regulation and oversight of the agricultural industry in this country. 
 
“If chosen to lead the Department of Agriculture and serve as a high ranking member of the Trump Administration, Maldonado would aim to make the government work better for America’s farmers and people like his family.
 
“We call on President-elect Donald J. Trump to nominate this highly qualified and talented Latino farmer, entrepreneur and public servant as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture so that he can put his skills to work on behalf of farmers, Latinos and all Americans. 
 
“NALEO looks forward to working with the Trump transition team to continue to identify other skilled and qualified Latino candidates who could contribute to our nation by serving in the thousands of open positions that will need to be filled in the incoming administration.”