ROGERS — The ethnic population of the city has nearly doubled in the past decade, rising from 19.3 percent Hispanic in 2000 to 31.4 percent Hispanic in the 2010 census, but little has changed as to their place in the community, according to a recently released report.

"Rogers is rapidly diversifying, it is really becoming a community of two demographics: whites and Hispanics," according to the recently released community assessment report section of an economic development plan being compiled by Market Street Planning.

Local and state Hispanic leaders agree there needs to be more communication between ethnic groups, but don't necessarily agree on how to get Hispanics more involved in the community, including politics.

Carlos Chicas, who works for the Rogers School District, was defeated by incumbent Bob Goodwin two years ago in a race for a seat on Rogers City Council.

"There is definitely a gap in local politics. The Latino community needs more education about the American system of government and the importance of voting," said Chicas, who said he will make another run for City Council later this year. Goodwin has announced he is not seeking another term.

Many Hispanics who are eligible to vote don't participate in elections for cultural reasons, Chicas said.

"In the country they come from, politics are national, not local. Many Hispanics don't believe politicians will do anything to help them, because to run for political office, one must be rich and the rich don't care about the poor," Chicas said.

Communication between the two ethnic groups is also part of the problem, said Chicas who immigrated from Guatemala and is now an American citizen.

"Many of the older immigrants don't speak English, and many Americans don't speak Spanish, which makes communication difficult," Chicas said.

The majority of immigrants wants the same things most Americans want: to be able to work, have a family, a roof overhead and a car, Chicas said.

"Hispanic immigrants aren't looking for a handout, or even a hand up, they just want to understand what's available and how they can provide better for their family," Chicas said.

Rey Hernandez, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe last year to fill an unexpired term as justice of the peace for District 2 on the Benton County Quorum Court, has a different view on why Hispanics haven't become more involved in the community.

"Many of these families are in survival mode. They are doing what they need to do to keep a roof overhead, buy groceries and see that their children attend school. They don't have time for anything else," Hernandez said.

"It usually takes three generations before leaders emerge from an ethnic group. I think we are moving in that direction, but aren't there yet," he said.

Hernandez, president of the League of United Latin American Citizens Council 754 in Benton County, has worked with the Hispanic community for years. He is a native American, born in Texas to Hispanic parents.

"Years ago we had an ad hoc committee of Latinos, city, church, chamber and business officials who would get together to discuss the challenges facing the city. It worked great for about five years then faded away," Hernandez said.

The committee may have faded, but Hernandez said he still believes communication via town hall meetings open to everyone would be beneficial to Hispanics, city leaders and residents, by giving everyone a voice.

"Don't get me wrong. I think Rogers has done better with ethnic diversification than some other places, but we still have a ways to go," Hernandez said.

One thing whites and Hispanics could do is to drop the stereotype images each side has, he said.

"Whites may think the Latino is lazy, doesn't want to work and just wants a free ride. Latinos don't trust the whites because whites pay lip service to the greater good of immigration, then use the 287g law to arrest Latinos," Hernandez said.

The "287g law" Hernandez referred to allows local police to act as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. They have the authority to arrest immigrants suspected of being a threat.

"Many of the local Latinos supported the arrest of Hispanic criminals, drug dealers or gang members. That changed when one of the first things the police did after becoming 287g certified was raid a local Mexican restaurant and arrest undocumented Hispanics," Hernandez said.

Rogers residents are accepting of ethnic groups, and have worked to solve cultural and ethnic differences and improve communication, said Raymond Burns, president and chief executive officer of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We've been working for the past 15 years at the chamber to provide help and leadership opportunities to Hispanic and other ethnic groups," Burns said. The chamber has a bilingual staff member to help Hispanic businessmen understand American laws, what permits are needed and the development of business plans.

Cyndi Beltran, student government president at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, said it's up to Latinos to better their life and position in the community.

Beltran, 20, is a native Mexican in the United States on a work visa. She hopes she will be able to become an American citizen in a few years.

"As Latinos, we must become better educated about what's available. I wanted to take advanced classes in high school, but didn't know I could," Beltran said.

"Latinos are hard-working, family oriented people. We need to use the hard work ethic to pull ourselves up. Nobody is going to help us, we must help ourselves," she said.

Greg Lindley, a local banker and chairman of the city Parks and Recreation Committee, agreed Hispanics are hard-working.

"There are several Hispanic businesses in Rogers. You don't open a business if you are lazy. Running your own business is some of the hardest work you will ever do. " Lindley said.

"I think we need to make sure the door to the community and politics is always open to ethnic groups -- we keep the door open, it may take time, but leaders from the Hispanic group will walk through and begin to take their rightful place in all walks of life," he said.

There are local and national organizations working to help Hispanics engage in the community and politics. The Arkansas United Community Coalition's mission is to find and groom Hispanic leaders, said Mireya Reith, executive director.

"Many immigrants still lack the information and capabilities to become full participants in the economic, political and social process," Reith said. She was appointed to serve on the State Board of Education.

"Our job at the coalition is to work with young Latinos, help them become leaders not only of their community, but the wider community as well," Reith said.

She said she doesn't believe it takes three generations to develop leaders.

"We encourage young leaders to get involved in local elections, run for the school board or the city council so they develop the skills and knowledge it takes to move to the state level and beyond," she said.

Brig Caldwell, director of community relations at Heritage High School, works with young immigrants.

"The majority of immigrants I work with are Hispanic. Through programs directed at immigrants, we are beginning to develop some students with the potential to become leaders in the community, although I wish we had more bilingual teachers or counselors in the School District." Caldwell said.

There is a leadership program, which is sponsored by Arvest Bank, that gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, Caldwell said.

"Education is the key to improvement. Immigrants need to understand the American system of government to develop the skills necessary to become successful. I think we are doing that, and will have more students graduate and become involved," he said.

Caldwell, has dual Costa Rican and American citizenship. He was born in Costa Rica but was adopted and grew up in America. He returned to Costa Rica for five years so he could better understand the problems faced by Hispanic immigrants.

Betsy Reithemeyer, alderwoman, said the city's institutions are making progress in bringing Hispanics into the community.

"I've never thought we were really divided as a community," Reithemeyer said. "I know much has been accomplished over the years, but there is still more to be done to fully equalize the two communities."

NW News on 04/14/2014