Organizers of Waukegan’s annual parade celebrating the independence of several Latin American countries and Hispanic Heritage Month are expressing disapproval with Ald. Victor Felix, 4th Ward, for trying to pry them away from the event.
Elizabeth Marrero, a director of not-for-profit organization Juntos — the organizer of the Viva la Independencia parade in September — said Felix asked the group to withdraw its special-use permit granted by the city on Jan. 14. The group began working on it in December.
“Felix stated that the parade had been promised to other individuals and warned us that if we do not withdraw, they will find loopholes to revoke the permit,” Marrero said. “No public official should use their position to intimidate or manipulate (a) community group.”
Marrero made Felix’s remarks to her and a colleague public during audience time at the Waukegan City Council meeting Monday at City Hall, asking for an investigation into the alderman’s behavior.
After she finished her remarks, Marrero walked to the center of the dais and handed a copy of her speech to Mayor Sam Cunningham. When the meeting was over, Cunningham gave the paper to Corporation Counsel Joseph Miller, III.
“I’m giving it to our corporation counsel,” Cunningham said. “We’re making it an official document. Our goal is to have a successful parade.”
Near the end of the meeting, during a time reserved for council members to speak, Felix said he is committed to the city’s event process and following the related rules and procedures. He did not specifically deny any of Marrero’s allegations.
“If my actions were perceived as anything other than supportive, I sincerely apologize,” Felix said. “I’m here to work alongside our community partners, not against them. I stand with those trying to bring positive and inclusive events to our city. I’m willing to support any parade that brings our city together in the right way.”
When asked specifically after the meeting if he had asked Juntos to withdraw its parade application, he said, “No comment.” He gave the same answer when asked if any of Marrero’s statements were inaccurate.
During her conversation with Felix, Marrero said at the meeting that she felt he was trying to intimidate her and her colleague. He told them that if they appealed the withdrawal of the permit, the council would vote against her.
“Felix stated that by Juntos withdrawing from coordinating the parade will be the best possible scenario for the city of Waukegan to avoid any drama,” Marrero said. “We also learned this alderman has been questioning city staff about ways to find loopholes to revoke the permit.”
After the meeting, Marrero said she received a text from Felix on April 25 asking to meet in person. He insisted it happen quickly. She and her colleague met with Felix on April 27. Already working to organize the parade since December, Juntos was not about to leave the scene. He added pressure.
“This behavior is intimidating, inappropriate and very unethical,” Marrero said.
David Motley, the city’s communications director, said the city received only one application for the annual parade, and it was already approved.
Jesus Uribe, another Juntos member, said through an interpreter during the meeting that the organization donates any excess money generated from the parade back into the community. It is already seeking donations and sponsorships.
“With the money we raised in (last year’s) parade, we will be giving three (college) scholarships,” Uribe said. “Whatever is raised from the next parade will be given to people who have cancer.”
