Ed Rendell is supposed to start organizing his government as soon as he returns from a well-deserved vacation. In the meantime he has appointed a transition team which includes one of the shining stars of the Hispanic community. Kenneth I. Trujillo, former Philadelphia City Solicitor, successful attorney and President of Congreso's Board of Directors is adding another title to his distinguished resume. 

His presence on the transition team means that a Latino voice will be heard when serious decisions are made. His designation as a member of the transition team for the new governor is not mere window dressing. and it speaks volumes about the respect Ed Rendell has for Mr. Trujillo's advice and expertise. The number of jobs available make it imperative that Latinos be given consideration, and his presence ensures that at the very least some Latino names will be on those lists. 

The transition team's General Chairman is former Governor-Elect Rendell's former chief of staff, David Cohen. Ken Trujillo will be counsel to the transition team and part of the executive committee which will include the Governor-Elect, the General Chair and Co-Chairs and the Executive Director. The transition team is already meeting on an ambitious pace. It is currently forming the transition committees that will make recommendations to the executive committee. 

The Pennsylvania government has more than 80,000 employees across the state. While most of those jobs are civil service, the leadership of the government, including cabinet, and sub-cabinet positions, as well as boards and commissions will be put in place by the transition team. This is a historic period for all Latinos. 

Recognition of their importance as part of the electorate and as an integral part of the community was slow to come. But Hispanics are learning to wield power, the power at the ballot box, and how that influence can be translated into actions that benefit the whole community. Ken Trujillo's appointment is part of that success and it represents a great opportunity for the advancement of Hispanics in the state.