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Hilda Solis says she's open to all possibilities and does not rule out position as Mayor of Los Angeles or Governor of California.
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Labor secretary -- -- -- -- is the first Hispanic woman to ever hold that position and is one of the most influential and powerful Latinos in America today.
She was the first Hispanic woman to serve in the California senate.
And as a democratic representative for eight years she was a champion for organized labor and immigrant rights secretaries Elise thank you so much for being here today -- great.
So it's been it's been four years as -- Department of Labor and you know the big question is why have you chosen to opt out of the seconds or from president Barack Obama.
Well I'll tell you I've actually served twelve years in Washington DC eight members of the House of Representatives and then four in the cabinet.
And you know this holiday season gave me a chance to really reflect on.
Where I want to go in the future New Year's resolutions you think about where what what is it that I want to do.
And I felt that it was time to come home like this last year lost my father is very close to -- very very strong influence in my life and my mother's very close to me as well and she's you know she's 87 years old and -- those those factors had a lot to do with my decision as well is going home and seeking opportunities there's no wonder make clothes in another meal and.
Your resignation has come at a time as well as and he's expected resignation of interior secretary Ken Salazar.
And a lot of Latinos are beginning to to -- worried about the diversity of the cabinet.
For the second term there are now presently know Latinos represented in the cabinet once you win now mr.
Salazar.
Are out.
That's for the time being for the time being for the time being the best opportunity to a sore point of course but as of now technically or are you concerned about that and how high priority -- the diversity in the cabinet should be.
It's very important and the president will and will not shy away from that and I know that -- -- -- commitment to continue to see that there is diversity reflecting his cabinet so.
Let's give him a chance to do that.
I know that he's very concerned.
Also about the quality of individual city has reflected he's already quit -- -- As a Supreme Court justice come on -- not forget that.
And then you also have he has some very high -- individuals -- service department of justice and also on the White House Sicilian when Yost.
Is a dear friend and is working right now on issues that we care about.
Where -- -- economy or immigration reform.
There have been some groups out there lets you know activist groups that are saying we don't get at least two or three representatives it's a failure to argue with them.
I don't know that I wouldn't say it's a failure because even in my own department I had I had the ability.
To bring about more representation diversity might own kitchen cabinet we had about 57%.
Of diverse population represented in my kitchen cabinet.
Men and women of color people with disabilities LG BT community so let me tell you it really it really starts in terms of how leaders.
Select those people around them and I know that there are some very good people that I have worked with that I work with now in the cabinet because I'm still there.
And and see that they are earnestly trying to fulfill with the president has wanted -- to do it.
Secretary York California native and there has been plenty of speculation though you're next -- is going to be -- slogan a Los Angeles political experts who say.
You know what her political career is far from over and they fully expect you run in 2014.
For the board of supervisors drawn -- in Los Angeles county.
Is that position something that you're going to look look for in the future.
Well I'm gonna look at all opportunities and certainly California is one of those.
Very key states in the country because.
That there is a lot of diversity now I mean I can remember when I ran for state senate and was a first Latina there now we have many more we have more people representing us.
In the House of Representatives who are Latinos and Latino tonight I just have a lot of faith in optimism that there's going to be more opportunities for us and I certainly look forward to going back Coleman exploring notes it is an option.
It is it -- it.
You could be very good options to keep.
Love also said you know you could have been mayor of Los Angeles he could've been governor of California along time ago.
Why didn't you decide to go that route and down I guess as we've been discussed the possible is -- guess -- open on that.
Well I'll tell you.
You know I I take things very seriously in terms of the role.
That I want to play and I've always kept.
Very close to my community and that district that I represented not only in the senate but in the congress is is home.
And I looked very favorably upon the people there in the needs -- -- still exists there and I think that in some ways if I can be effective in helping.
To change lives there is I try to in demonstrated in many other capacities then that's where I want -- that's where I'd like to go but also want to share what I know.
And be able to help and give incentives and help to mentor and allow for other young people especially.
-- -- -- and Latinos to understand that these positions are available to them.
But they've got to work get it there's a lot of sacrifice it goes with it but people need to know that there are opportunities and people want them.
To serve so now's the time for us to get that those folks motivated and I see my role is helping to fulfill that.
Whether or not you may take a position or not -- mean that could be one way you can which you can you can for maybe for CNN and that is an -- -- it -- that you -- -- all possibilities is why we're gathered from this.
