Clifton, Arizona is a place with a rich history and a hopeful future, as described in a recent article by Gustavo Arellano. Arellano traveled through the Southwest to speak with Latinos about their hopes and dreams in the lead-up to the election. Clifton, a town known for its massive open-pit copper mine, has seen both growth and decline over the years.
One resident making a difference in Clifton is Janeene Carrillo, a third-generation miner who returned to her hometown to serve on the town council. Carrillo is working to revitalize Clifton by attracting businesses and creating opportunities for the community. With a focus on diversifying the town’s economy beyond mining, Carrillo is aiming to make Clifton a place where people want to stay.
Despite political divisions, Carrillo believes that investing in places like Clifton is essential, especially considering the contributions Latinos have made to the mining industry. As a 45-year-old woman with political aspirations and a desire to see her hometown thrive, Carrillo is a symbol of hope for Clifton’s future.
As Arellano reflects on his family’s roots in the area, he recognizes the importance of telling the stories of places like Clifton. While the town may not receive national attention, the efforts of individuals like Carrillo are creating positive change and a sense of community in this historic mining town.
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