The Latino Caucus of alderman is considering opening up to non-Latino alderman who have majority Latino constituencies. This move could expand the eight member group to as many as 15.

“It would be beneficial to the caucus, but more importantly it would be beneficial to the constituency,” said Alderman Daniel Solis, chairman of the Latino Caucus and 25th ward alderman. “It would create a better awareness [of Latino issues] for those aldermen with majority Latino constituencies.”

This plan to expand the caucus is contingent on the agreement of the current caucus members and the interest of non-caucus members in joining the group. Solis said he thought it likely that the caucus would agree and that there would be non-Latino aldermen interested in joining.

Of the seven alderman who may be invited to join the caucus include Ed Burke of the 14th ward, John Pope of the 10th ward, Richard Mell of the 33rd ward and four others. If these aldermen were willing to join, it would not only increase the numbers of members in the Latino Caucus it would also bring influential members of the city council into the group, Solis suggested.

The plan to expand the caucus follows the city’s recent redistricting. This process redrew the wards, and using the new map and the census data it was to identify seven wards with majority Latino populations and non-Latino aldermen.

“It’s a good time, but we haven’t decided yet,” he said in response to the changes. The caucus has to convene to make an official decision. Solis said he thought that decision would come before the end of this year.