This commentary was contributed by Hollister City Councilmember Rick Perez. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Everyone has a story. Here is mine. I was an at-risk youth, with no real positive role models and even less opportunities. I got involved with the wrong people and slid into drugs and addiction.
That is why I have been such a supporter for Bulldog Boxing here in town. It gives kids opportunities for success and can help define them, and keep them from choosing the wrong path.
It was a long road, and I had some really tough times. I made choices I really regret, but you can’t go backwards, you have to move forward. And make better choices.
Being a dad was what really changed and challenged me. My son was removed from my custody for a time. It is the single biggest regret and it was because of the place I was in at the time, and the choices I made. I worked hard to get him back.
I wanted to be a better dad. I wanted my son to grow up in a safe neighborhood, and have opportunities. So I made a decision to choose a different path. I went through recovery. I went to AA. I became involved with church. It was my refuge and helped guide me. I have found a home with the Christian Worship Center, who accepted me despite my mistakes and they have become a part of my support system, and my extended family.
I have been open and honest about my past record since before I took office in 2020. There has been mention of 79 charges. But I want to be very clear. These things occurred many years ago, and the majority of these had to do with parking tickets, and speeding tickets. I am thankful that I have grown since those days, and I am not the same person I was back then.
What some of you may not know, is that I was approached by Rolan Resendiz and Ignacio Velazquez* and they asked me to run for City Council. I explained to them about my record. They encouraged me to run anyway. In fact, Ignacio helped me with my paperwork. Ignacio began to tell people I would be his third vote to control the council. I was not happy with this. I was elected to council and I disagreed on some issues and did not vote the way they wanted. It was shortly after this, the two of them turned on me. Rolan began bullying me and has never stopped.
I have worked hard, not only on my recovery and becoming a better father, but I have also learned the importance of giving back and serving the community. I like to help people. It is why I chose to run for office, to fight for the needs of residents in my district. I also fight for programs for underserved communities and to provide support for our kids and seniors. I love my community, and it is worth fighting for. It is a shame in this age of forgiveness and acceptance, someone like me who has worked hard to overcome my challenges, rise up and rebuild my life, that there are people who still want to kick you and push you back down. I thank you Rolan Resendiz, for reminding me how far I have come from the person I used to be. And with God’s grace I will continue forward in my journey. It is an honor to serve the people and help residents in my district with the issues that matter most to them.
*Editor’s note: Ignacio Velazquez is a former Hollister Mayor. He was recently elected to the San Benito County Board of Supervisor. His term begins in 2025.
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