Eddie Perez (politician): Difference between revisions

Content deleted Content added

Inline

Revision as of 05:14, 1 November 2005

Eddie Alberto Perez lives the American Dream everyday. As Mayor of Hartford, he wants to make that dream a reality for all residents of the Capitol City. Mr. Perez has made history by being the City’s first Latino Mayor. He changed the City Charter in 2002, he is now the CEO of Hartford.

Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Mr. Perez arrived in Hartford in 1969 at the age of 12. His family (Mama Felicita, brothers William, Orlando, Wilfredo, Moises, Nelson, Ruben, Noel, and his sister Jeanette) was greeted by substandard housing and limited opportunities for Latinos. In order to escape the social turmoil in Hartford during the 1970’s, the Perez family moved frequently in search of a safe environment. This served as the foundation for what Mayor Perez stands for today. It is what The Hartford Courant characterizes as “a living metaphor for survival, continually evolving”.

Mr. Perez graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1976, and later earned an Associate’s Degree from Capital Community Technical College. Along the way, his affiliations included the youth group at Sacred Heart Church, led by Father Tom Goekler. Father Tom Goekler and “Big Brother” David Lowery became father figures to the future Mayor, instilling in him the passion for community service, and the commitment to change any social or economic injustice confronting people.

In 1978, Mr. Perez took a job as a VISTA volunteer to address tenant issues in the North End. That position led to his role as the founding member of the grassroots organization O.N.E./C.H.A.N.E. In 1986, he became the Director of MASH (Make Something Happen), an early welfare-to-work effort for families in public housing.

Three years later, the President of Trinity College was looking for its first Director of Community Relations--- and Eddie Perez fit the bill. By 1994, Mr. Perez had earned a degree in economics from Trinity (while working there full time), and was named Associate Vice President of Community and Government Relations for Trinity.

In June of 1999, he was tapped to be the President and Executive Director of the Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA), which is an organization founded by Trinity College and Hartford Hospital.  In that capacity, he spearheaded the completion of the $112 million Learning Corridor and launched SINA’s $220 million Neighborhood Initiative.  Both are now recognized as national models for comprehensive community revitalization.

Perez was first elected as Mayor of Hartford 2001.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Eddie Alberto Perez lives the American Dream everyday. As Mayor of Hartford, he wants to make that dream a reality for all residents of the Capitol City.  Mr. Perez has not only made history by being the City’s first Latino Mayor, but it’s first strong mayor in more than 50 years.  By changing the City Charter in 2002, he is now the CEO of Hartford.  By reducing crime, raising the expectations of public school education, increasing homeownership, and creating more neighborhood economic development, Mayor Perez wants to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the city that was called the “House of Hope” by its Dutch founders.
+Eddie Alberto Perez lives the American Dream everyday. As Mayor of Hartford, he wants to make that dream a reality for all residents of the Capitol City.  Mr. Perez has  made history by being the City’s first Latino Mayor. He changed the City Charter in 2002, he is now the CEO of Hartford.
@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 Mr. Perez graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1976, and later earned an Associate’s Degree from Capital Community Technical College.  Along the way, his affiliations included the youth group at Sacred Heart Church, led by Father Tom Goekler. Father Tom Goekler and “Big Brother” David Lowery became father figures to the future Mayor, instilling in him the passion for community service, and the commitment to change any social or economic injustice confronting people.
-The “Eddie Perez Story” reads like a “Who’s Who” in how to be an effective leader.  In 1978, Mr. Perez took a job as a VISTA volunteer to address tenant issues in the North End.  That position led to his role as the founding member of the grassroots organization O.N.E./C.H.A.N.E.  In 1986, he became the Director of MASH (Make Something Happen), an early welfare-to-work effort for families in public housing.
+In 1978, Mr. Perez took a job as a VISTA volunteer to address tenant issues in the North End.  That position led to his role as the founding member of the grassroots organization O.N.E./C.H.A.N.E.  In 1986, he became the Director of MASH (Make Something Happen), an early welfare-to-work effort for families in public housing.
-Three years later, the President of Trinity College was looking for its first Director of Community Relations--- and Eddie Perez fit the bill.  By 1994, Mr. Perez had earned a degree in economics from Trinity (while working there full time), and was named Associate Vice President of Community and Government Relations for this world-class college.
+Three years later, the President of Trinity College was looking for its first Director of Community Relations--- and Eddie Perez fit the bill.  By 1994, Mr. Perez had earned a degree in economics from Trinity (while working there full time), and was named Associate Vice President of Community and Government Relations for Trinity.
-Then the Perez reputation for excellence really started to get attention.  In June of 1999, he was tapped to be the President and Executive Director of the Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA), which is an organization founded by Trinity College and Hartford Hospital.  In that capacity, he spearheaded the completion of the $112 million Learning Corridor and launched SINA’s $220 million Neighborhood Initiative.  Both are now recognized as national models for comprehensive community revitalization.
+ In June of 1999, he was tapped to be the President and Executive Director of the Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA), which is an organization founded by Trinity College and Hartford Hospital.  In that capacity, he spearheaded the completion of the $112 million Learning Corridor and launched SINA’s $220 million Neighborhood Initiative.  Both are now recognized as national models for comprehensive community revitalization.
+Perez was first elected as Mayor of [[Hartford]] 2001.
-Former Trinity College President Evan Dobelle says, “I don’t know of anyone in the city or public policy who does as good a job as Eddie.”  Community leader Edie Lacy has referred to the man who would become Mayor as “The little engine that could, did, and does.”
-What this “little engine” did next was run for Mayor of Hartford--- and won!  He was first elected in 2001.  Then he accomplished something that had eluded his predecessors--- he successfully accomplished Charter Revision.  The residents of Hartford look to Eddie Perez as the person they trust to lead the city on the path to economic recovery and financial stability.  And along that road of revitalization, Mayor Perez has reached out and inspired people of all races and backgrounds.  Those who have watched the story of Eddie Perez unfold marvel at how he is just as at ease talking to someone waiting at the deli as he is speaking to a worldwide dignitary.
-The people who have seen this American Dream come alive first hand are members of his beloved family.  His wife Maria, and their two children, Eddie, Jr. and Cierra demonstrate their support and commitment, with unflappable love.  If Mayor Perez’s effective leadership is the foundation for the City’s future--- a loving family is the foundation for this effective leader.