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His candidacy is augmented by City Council Candidates Leesther Brown, Ken Gilleo and Bill Moran, as part of a non-partisan group under the banner to “Stand Up for Peekskill,” with no formal ties to the political establishment on either side of the political spectrum.
Perez immigrated to the United States in 1996 and began his quest to achieve the American Dream working 12 hour days washing dishes in a Mount Kisco restaurant.
He watched and learned the restaurant business literally and figuratively from the ground floor up while going to Pace University to further his education and learn better English.
Perez said, “As a businessman who loves this City, my vision for Peekskill is for it to be fiscally responsible and not waste taxpayer dollars on policies and projects that will not enhance the quality of life, safety and future for every one of our residents. We must all be caretakers of our City not just for today but moreover for the generations to come.”
Mr. Perez became a citizen in 2006. Aside from this prideful accomplishment, he holds a Computer Science Degree from the University de San Carlos in Guatemala and before immigrating to the U.S. he briefly taught computer science in Guatemala.
“I believe every citizen should be treated with honesty and respect by those who are elected to the City Council and I don’t care what political party they may be a part of,” Ms. Brown said. “I’m registered as an Independent because I think local government is not about being a Democrat or a Republican. Peekskill and its success as a community should be the only thing that matters.”
“I believe the most fundamental job of local government is public safety and that will be my highest priority when elected to the Peekskill City Council,” said Mr. Gilleo.
“During my time with the School District and being a part of many programs run by the City, Peekskill was a place where everyone felt safe and wanted to walk around and enjoy our beautiful parks and surroundings. I’ll work hard to bring that feeling back to all of our citizens.”