El Paso Political Figure Jaime O. Perez Passes Away

I won't pretend Jaime O. Perez and I were friends, because we weren't.

Other than having the same first name we had almost nothing in common other than both being good friends with his former boss Eddie Holguin.

JOP was a Democrat at some point but he was mostly a Republican and Libertarian.

Perez and I feuded and did so pretty strongly.

But I have to acknowledge a couple things about the guy.

First, Jaime fought for and advocated for what he believed in. He was a voice for a small group of people but he was a tireless, passionate, and articulate advocate for what they believe. You have to admire someone who will take a stand no matter how unpopular, often against the establishment in the Republican Party or in city leadership, and passionate advocate for their position even if you don't agree with their position.

Because it takes a level of courage not everyone has. Again, I almost never agreed with anything he stood for politically, but I admired the fact that he was willing to stand up for his beliefs.

Second, JOP had the courage of his convictions (different from mine as they may have been), to do more than just talk about them in a bar or around a barber shop. He ran for office. He put himself and his beliefs out there for public scrutiny and debate.

Often he was ridiculed for his beliefs and behavior. And despite knowing he wasn't everyone's cup of tea, he still had the courage to advocate for what he believed in.

Obviously that is something I can personally identify with. It ain't easy being the most unpopular guy in the room and still stand on your beliefs and principles. Its easier to cower in fear, keep your mouth shut, and don't rock the boat. Its harder to stand up.

Perez ran for several offices including mayor and congress and was ready to run for United States Senate in the upcoming primary. He was never a viable candidate but he shaped the debate.

His run for County Judge a few years ago was a pretty good example of how JOP stayed on the issues. He was up against County Judge Veronica Escobar and despite the fact that she was a member of a political slate that he had long opposed, he never strayed from a debate on the issues. It never got personal.

His former boss and longtime friend Eddie Holguin broke the news of JOP's passing this evening.

“My good friend Jaime Perez passed away at 6:26 pm this evening. He was surrounded by family and friends. He will be missed and El Paso lost a true champion that always fought for what was right and fought the good fight. I will always be grateful for his friendship and support. Rest In Peace my friend.” - Former City Rep Eddie Holguin

Perez suffered an aneurism last Thursday evening and was in critical conduction until earlier this evening when Perez was removed for life support. 

No word yet on services but I will provide an update as that information comes available.