Hispanic Heritage: A fighter in the ring and on Potter County Commissioners’ Court

AMARILLO, Texas (KMAR/KCIT) — Manny Perez made strides as the first Latino to serve as Potter County Commissioner and would become the longest-serving commissioner. Perez was known by many in the community as a fighter, not only for the Hispanic community but also for the underdog.

He credits his fighter mentality to his daughter Teresa Dement and his past with boxing and fighting in the ring.

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“He always blamed me for quitting his career to halt, or coming to his career to halt his boxing career,” added Dement. “He went to the Olympic trials before I was born. He won some national titles, state titles in boxing, and he’s always been involved with the community.”

Dement added that even before Perez got involved in politics, he was always involved in the community, opening his home to many. But once he got involved in politics, Dement said it was a family affair…

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