Daniel Pérez Lacera, center, hugs his children (Lyric, 8; Lanaedjah, 7 and Daniel, 5, at his last JP Neighborhood Council meeting on Dec. 23, 2014. Credit: Chris Helms
Daniel Pérez Lacera, who was serving his second stint on the JP Neighborhood Council, resigned to make his move to North Carolina permanent.
Pérez brought his three children, aged 5 to 8, to his final meeting of the elected, volunteer advisory group last Tuesday.
Pérez served on the council from 2009 to 2011, when his work took him to Charlotte, N.C. He rejoined the advisory board for 2014 on his return to Boston.
Here's his letter of resignation:
Dec. 22, 2014
Dear Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council & JP Community,
Please be advised that tonight's Dec. 23, 2014 Monthly Council meeting will be my last serving as Neighborhood Council At-Large for Jamaica Plain. This decision is far from an easy one, as I have also resigned from my position as National Operations Administrator with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) this past Friday, Dec. 19th.
I treasure every opportunity where the community allowed me to be their voice. Every moment where we stood together for change, every moment where we helped Jamaica Plain stand as a beacon for socioeconomic justice.
I have devoted most of my life to public service and the betterment of my community and those around me. However, I can no longer continue to sacrifice for my community and career, while at the same moment surrendering time with my children during this critical stage of their development. While I truly believe I am making the right decision for good personal reasons, I am deeply saddened by the choice. I am, however, very thankful for the work we have done together, your shared wisdom and values throughout my years in Jamaica Plain.
I will look back at my time growing, living and learning in Jamaica Plain with warmth, gratitude and wonderful memories. I will take these lessons and memories to continue to be a fierce advocate for the people where I go.
I wish you, my neighbors, my friends, my community continued blessings, growth and success. Jamaica Plain will always be the neighborhood that gave birth to the man I am today.
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Pérez Lacera
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council At-Large
The Neighborhood Council could fill Pérez' seat before their next election by appointing an interested person.