Rick is the founder of  Centro de Salud  Familiar  La Fe's "Navidad de la Fe" the annual Christmas  lighting of  Scenic Drive with more than 4,000 luminarias, now celebrating its 21st year.  In August, 2011, he also founded the El Paso "Trash Flash Mob,"  where after viewing a news report by KVIA TV's Darrin Hunt on the trashing of Scenic Drive, he initiated a flash mob to clean up one of El Paso's gems.  With just 5 days of preparing, more than 150 concerned El Pasoans ascended upon Scenic Drive to clean it up.  More than 80 bags of debris were collected.  

 

Just recently Rick saw how the 28 graves of the Jesuits had gone into neglect at El Paso;s Concordia Cemetery.  Once again through social media he rallied the troops not only to clean the Jesuit plots but to also landscape the perimeter.  The Jesuit Garden is now the most beautiful spot at Concordia Cemetery with it's trademark "Jesuit red stones."  

 

 

Rick Melendrez was first elected El Paso County Democratic Precinct Chairman # 43 (now #71) in central El Paso in 1985. He worked the political scene for more than a decade and performed yeoman's service as precinct chair. He looks at that as an education that he gained under past Democratic Party Chairmen; Tom Diamond, Danny Mena and Ken Sutherland.

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As precinct chair he orchestrated the Democratic Party Neighborhood Street Festival in 1995. The festival was the first ever in El Paso County to bring the Democratic message to the neighborhoods. More than 500 neighbors ascended  his home and  the corner of Altura & San Marcial streets were cordoned off.  El Pasoans were treated to Melendrez' famous hot dogs, sno cones, refreshments, free books, live entertainment, mariachis, and some good old barnyard politicking.

Melendrez believes the precinct chairs are the foot soldiers and backbone of the Democratic Party, a role he took on with creativity and enthusiasm.



Three times Melendrez was elected Chairman of the Democratic Party, 1996 , 2002 & 2012.



Under his leadership Melendrez and the Democratic Party organized Unity Campaigns and fiestas throughout El Paso County to promote all candidates from the White House to the Court House.

Melendrez witnessed conquests and defeats. He calls himself a "happy warrior." "Whether you win or lose you evaluate what you did right and wrong, and then you move on.  You are as good as your next campaign."



President Clinton, and the majority of local Democrats were easily handed an El Paso victory in 1996.

 

In 2002, Tony Sanchez ran as the Democratic candidate for Texas Governor. When the El Paso Times newspaper endorsed Sanchez'  opponent, Melendrez organized a 12 hour protest in front of the El Paso Times building.  Melendrez & an army of Democrats took over the sidewalks of the newspaper building, protesting that the newspaper was not reflective of the El Paso electorate.  Tony Sanchez easily won an El Paso victory with 64% of the vote.  But not enough to win the state.

During both primary elections Melendrez began "Midnight Filing."  The Democratic Party burned the midnight oil by opening the headquarters at 12 o'clock midnight on the first day of filing.  Candidates lined up and were the first to file in the State of Texas.  KTSM TV weatherman Chuck DeBroder was on hand promoting the event doing a live early morning weathercast.



Wanting to reach out to the youth of El Paso, empowering them into the democratic process, boost voter registration and bringing in new blood to the Democratic Party, Melendrez initiated the Youth Outreach Committee. In the Summer of 2002 the first ever "Rock the Demo Vote" was staged at Memorial Park. The rock concert featured local bands, food, refreshments and of course Democratic party officials. A 20 page booklet was published and distributed.  The booklet was basically a young person's explanation of the Democratic Party.  Melendrez still carries a book with him today.



The 2003 Democratic Party Hall of Fame Banquet was being planned, but had no keynote speaker.  Melendrez  & Precinct Chair Jim Robb get in Robb's GMC truck and trekked up to Santa Fe, New Mexico to call on Governor Richardson. One speed warning later they arrived in Santa Fe.  Melendrez & Robb met with the Governor, presented him with goodies from the El Paso Saddleblanket and other area businesses, they begged him to come to El Paso.   Richardson agreed. The event was the first sold out banquet ever, 28 deserving Democrats were inducted. The crowd was awed by Governor Richardson's speech.

In 2004 Melendrez called upon El Paso County Republican Chairman, Alejandro Burgos. They came together on a campaign both parties could agree upon.  "Vote To Wipe Out Hunger In El Paso," was initiated. Both parties asked El Paso voters to bring canned food items to the polls on election day. Along with votes, thousands of cans were cast for the El Paso Food Bank.

 



Any time the Immigration and Naturalization Services swore in new American citizens, Melendrez and the Democratic Party were there to congratulate & embrace their new fellow citizens.  The new Americans were registered to vote, shown how to cast a vote on election machines, and heartily welcomed to the Democratic Party.



He continues to be a promoter of people, events, and many worthwhile causes.



Melendrez has 3 favorite daughters, Renee Marie Theresa , Elizabeth Alma & Marilyn Francis and is blessed with his favorite granddaughter Mary Beth.  

Rick resides in central El Paso where he lovingly cares for his Mom, 93 year old, Carmen Melendrez.