Aguada mayor rejects possible transfer of Colón Park

Parque Colón in Aguada

By THE STAR STAFF

Aguada Mayor Christian Cortés Feliciano stated his opposition on Thursday to the possible transfer of Colón Park and gave assurances that he has been in contact with legislators and Gov. Jenniffer González Colón to prevent the land from being transferred to the municipality of Aguadilla.

“Yesterday morning, Representative and alternate spokesperson for the New Progressive Party, Wilson Román, called a press conference for next Monday regarding the possible transfer of Colón Park,” the mayor said in a written statement. “Likewise, I held discussions with Representatives Odalys González and José ‘Che’ Pérez to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”

Cortés Feliciano said he has defended Aguada’s interests regarding the seaside park for years and recalled actions taken during the previous four-year term.

“In the previous four-year term, I managed to prevent the Legislature, then with a majority from the Popular Democratic Party, from approving the measure that seeks the transfer [of the park] to Aguadilla,” he said. “In the current four-year term, I have personally requested on several occasions that Governor Jenniffer Aydin González Colón not approve this transfer, and I have communicated my position to legislators from all parties.”

The mayor added that, despite those efforts, some legislators continue to push the initiative.

“I have fought this battle and I will continue to fight it, but each official must assume responsibility before the people for their decisions, their signatures, and their votes,” he said.

Cortés Feliciano also called on the leadership of the New Progressive Party in Aguada to express their opposition to the measure.

“This includes the president of the municipal committee, former mayors, former committee presidents, neighborhood presidents and vice presidents, and other leaders, to contact Governor González Colón, who apparently favors this transfer, and the legislators of the New Progressive Party, to express their opposition to this measure,” he said.

Cortés Feliciano noted that he posted telephone numbers for the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, the Senate, and La Fortaleza on Facebook so that the municipality’s citizens can express their position.