DACO Secretary Torres Montalvo announces bid for Cataño mayoral seat

Consumer Affairs Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo (Facebook via Hiram J. Torres Montalvo)

By THE STAR STAFF

Consumer Affairs Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo, formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Cataño on Monday, following the recent death of Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo.

According to filings submitted last week to the Office of the Electoral Comptroller, Torres Montalvo registered a campaign committee under the name “Comité Amigos Hiram Torres y el Nuevo Cataño.” His entry adds momentum to the New Progressive Party’s (NPP) upcoming special election to fill the vacancy.

NPP Electoral Commissioner Aníbal Vega Borges stated that Torres Montalvo is not required to resign from his post at the Department of Consumer Affairs, commonly known as DACO by its acronym in Spanish, to pursue the mayoral seat. Vega Borges argued that Article 7.2(5)(c) of the Electoral Code should be interpreted to apply only to officials seeking positions whose selection process extends beyond 30 days as publicly reported.

The race has drawn several contenders. In addition to Torres Montalvo, Bethzaida Rodríguez Torres, widow of Alicea Vasallo, has also formalized her candidacy. Other aspirants include Félix Matías Rodríguez, Fernando Cintrón Mercado and Rafael Canino Torres.

The NPP’s special election to choose the next mayor of Cataño is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27.