Governor pulls Garffer nomination for secretary of state

Rivera Schatz touts Bayamón first lady as worthy replacement

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz (Facebook via Thomas Rivera Schatz)

By The Star Staff

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz suggested on social media on Tuesday that Narel Waleska Colón, the first lady of Bayamón, should be considered for the position of secretary of state.

The statement followed his warning on Monday to then-secretary of state nominee Arturo Garffer, emphasizing that while he acknowledges Garffer’s career and professional qualifications, he would not be confirmed if he does not meet the constitutional requirements.

Candidates for secretary of state must have lived in Puerto Rico for five years prior to their nomination.

The State Elections Commission revealed this week that Garffer has not voted in Puerto Rico since 2012, although he has participated in elections in Florida.

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón later on Tuesday withdrew Garffer’s nomination.

Rivera Schatz stated that “Ramón Luis Rivera Jr., our mayor of Bayamón, is a person who is loved, admired, and respected throughout Puerto Rico, particularly within the ranks of the New Progressive Party (NPP). He is a leader whom our people truly and unquestionably love!”

“The first lady of Bayamón, in addition to being the mayor’s wife, possesses exceptional merits, professional attributes, and credentials!” the Senate president added in his post.

The governor in a statement said “I promised the people of Puerto Rico a government with the best talent available and I have done so. With that mission, I have tried to have at my side a group of professionals I trust to help me in the agenda that we promised to the People of Puerto Rico and for which I asked for a full vote for my party.”

“For this reason, I appointed General Arthur Garffer to the position of Secretary of State with the firm conviction that he meets all the requirements of the position and that he could contribute to Puerto Rico with his relations with Congress and the White House,” the governor said. “Everyone knows my position of respect and admiration for all Puerto Ricans who have dedicated their lives to the defense of our American Nation around the world.”

“However, the president of the Senate has publicly reported that the General does not meet the residency requirements,” González Colón said. “This, despite being in the same position as Captain Elmer Román who was confirmed to that position in 2020. However, and although I disagree, I respect the constitutional power of the Senate not to endorse my appointments. It would not be fair to expose a nominee of Garffer’s caliber to a Senate confirmation process again with no real chance. In the face of this difficult situation, I have decided to withdraw the appointment of General Garffer and keep him in his position as Secretary of the Department of Public Safety. Let our people be assured that I will not take a step back in my commitment to continue working without losing focus and being distracted by unnecessary fights.”

Rivera Schatz, in a statement issued subsequently to the governor’s, said he supported her decision to withdraw the Garffer’s nomination and agreed that insisting on an appointment without constitutional requirements would be an “unnecessary fight.”

“I fully agree with our Governor Jenniffer González; insisting on appointments that do not meet constitutional criteria or the expectations of the Puerto Rican people for faithful compliance with the law would be a totally unnecessary fight,” the Senate leader said. “She is right to withdraw it. We learn from every experience and grow!”

Rivera Schatz emphasized his willingness to continue collaborating with the government for the benefit of the people. “Congratulations, Governor!” he added. “In the Senate to serve the Puerto Rican people.”