Governor refers Politank questions to new owner.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said Wednesday that questions regarding the Politank transaction should be directed to the company’s new owner, insisting that she does not know who the current proprietors are and that Francisco Domenech Fernández sold the business before being sworn in as La Fortaleza chief of staff.

“Look, I don’t get involved in anyone’s business, nor do I get involved in matters that have nothing to do with the government,” the governor said during a press conference in Naguabo for the start of repavement work on highway PR -901 between Yabucoa and Maunabo. “This individual -- my chief of staff -- sold his business. If he had said he sold his house, would we be standing here discussing who bought the house from him? Ask the new owner of the house; ask the new owner of the business. I believe that is the appropriate course of action.”

“Furthermore, the person you mentioned is a former secretary of the Senate. Let them subpoena him,” the Governor added, responding to questions regarding Manuel Torres Nieves and the purchase of Politank shares.

González Colón insisted that she sees no conflict of interest in Domenech remaining in his post, and she defended the internal mechanism implemented to handle matters related to the firm. She also reiterated that the controversy amounts to a political attack against her administration and against the man, Domenech, who served as her campaign manager.

“Let’s put this in plain English,” she said. “The guy sold his business just as anyone here might sell their car or sell a house. Whatever that house or car does afterward -- or whoever ends up living in the property -- is a matter for the new occupant or the new owner. The La Fortaleza chief of staff sold his business prior to being sworn in […]. End of story. End of story.”