Governor says low poll numbers won’t stop her
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Despite a recent poll showing massive loss of public support, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón commemorated the first anniversary of her 2024 general election victory on Wednesday with a video message thanking the people of Puerto Rico for their trust and reaffirming her commitment to lead “with responsibility and heart.”
“Today marks one year since you gave me the confidence to serve our island,” said the governor in a message shared on her social media platforms. “I want to thank you for that honor and reaffirm my commitment to continue working every day to improve Puerto Rico, to listen, and to act with responsibility and heart.”
In her address, González Colón acknowledged recent polling data published by a major media outlet, but said she received the results with serenity and emphasizing that “elections are not won with polls, but at the ballot box.”
“I’ve won and lost in polls -- you know that. But I’ve never lost an election,” she said. “The elections are three years away, and poll numbers won’t stop me.”
She drew a historical parallel to former Gov. Pedro Rosselló’s first year in office in 1993, when he faced low polling numbers but went on to win re-election in 1996 with a wider margin. “That’s how history works -- the numbers that count are the ones decided at the polls,” she added.
Reflecting on her first year in office, González Colón outlined several accomplishments of her administration, including a reduction in crime statistics, a historic distribution of property titles, improvements to road infrastructure, and growth in economic indicators such as cement sales, construction activity and manufacturing investment
She also cited progress in streamlining government processes, job creation, and strengthening services for diverse families and vulnerable communities.
“I prefer to focus on results that impact people’s lives,” González Colón said. “We’ve reduced crime, improved roads, and boosted the island’s economy and competitiveness. I do recognize, however, that we face a challenge in communicating what the government is doing so that people can truly feel and perceive it.”
The governor said she would take that feedback as a guide to refine her administration’s efforts and improve direct communication with citizens.
González Colón concluded her message by reaffirming her commitment to transparency and grassroots engagement, noting that while there is still work to be done, she remains determined to stay connected with the people.
“There’s still a road ahead, and I will walk it directly with the people, with the same energy and commitment as always,” she said. “Together we move forward, together we build.”