NPP leaders mourn death of former Luquillo mayor González Ortiz

Former Luquillo mayor José “Nelo” González Ortiz

By THE STAR STAFF

Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez announced Thursday that former Luquillo mayor José “Nelo” González Ortiz has died.

González, affiliated with the New Progressive Party (NPP), served as mayor in three consecutive four-year terms, from January 2001 to Dec. 31, 2012.

“The news of the death of the former mayor of Luquillo, José González, who for 12 years led the destinies of this important municipality, takes us with great sadness,” Méndez Nuñez said in a written statement. “Our prayers are with his widow, as well as the rest of his family and friends at this difficult time. I coincided with ‘Nelo’ in public administration, he from the mayor’s office, and I in the Chamber; I have to say that he made a difference for his people, whom he loved so much and for whom he never stopped advocating.”

González also served as a municipal legislator in a body that he came to dispense with under the incumbency of former mayor Edna Fugiueria.

“He always worked for the communities of his people,” Méndez added. “He was the first to bring the AmeriCorps youth development program to Luquillo. He managed collaborative agreements with universities so that young people had opportunities for academic and professional growth. Their work in community projects, such as community centers, rehabilitation of highways and trails, as well as basic infrastructure, among others, was essential for the emergence of the municipality.”

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz paid tribute to González on Facebook, posting that “[h]is passing brings great sadness to those of us who knew him and enjoyed his friendship.”

“We offer our solidarity and support to his widow, children, and grandchildren,” Rivera Schatz wrote. “He was a leader in our party, a man of faith, and, above all, a phenomenal human being.

“Rest in peace, Nelo!”