NPP mayors support nomination of one of their own for state secretary
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By The Star Staff
Mayors Federation President Gabriel Hernández Rodríguez announced on Wednesday that all 36 mayors from the New Progressive Party (NPP) are united in their support for the appointment of Gurabo Mayor Rosachely Rivera Santana as the new secretary of state.
The role is second in command to the governor in the executive branch.
“Rosachely has demonstrated her capabilities as a committed administrator with an exceptional dedication to public service,” said Hernández Rodríguez, who is also the mayor of Camuy. “Her experience as the mayor of Gurabo and her position as vice president of the New Progressive Party qualify her to take on this important role in government with strength and vision.”
Rivera Santana has a solid background in public administration and politics. She is regarded in Gurabo as an effective leader and was re-elected with nearly 80% of the vote in the most recent election. Her leadership is praised for its emphasis on economic development, administrative efficiency, and engagement with the community.
“The overwhelming support Rosachely has received from her constituents reflects the trust she inspires and the quality of her administration,” added the president of the NPP mayors’ organization. “I am confident she will bring the same capability to serve all of Puerto Rico as secretary of state.”
Hernández Rodríguez also highlighted Rivera Santana’s commitment to her roles and noted her ability to work collaboratively, her willingness to engage in dialogue, and her focus on achieving results.
“At the Mayors Federation, we fully support her appointment,” he said. “Puerto Rico needs dedicated and well-prepared public servants, and Rosachely Rivera Santana exemplifies this. We are confident that her tenure as secretary of state will bring achievement and stability to our government.”
On Tuesday, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced the appointment of Rivera Santana as secretary of state and Lourdes Lynnette Gómez Torres as secretary of the Department of Justice.
“I wanted women in these fields, in these areas,” the governor said at a press conference. “I believe it imparts a sense of dynamism and commitment, and that’s what I am grateful to both of them for, that willingness.”
Of Rivera Santana’s appointment, González Colón stressed “that commitment to working for our people and being on the ground, which is important for the government of Puerto Rico to adapt to the realities of our people.”
Rivera Santana will remain as mayor of Gurabo until the Senate confirms her appointment as secretary of state, according to the executive branch.
The two appointments came after the governor’s original nominees to the posts encountered resistance in the Senate, eventually causing González Colón to withdraw them.
The new appointees will be subject to the legislative confirmation process, Rivera Santana in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and Gómez Torres in the upper chamber. Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz reacted to the appointments through his official account on the social media platform X: “The appointment of Rosachely Rivera as Secretary of State is excellent news. Lourdes Gómez as Secretary of Justice is also very good. Both nominees fully comply with all the rigors and have my full support. …”
House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez likewise praised the selection of Rivera Santana.
“I know the nominee and recognize her record, both academically and in public service,” he said. “When we receive the official notification, we will summon the nominee to a meeting at the House of Representatives to provide her with the necessary documents for evaluation. We will address this appointment with the urgency and transparency required.”
Morovis Mayor Carmen Maldonado González and Loíza Mayor Julia Nazario Fuentes, both of the Popular Democratic Party, were among the first to issue statements of support for Rivera Santana’s appointment.
“She is a proven professional, and her knowledge and experience are her best letter of introduction,” Maldonado González said of the Gurabo mayor. “My congratulations and enthusiastic endorsement. I hope the Senate approves this appointment without delay.”
Nazario Fuentes said Rivera Santana’s selection “is, in my opinion, a good decision.”
“She is a professional who has dedicated her life to public service and teaching,” the Loíza mayor said. “She has a deep understanding of the reality of the municipalities and has demonstrated integrity in her role as mayor.”