Rivera Schatz insists there is no animosity with governor

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz

By The Star Staff

Following a meeting with Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Wednesday, Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, described it as very productive and assured there was no animosity between the two.

Rivera Schatz also expressed support for the appointments of Gurabo Mayor Rosachely Rivera Santana as secretary of state, whom he praised as an exceptional individual, and attorney Lourdes Lynnette Gómez Torres as justice secretary.

“Everything related to their personal authority, finances, etc., has been monitored by the Government Ethics Office for many years,” he said. “They are both highly competent professionals.”

The mayor has been a longstanding resident of the municipality she leads, while Gómez, during her time as a judge, spent considerable time in the southern region of Puerto Rico,” Rivera Schatz noted. Thus, they meet all constitutional requirements, and in terms of financial and personnel matters, they have submitted Ethics reports for years, so there should be no surprises, he said.

When asked about the differences of opinion between him and the governor, the Senate president responded that “I’ve always publicly expressed my support for the governor as both the governor and as president of the NPP [New Progressive Party], and I’ve said it every time.”

“Again, I don’t think I need to reiterate it; today’s meeting was very good and productive,” he said. “We covered many topics, reviewed pending administrative legislation in both the House and the Senate, and discussed the appointments. In Rosachely’s case, we need to allow her time for a smooth transition within the municipal government. I’m pleased with the outcome of the meeting.”

Regarding resuming dialogue with the governor after the recent communication issues, Rivera Schatz clarified, “Yes, while we hadn’t physically met until today, we’ve maintained communication throughout this period.”

“Attorney Gómez, who manages appointments, has communicated with us,” he said. “In fact, I have a public hearing today regarding 10 appointments of judges and prosecutors. Recently, we approved 17, and I hope by Monday we’ll have a number close to that for confirmation.”

When asked about his exit from a chat room he had with the governor to discuss legislative topics, he stated, “The chat room issue seems trivial to me.”

“If someone can call me, talk to me on the phone, or meet me in my office -- whether it’s a mayor, a governor, a representative, or a senator -- then I’m all for it,” Rivera Schatz said.