Miguel Romero swears as mayor of San Juan and warns that the capital faces “serious and complicated challenges”

Miguel Romero was sworn in as the new mayor of San Juan on Monday in a ceremony in which he stressed that the capital faces “serious and complicated challenges” after eight years under the leadership of Carmen Yulín Cruz Soto, who did not attend the ceremony of his successor.

“We face the limitations imposed by an economic crisis with political and social repercussions which do not foresee a near end with the aggravating challenge of leading the reconstruction of our island after the passage of the hurricanes of 2017 and the last year’s earthquakes. In the case of our capital city, to all the above is added a serious fiscal and administrative situation that is evidenced in the marked physical and economic deterioration of our urban environment and the lack of response, services and attention to our people of San Juan, ”Romero said in his speech after being sworn into office with the assistance of Supreme Court Judge Maite Oronoz Rodriguez.

“However, in order to face the challenges, we must begin to recognize them. Sanjuaneras and santjoaners, the challenges we face are serious and complicated. They will require all our skill and perseverance and will also require time and patience,” added the former neo-progressive senator during the ceremony held at the Alejandro Tapia i Rivera Theater in Old San Juan.

And although the messages in which reference was made to the “abandonment” and “deterioration” of San Juan attributed to the last administration were marked and constant, Romero called on all San Juan residents to assume their civic responsibility. .

“This feat that we started today is not about blues, yellows, reds or greens. It is about the whole mosaic of colors that cohabits in our city. That is why, this morning with a lot of humility, with great sense of responsibility and with deep respect I summon all statesmen, popular, independentistas, of Citizen Victory, of the Dignity Project and to all santjoaner and santjoanera of good will to that we do common cause and we work together for the good of all “, maintained Romero.

He said the change of command in the Capital was not just a change in the name of a mayor, but a change in public policy and way of administering. He called himself “mayor of all” and has assured that he will keep listening to the people and giving them participation in decision making.

Romero took the opportunity to thank the “past mayors” present at the ceremony who gave him “his time and advice.” The jury was attended by former mayors Héctor Luis Acevedo and Jorge Santini. Creu, who resigned on December 31, did not attend the event. He left the municipal administrator Esperança Ruiz in charge of the city council.

Pierluisi gives him his “unconditional support”

Governor Pedro Pierlusi topped the guest list that included former governor Luis Fortuño; the mayor of Guaynabo, Angel Perez; the new President of the Senate, José Luis Dalmau and the representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, Eddie Charbonier, Juan Oscar Morales and Jorge Navarro.

Pierluisi, during his message, said that “St. John has a mayor and I have no doubt that together we will give him this government of excellence that our people demand.”

He stressed that Romero will have his “unconditional support.” In addition, he said that both he and Romero are willing to make 2021 “the year of reconstruction.”

The governor argued that it was time to leave the political controversies behind, but brought up that last November the statehood prevailed in a plebiscite for the state.

“As for our political future, our people were clear and forceful. With the same will that chose Miguel and me, and all the elected officials who accompany us today, he also cast a clear vote. demanding equality. That is why we are going to reaffirm this struggle for equality. “ assert Pierluisi to receive applause from the audience.

Both Pierluisi and Romero stressed in their respective messages that addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the economy, providing “excellence” education, combating violence and corruption, and rebuilding public roads will form part of their priorities.

The invocation was in charge of the Archbishop of San Juan, Monsignor Roberto González Neus and the closing prayer was made by Father Carlos Pérez.