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Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, the leading candidate for governor of Puerto Rico, presented her agenda on Tuesday evening, centering on inclusivity, respect, and economic growth, following the disclosure of her victory in the general election for La Fortaleza.
During a press conference, González Colón expressed gratitude to the citizens of Puerto Rico for their trust and reaffirmed her dedication to serving as governor for all Puerto Ricans, irrespective of their voting choice.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter of respect for all those with differing opinions, because I will be the governor for every Puerto Rican, for those who cast their votes and for those who chose not to,” she remarked.
The presumed governor-elect emphasized that her administration will prioritize the needs of people with functional diversity, noting that over 784,000 individuals in Puerto Rico are deaf, have autism, Down syndrome, special needs, use wheelchairs or canes, or are visually impaired.
“The government will address all of their needs with fairness, attention, and urgency,” she asserted.
González Colón also committed to enhancing care for the many seniors living independently on the island.
“The government will initiate policy changes to support the fastest-growing demographic in Puerto Rico: our elderly citizens,” she stated.
In the realm of education, she underscored her background in public schools and stressed that any public school student could achieve their aspirations through discipline and hard work.
“This triumph does not belong to me; it is a victory for the people of Puerto Rico against those who tried to impose their styles or visions,” González Colón declared, highlighting her dedication to follow through with the endorsed New Progressive Party government program.
González Colón revealed her plan to initiate several key projects, including the pursuit of a secondary operator for LUMA Energy, the private group tasked with managing the island’s electric power grid, to tackle the persistent issues with the system.
She also intends to advocate for the establishment of new generation facilities and their transition to natural gas.
In the upcoming days, González Colón will convene with members of the House of Representatives and Senate caucus to choose new legislative leaders and advance the agenda slated to commence in January. Notable priorities include the approval of a new permitting law, the creation of bilingual schools in Puerto Rico, and a review of federal funds allocated for reconstruction efforts expected to be completed during the next four years.
“The work agenda is ready; it’s laid out, and we will pay special attention to it,” González Colón stated.
She also mentioned that she would announce the team members for the transition committee of the incoming government to streamline the administrative change process.
The future governor-elect reiterated her resolve to combat hate speech and intolerance, advocating for a government that is inclusive and respectful.
“The era of hate speech is over; intolerance will no longer exist in the government I envision for all Puerto Ricans,” González Colón proclaimed. “Respect will be paramount, upliftment will be prioritized, inclusion will take place, and there will be an opportunity for this island to advance, develop; our people won’t need to leave, and they can thrive here.”
González Colón expressed her appreciation to outgoing governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, Rep. Jesús Manuel Ortiz, her opponent from the Popular Democratic Party, and former governor Alejandro García Padilla, along with numerous lawmakers for their congratulatory messages.
With heartfelt emotion, she dedicated her win to her two children and family, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her campaign.
“They may not comprehend this now, but in the years ahead, they will come to see everything that was said during this campaign, and I want them to recognize that it was all worthwhile,” she remarked.
González Colón conveyed her hopefulness regarding the future of Puerto Rico.
“For me, a new journey begins, a fresh narrative, which is not solely my narrative; it belongs to the people of Puerto Rico who overcome, who rise, who fight, and who attain their goals,” she commented. “Puerto Rico can accomplish anything. We are formidable. Now we will become even more exceptional.”
