Miguel Romero is sworn in as mayor of San Juan, warning 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 emphasized that after eight years led by Carmen Yulín Cruz, who did not attend the ceremony of his successor, the capital faces “serious and complicated challenges.”

“We are facing the constraints imposed on us by an economic crisis with political and social repercussions with no end in sight, with the growing challenge of leading the reconstruction of our island following the 2017 hurricanes and earthquakes of last year. In the case of our capital, to all of the above has been added a serious fiscal and administrative situation, evidenced by the apparent physical and economic decline of our urban environment and the lack of response, services and attention to our people in San Juan, ”said Romero in his speech after he was sworn in with the help of the presiding judge of the Supreme Court, Maite Oronoz Rodríguez.

“To face the challenges, we have to start by recognizing them. Sanjuaneras and Sanjuaneros, the challenges we face are serious and complex. They will require all of our skill and dedication and will also take time and patience, ”added the former New Progressive senator at the ceremony at the Alejandro Tapia y Rivera Theater, in Old San Juan.

And while the reports referring to the “abandonment” and “decline” of San Juan attributed to past governance were clear and consistent, Romero called on all San Juan residents to take their civil responsibility.

“This achievement we are starting today is not about blue, yellow, red or green. It’s all about the mosaic of colors that co-exist in our city. It is for this reason that this morning with great humility, with great sense of responsibility and with deep respect I am calling all statesmen, popular, independents, Victoria Ciudadana, the Dignity Project and all people of goodwill in San Juan and San Juan to jointly and let us working together for the benefit of all, ”said Romero.

He said the change of command in the capital was a change not only in the name of a mayor, but also in public policy and the way of administration. He called himself “mayor of all” and assured that he will continue to listen to the people and involve them in decision-making.

Romero took the opportunity to thank the “former mayors” who attended the ceremony and give him “their time and advice”. The jury was attended by former mayors Héctor Luis Acevedo and Jorge Santini. Cruz, who resigned on December 31, did not attend the event. He left the city administrator Esperanza Ruiz in charge of the city council.

Pierluisi gives him his “unconditional support”

Governor Pedro Pierlusi headed the list of guests including former Governor Luis Fortuño; the mayor of Guaynabo, Ángel Pérez; the new Senate President, José Luis Dalmau, and representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, Eddie Charbonier, Juan Oscar Morales and Jorge Navarro.

Pierluisi said during his message that “San Juan has a mayor and I have no doubt that together we will give that government of excellence that our people demand.”

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

The governor argued it was time to put the political controversies behind, but pointed out that the state prevailed in a plebiscite last November.

“As for our political future, our people were clear and powerful. With the same will that Miguel and I elected, and all the elected officials accompanying us today, he also cast a clear vote and demanded equality. That is why we are going to intensify this fight for equality ”, Pierluisi confirmed to receive the applause from the audience.

Both Pierluisi and Romero stressed in their respective posts that tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the economy, providing education about “excellence”, fighting violence and corruption, and re-building public roads will be part make up their priorities.

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