The outgoing mayor of Ponce, María ‘Mayita’ Meléndez, reportedly resigned her position last week, leaving the vacancy vacant days before the arrival of a new council.
In a December 21 letter, disclosed by Noticias de Ponce, the mayor stated that the municipal code on interim succession of the mayor on permanent vacancy had to be put into practice since he left his post.
Meléndez is said to have appointed Yolanda Cruz Medina as interim mayor of Ponce, who – if so – has been in office since December 21 and will do so until January 10, 2021.
Cruz Medina was formerly director of the Municipality of Finance and Budget.
The mayor has not yet made any official statements confirming her resignation.
Meléndez lost the last election on the night of the event, with Popular Party opponent Luis Irizarry Pabón overwhelmingly in favor.
With a reported 92.07% of the unopposed vote, Meléndez had 10,833 votes in favor, compared to the 27,595 Irizarry Pabón has so far.
Ponce News PONCE • According to a letter held by @PonceNews the mayor of Ponce @mayitaalcaldesa He will step down on December 21, 2020.
Even outside his position, he would have continued his position.
I open thread for this new NEBULEO from @mayitaalcaldesa
(1/5) pic.twitter.com/d2GXW2aVQs
– Jessica Alexandra (@JessicaLabrador) December 30, 2020