By The Star Staff
Popular Democratic Party (PDP) mayors have announced their support for the energy proposal PDP gubernatorial candidate Jesús Manuel Ortiz González presented to cancel the contract with LUMA Energy, the operator of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system.
The proposal calls for stabilizing the energy system and establishing a new administrative model to guarantee a more efficient and reliable electrical service for all in Puerto Rico.
Mayors Association President Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz confirmed his fellow PDP mayors’ endorsement of the proposal. “Everyone knows the quality of life problems that our people are going through due to poor electricity service. LUMA has proven to be ineffective and insensitive to this issue, resulting in energy insecurity, high costs, and poor service,” he said. “That is why we support Jesús Manuel’s proposal; it is time for real change.”
In addition to Hernández Ortiz, the mayor of Villalba, the mayors of Luquillo, Jerry Márquez; of Loíza, Julia Nazario; of Barceloneta, Wanda Soler; of Trujillo Alto, Pedro Rodríguez; and of Lares, Fabián Arroyo, were present, while the mayors of Juncos, Alfredo “Papo” Alejandro; Ponce, Marlese Sifre; Comerío, Josean Santiago; Guánica, Ismael “Titi” Rodríguez; and Adjuntas, José Hiram Soto Rivera, also agreed with the proposal.
The group highlighted that among the points included in the resolution are support for a new administration model proposed by Ortiz González focused on consumer service, the commitment to the development of renewable energies that guarantee optimal service for Puerto Rico residents and municipal integration in the proposal.
“The electrical system of the island must be reliable and satisfy the needs of economic development and quality of life of the country,” Hernández Ortiz said. “We support the proposal because it is specifically focused on the needs of the people. In addition, it allows the development of renewable energy projects that ensure an electrical system that contributes to the economic development of Puerto Rico and at the same time highlights the importance of the collaboration of the municipalities in the effort.”
“Jesús Manuel Ortiz is the only candidate for governor who has put together a concrete and responsible plan with a comprehensive solution that not only addresses the cancellation of the LUMA contract, but also promotes a new management model focused on customer service and sustainability of the system,” the Mayors Association president added. “This model includes measures to ensure transparency, compliance with metrics and the development of renewable energy sources, essential for the sustainability of the electrical system and the economic development of Puerto Rico.”
The PDP mayors asserted that New Progressive Party gubernatorial candidate Jenniffer González Colón has forgotten about LUMA after winning her party’s primary.
“Why does she no longer appear to criticize LUMA?” said Hernández Ortiz, who is running for an at-large seat in the island Senate. “In fact, the [resident] commissioner does not talk about LUMA or anything. She has disappeared from public discussion and the country expects those who intend to run its institutions to express themselves about their problems. The country is attentive to the conduct of the absent commissioner, Jenniffer González.”
What a bunch of "Ass Holes"