William Villafane makes official his intention to arrive in Washington

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Under the motto “Let’s go to the future”, and with the support of a large part of the leadership of the New Progressive Party (PNP), the senator William Villafane This Sunday he made official his intention to become the candidate for resident commissioner in Washington.

From the outset, Villafane committed to solving the island’s colonial problem through statehood.

“I will address the question of the political status of Puerto Rico. This is an issue that has deeply affected our identity and development as a people. “I will work with the United States Congress to find a fair and lasting solution to this matter, always seeking the best interest of Puerto Rico,” she said.

In a room packed with people, at the headquarters of the Police Members Association, the legislator was approached by The new day about how it will end the colonialism of Puerto Rico, to which Villafane indicated that he will seek the direct collaboration of the congressmen.

“I am going to put special effort into ensuring that Congress makes a process of decolonization and an exercise of self-determination viable, confident that statehood will prevail. To do this, I am going to establish collaborative efforts with the vast majority of congressmen – both Democrats and Republicans – helping them in their commitments so that they can then see themselves committed,” commented Villafane.

In addition, he mentioned that he will create a “liaison committee for each congressman” to achieve their commitment in favor of statehood for the island and, in return, he would help them with his knowledge and endorsement in efforts of interest to the congressmen.

“We will use whatever strategies are necessary, including private companies and organizations that protect civil rights,” he added.

The senator would face the representative in primaries Jose “Quiquito” Melendezwho has already said that he is also interested in the seat of the federal capital.

Governor Pedro Pierluisi was not at the activity, but Villafane assured that he invited him and spoke with him, but the president preferred to be “deferential” to the candidates and not attend.

Pierluisi, who seeks to re-validate the governorship, has said that he reserves the right to endorse candidates. The resident commissioner in Washington, Jenniffer Gonzalez, who is also seeking the PNP gubernatorial candidacy, has announced that she will soon present her candidate for the position she occupies today.

In this way, the PNP will have primaries for the two main elective positions for the next elections.

At the Villafane event, endorsements were the order of the day, led by former Senate President Thomas Rivera Schtaz.

“In the PNP we have, until today, two colleagues who are possibly going to aspire to the position of resident commissioner. They are all good people. They are all good options, but I want to tell every good penise, every progressive who defends La Palma, every activist who believes in this community, that they are all good. But the best option for resident commissioner responds to the name of William Villafane,” said Rivera Schatz.

Furthermore, without mentioning her name, he attacked the candidate for resident commissioner backed by the alliance between the Puerto Rican Independence Party and the Citizen Victory MovementSenator Ana Irma Rivera Lassen, whom he described as “anti-American.”

“There will be, in no way, communication or effectiveness towards the people of Puerto Rico in selecting a person who does not believe in the government of the United States,” said the senator.

For his part, Senator Gregorio Matias also attacked the candidate for resident commissioner in Washington of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), Pablo Jose Hernadez Rivera.

“William Villafane is also a teacher. He’s going to take you to school, Pablito. He’s going to take you to school, Pablito. He is going to give you a fight, Pablito,” said the senator.

Villafane was endorsed by his counterparts Carmelo Rios, Migdalia Padilla, Wandy Soto, Gregorio Matias, Nitza Moran and Jose “Che” Perez. Likewise, he received the support of the mayors of Guaynabo, Fajardo, Las Marias, Maunabo, Barranquitas and Corozal; and the municipal presidents of the towns of Ponce, Cidra, Toa Alta, Juana Diaz, Luquillo, Comerio, Adjuntas and Yabucoa. Among the Senate candidates who supported him are Carlos Rodriguez Mateo, Angel Toledo, Marcos Fabian Gonzalez, Leyda Cruz, Rafy Santos, Guillermo Irizarry and Moraima Diaz.