Gov. Jenniffer González says the controversies surrounding her administration have overshadowed its accomplishments.
SAN JUAN — Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said Wednesday that the controversies surrounding her administration have overshadowed its accomplishments, explaining that this was the reason she asked Francisco Domenech Fernández to step down as secretary of the governorship.
“I am not going to allow anything or anyone to stop the work that is being done or silence the results of this administration because of unnecessary noise,” González said during a radio interview with NotiUno. “These public controversies diminish and overshadow the work being carried out. People are seeing the results, but the noise consumes all of that, and I will not allow it to become the focus of this administration.”
Domenech’s departure comes after the Independent Special Prosecutor Panel (PFEI) expanded an investigation into alleged improper actions related to a competitive procurement process at Puerto Rico’s Office of Permit Management (OGPe). Domenech is scheduled to leave office on Aug. 7, while Deputy Secretary Itza García Rodríguez will step down on Aug. 15.
Despite his exit from government, González confirmed that Domenech will continue to play a key role in her political future by serving as campaign director for her upcoming reelection bid and the New Progressive Party (PNP) primary campaign.
“He has served as campaign director in nearly all of my political campaigns, and he will do so again,” the governor said, adding that she has asked him to begin organizing her political team as the primary season has effectively started.
González also said a successor for the secretary of the governorship has already been selected, although she declined to identify the individual, saying the appointment will be announced “at the appropriate time.”
The governor also indicated that a new executive director will be named for the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF).
Finally, González defended the presence of Justice Secretary Lourdes Lynette Gómez Torres during Tuesday’s announcement regarding the departures of Domenech and García, rejecting criticism over her participation in the announcement as the investigation continues.
