Carlos Romero Barceló Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
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| Order | 5th Democratically Elected Governor |
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| Term of office | January 2, 1977-January 2, 1985 |
| Predecessor | Rafael Hernández Colón |
| Successor | Rafael Hernández Colón |
| Date of birth | Sunday, September 4, 1932 |
| Place of birth | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| First Lady | Kate Donally |
| Profession | politician, lawyer |
| Political party | New Progressive Party |
| Resident Commissioner | Baltasar Corrada del Río (1977-1985) |
Carlos Antonio Romero Barceló (born in September 4, 1932) —nicknamed The Horse (or El Caballo in Spanish)— was Puerto Rico's fifth democratically elected Governor, the second governor to be elected from the New Progressive Party (PNP) and also Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico from 1993 to 2001.
Romero Barceló is the grandson of Antonio R. Barceló, a former Union Party leader and advocate of Puerto Rican self-determination during the early 20th century.
| Table of contents |
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2 Political career 3 Maravilla Hill controversy 4 Legacy 5 Publications 6 See also 7 External links |
Education
Carlos Romero Barceló attended Philips Exeter Academy in the state of Massachusetts, graduating in 1949. Later he attendeded, Yale University obtaining a B.A. in Political Science and Economics in 1953. That same year, at age 20, he returned to Puerto Rico and enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico Law School, becoming a licensed lawyer in 1956.
Political career
Romero Barceló, an avid supporter of Puerto Rico statehood with the United States of America, was elected Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968. Later, he became the first hispanic to become president of the National League of Cities. He served as mayor until 1976 when he defeated incumbent Governor Rafael Hernández Colón. Romero Barceló brought well received economic resolutions to the island during his terms in office, emphasising the island's tourism potential. In 1980 he was elected for a second term as governor by a margin of 3,037 votes over again PPD-candidate Rafael Hernández Colón. The 1980 governatorial elections being the closest in Puerto Rican history where marred in controversy requiring intervention of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico to rule over if improperly casted ballots should be counted. He sought to be re-elected for a third term as governor in 1984 but was defeated by Rafael Hernández Colón. After the elections, a TV news reporter, Rafael Bracero, inquired Barceló on his defeat to which he replied asking Que Derrota? (What defeat?) stating that for him what had occurred was not a defeat, but simply an "electoral loss". The comment has become legendary in Puerto Rican politics. In 1985, he returned to the private sector as a lawyer.
In the 1992's elections, he was elected Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico,and relocated to Washington D.C. He was elected again for the post in 1996. Durin his tenure as Resident Commissioner he vehemently campaigned for Puerto Rican statehood and endorsed the Young Poryect, which seeked to call a referendum to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. In 2000, he was defeated by PPD Aníbal Acevedo Vilá for the post of Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. He once again sought his party's nomination for the post of Resident Commissioner in 2003, but was defeated by Luis Fortuno. Although he has retired for running in office, he has remained active in PNP political gatherings and is a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
On July 25, 1978, three Puerto Rican independence activists died by police gunfire at the Maravilla Hill. It was later determined that the activists where murdered. Romero Barceló was thought to be somehow involved in the killings after televised comments made during the day. Although he has never been directly implicated. The investigations and hearings held during the early 1980's adversely affected Romero Barceló's image. This is believed to have contributed to his failed re-election bid during the 1984 elections.
This is an Article on Carlos Romero Barceló. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Carlos Romero Barceló Maravilla Hill controversy
Main article: Maravilla Hill case.Legacy
Romero Barceló is married to Kate Donnelly. His daughter, Melinda Romero Donelly, is a PNP member of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico. Romero Barceló is a fan of the sport of boxing and advocated for holding world championship bouts in San Juan during his terms in office.Publications
See also
External links