The next governor of Puerto Rico is a close ally of the current one and a very controversial figure.
John Bacon and Jorge L. OrtizSAN JUAN – The next governor of Puerto Rico is a close ally of the current one, a former women's advocate and a very controversial figure on this politically energized island.
Vázquez's close political ties to Rosselló, along with her own political history, have many people here viewing her as a very temporary solution. Within hours of Rosselló's announcement, #WandaRenuncia began trending on Twitter. A lawyer, Vázquez has a long history of government service. She worked in the Housing Department before assuming a series of positions with Justice. In 2010 she was appointed to head the department's women's rights office where she sometimes clashed with feminist leaders.
But the strongest issues have concerned corruption related to Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. The storm devastated the island in September 2017, and many neighborhoods have yet to become whole. Many here want to know what happened to the relief money and accuse Vázquez of dragging her feet trying to find out.
Vázquez also has been at odds with state Senate Thomas Rivera Schatz, who is taking over Rosselló's role as president of the powerful, pro-statehood New Progressive Party. Many on the island believe Schatz wants the job more than Vázquez. Rosselló isn't completely out the door yet. He announced that his resignation effective at the end of next week, but he had not issued a resignation letter Thursday. Legislators are digging in. An impeachment report from the speaker of the House, Johnny Méndez, suggested that five criminal activities related to the Telegram chats had been committed.
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