If a person running for political office were applying for the position like a regular job, what would the job description say?
With elections days away, debate is running high over who will be the Island's next administrators. At PlateaPR, we lay out the functions that mayors, municipal legislators, representatives, senators, the resident commissioner and the governor of Puerto Rico are required to carry out, according to the Constitution and various laws of the Island.
What does a mayor do?
Puerto Rico's 78 towns each have a mayor who organizes, oversees and audits the administrative activities of their municipality, as established by the Ley de Municipios Autónomos. The leader is also required to promote and seek funding, policies, services, public works and improvements needed for the community's well-being. In addition, the mayor acts as the municipality's representative in judicial and extrajudicial matters.
What do municipal legislators do?
In 1960, Ley 142 was created to establish a municipal body that would guarantee citizen participation in decision-making. Today, that body is made up of municipal legislators, who are responsible for approving, by vote, budgets, ordinances, resolutions and appointments in their municipality.
What do representatives do?
As part of the legislative branch established by the Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, there are 51 representatives who serve as spokespersons for the people. They are responsible for creating funding measures and approving, amending or repealing laws, resolutions and public policies on the Island.
What do senators do?
In addition to representatives, the Constitution provides for 27 senators who draft their own legislative measures, consider bills submitted by the Cámara de Representantes and approve government appointments.
What does a resident commissioner do?
Since 1900, following the enactment of the Ley Foraker, there has been a resident commissioner who represents Puerto Rico before the U.S. Congress. Under Article 39 of that legislation, the official participates in the proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives, introduces legislation and speaks on behalf of the country. However, the commissioner cannot vote on the final passage of bills related to Puerto Rico.
What does the governor do?
Since 1948, Puerto Ricans have been able to elect the person who will serve as governor of the Island. According to the Constitution, the chief executive is responsible for administering the various agencies created to run the country.
The governor also serves as commander of the militia, enforces laws and amends those that require it, introduces legislation, and approves or vetoes measures passed in the Hemiciclo del Senado.
The governor may also review and suspend the execution of sentences in criminal cases, grant pardons and remit fines for offenses committed in violation of Puerto Rico law.
In addition, the governor makes appointments to public offices and oversees the work of government officials.
The head of state has the authority to administer and distribute the country's budget. The governor is also responsible for delivering a message on the state of affairs, submitting a report on the country's economic condition and presenting proposed expenditures for each fiscal year.
In the Nov. 5 elections, you have the right to vote for:
A mayor for your municipality
The number of municipal legislators specified on your municipal ballot
One representative by district and one at large
Two senators by district and one at large
One resident commissioner
One governor
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
