For the first time since 2000, the people of Puerto Rico have elected a resident commissioner (non-voting delegate) to Congress who opposes statehood for Puerto Rico and thinks we should focus on different priorities.

That would be me.

Puerto Ricans are simply tired of the sterile status debate. In my campaign, I pledged that instead of wasting time dealing with Puerto Rico’s political status, I would focus more on promoting new tools for the island’s economic development, securing equal treatment in federal programs, and accelerating the disbursement of federal funds for the electric grid’s reconstruction.

The people listened and agreed. In the race for resident commissioner, the pro-commonwealth Popular Democratic Party won by the largest margin since 1964. My mandate, therefore, is to put statehood aside and prioritize economic development.

My predecessor, now Gov.-elect Jenniffer González Colón, of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party and a Republican, agrees........

© The Hill