| Ramón Luis Rivera | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Bayamón, Puerto Rico | |
| In office 1976–2000 |
|
| Preceded by | Manuel Aponte Borrero |
| Succeeded by | Ramón Luis Rivera Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | june,21 1929 Puerto Rico |
| Political party | New Progressive Party (PNP) |
| Spouse(s) | Angélica Cruz Baez |
| Profession | Administration |
| Religion | Catholic |
Ramón Luis Rivera (born circa 1925) is a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the New Progressive Party. He was Mayor of Bayamón from 1977 until 2000. He is considered by many, public and political critics alike, to be one of Puerto Rico's greatest mayors in history, as well as Bayamón's greatest.
Rivera became mayor in 1976, defeating incumbent Manuel Aponte Borrero. His main concerns towards Bayamon were in the tourism and business industries. During his 24 year tenure, many buildings and other types of structures were inaugurated, including the Parque De Las Ciencias, the Parque del Trensito (which had, at the time it opened, Puerto Rico's only running train and a DC-3 plane formerly used by United Airlines), the city hall, which is a building that crosses over an avenue, the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum, the Canton Mall, a small suspension bridge and many others. In addition, a large industrial park with such notable companies as 7UP and Wrangler also opened, in the area known as Lomas Verdes. 7UP has a bottling facility there.
Rivera, a member of the New Progressive Party (PNP), was asked several times by party officials to run for governor, but he always declined. He is, however, credited as being one of the mayors in Puerto Rico who was able to attract the most voters from the other parties, as he won the 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 elections by landslides.
In 2000, he announced he would not run for mayor again, and his son, Ramón Luis Rivera Jr. was then elected as mayor. Rivera Jr. has held that position ever since. Rivera Sr. has since retired from public life.