Ramón Luis Rivera
| Ramón Luis Rivera | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Bayamón, Puerto Rico | |
|
In office 1977–2001 | |
| Preceded by | Manuel Aponte Borrero |
| Succeeded by | Ramón Luis Rivera Jr. |
| Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the 6th District | |
|
In office 1973–1977 | |
| Member of the Municipal Assembly of Bayamón, Puerto Rico | |
|
In office 1969–1973 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
June 21, 1929 Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | New Progressive Party (PNP) |
| Spouse(s) | Angélica Cruz Baez |
| Children |
Ramón Luis Irma Awilda Virginia Eduardo |
| Profession | Politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1952-1954 |
Ramón Luis Rivera Rivera (born June 21, 1929) is a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the New Progressive Party. He served as Mayor of Bayamón from 1977 until 2001.
Early years and studies
Ramón Luis Rivera Rivera was born in Aguas Buenas on June 21, 1929 to Jesús Rivera Hernández and Herminia Rivera Fernández.
Rivera began his primary studies in his hometown of Aguas Buenas, but completed high school at the Dr. Agustín Stahl High School in Bayamón. He then completed an Associate degree in Administration from the Metropolitan School of Commerce.
Military career
Rivera served in the United States Army. From 1952 to 1954, he served during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he was stationed in Germany.
Professional career
Rivera worked for 15 years for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith.
Political career
Rivera began his political career in 1968, when he was elected as member of the Municipal Assembly of Bayamón.
In 1972, Rivera was elected to the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico representing District 6.
After one term as Representative, Rivera ran for Mayor at the 1976 general election. He defeated incumbent Manuel Aponte Borrero. His main concerns towards Bayamón 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. Rivera was the president of the New Progressive Party from 1988 until 1989.
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.
Personal life
Rivera is married to Angélica Cruz Báez. They have five children: Ramón Luis, Irma, Awilda, Virginia and Eduardo. Ramón Luis has followed his father's footsteps as a politician and has served as Mayor of Bayamón since 2001. His son Eduardo is the current Director of the Authority for the Financing of the Infrastructure of Puerto Rico.