Rafael Hernández Colón

Rafael Hernández Colón was a prominent Puerto Rican politician who served as the fourth and sixth governor of Puerto Rico. His two non-consecutive terms in office spanned from 1973 to 1977 and again from 1985 to 1993. A member of the Popular Democratic Party, he is noted for being the youngest individual to be elected governor in Puerto Rico's history and for being the only governor to have served non-consecutive terms. Throughout his political career, Hernández Colón focused on economic development, housing construction, and the political status of Puerto Rico as a territory of the United States.

Early life and career

Rafael Hernández Colón was born on October 24, 1936, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to Rafael Hernández Matos and Doraldina "Dora" Colón Clavell. He was the eldest of three children, with two younger brothers. His early education included attendance at Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Pennsylvania, where he completed his studies before pursuing higher education. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University in 1956, graduating with honors. Following this, he attended the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, where he received his law degree in 1959, graduating magna cum laude and serving as valedictorian of his class.

After completing his education, Hernández Colón began his professional career as a lecturer on civil procedure at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, a position he held from 1961 to 1965. His entry into politics came through his affiliation with the Popular Democratic Party (Partido Popular Democrático, PPD). He initially served as the Associate Commissioner of Public Service under Governor Roberto Sánchez Vilella and later became the Secretary of the Department of Justice in 1965.

In the 1968 elections, Hernández Colón was elected to the Senate of Puerto Rico, where he became a key figure in the PPD. As President of the Senate, he led the party and served as the main opposition leader. During his tenure, he proposed significant legislative changes, including a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 18, which was successfully passed in 1970. He also advocated for the cessation of bombing practices on the island of Culebra and opposed efforts to alter Puerto Rico's political status in a way he deemed misleading.

Governorship

Hernández Colón first ran for governor in 1972 and won the election, defeating the incumbent by a notable margin. At the age of 36, he became the youngest person to hold the office of governor in Puerto Rico. His first term, from 1973 to 1977, was marked by significant economic challenges, particularly due to the recession triggered by the 1973 oil crisis. The crisis had a profound impact on Puerto Rico, given its reliance on petroleum-related industries. In response to the economic downturn, Hernández Colón implemented austerity measures and tax increases, which ultimately contributed to an economic recovery by 1976.

During his first term, Hernández Colón worked alongside President Richard Nixon to establish an Ad Hoc Committee for Puerto Rico, aimed at enhancing the island's Commonwealth status. The committee produced a report proposing a Compact of Permanent Union that would grant Puerto Rico greater autonomy and a mechanism to object to the automatic application of federal laws. However, the subsequent administration of President Gerald Ford did not respond favorably to the proposal, instead advocating for statehood for Puerto Rico after the 1976 elections.

Hernández Colón's first term also saw him recognized as one of the world's young leaders by Time magazine in 1974. He was instrumental in lobbying Congress for Section 936, which provided tax incentives for U.S. corporations operating in Puerto Rico. This provision remained in effect until 1996, when it began a phase-out that concluded in 2006, a change that has been cited as a contributing factor to Puerto Rico's ongoing economic challenges.

After losing the 1976 gubernatorial election to Carlos Romero Barceló, Hernández Colón made another attempt to regain the office in 1980 but was defeated again by a narrow margin. He returned to the political arena in 1984, successfully running against Romero Barceló and winning the governorship for a second time. His second term lasted from 1985 to 1993, during which he focused on continuing his initiatives in economic development and housing.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his time in office, Hernández Colón remained committed to the principles of the Popular Democratic Party, advocating for the political status of Puerto Rico as an unincorporated territory of the United States. He opposed efforts to change this status, particularly during the Ford administration's push for statehood. His administration was characterized by ambitious programs aimed at economic growth and housing construction, reflecting his focus on improving the living standards of Puerto Ricans.

Hernández Colón's legacy includes his role in shaping Puerto Rico's political landscape during a time of significant change and challenge. His tenure as governor is notable for his dual non-consecutive terms, a unique aspect of his political career that underscores his resilience and continued influence in Puerto Rican politics. He is remembered for his contributions to legislative reforms, particularly in labor laws, and for his efforts to secure economic incentives that aimed to bolster the island's economy.

After leaving office, Hernández Colón continued to be active in public life and remained a respected figure within the Popular Democratic Party until his passing on May 2, 2019. His impact on Puerto Rican politics and governance continues to be a subject of study and discussion among scholars and political analysts.