Fernando 'Tato' Cintrón announced Tuesday his intention to run for mayor of Cataño in the process to fill the vacancy left by the death of Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo. Cintrón, known locally for his community and sports work and for a decade as owner ('apoderado') of the Lancheros de Cataño baseball team in the Doble A Superior League, said the idea arose 'organically' after residents and merchants approached him. He said that on a Saturday he attended an event where he spoke with New Progressive Party (PNP) figures, including Governor Jenniffer González Colón, the party secretary, and former San Juan mayor Jorge Santini.
Cintrón said he continues 'touching bases,' building his team, and preparing a work plan, and will submit required documentation once the internal process to fill the vacancy is formally activated. He said he will be accompanied by his team and family when he formally announces. Cintrón noted he has lived in Cataño since 1977, worked as a newspaper carrier from age nine, and at 12 was named El Vocero's carrier of the year, earning a letter from then-Governor Carlos Romero Barceló.
He credited his parents, Fernando Cintrón Martínez and María Mercado, for shaping his values.