The councilwoman Jacqueline García-Roves will become the interim mayor of Hialeah, marking a historic milestone as she will be the first woman to assume this position in the 100-year history of the city.
"This city is my life, I was born and raised here, and I am raising my three children. The residents mean a lot to me," expressed García-Roves upon confirming his appointment, following the resignation of the former mayor Esteban Bovo.
Hialeah will celebrate 100 years since its founding in 2025. It is the second largest city in Miami-Dade County. It has more than 221,000 residents and a budget of 485 million dollars. Its government model follows a strong mayor system, where the executive holds a significant portion of the administrative power.
García-Roves, known as Jackie by her close friends, currently serves as the president of the city council. Born and raised in Hialeah, she comes from a Cuban family with a background in public service.
“My father was always a public servant, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Unfortunately, he passed away while I was campaigning and couldn't see me win. And now he won't be here for this important step either,” she said to Telemundo 51.
She was elected as councilor in 2019, and since then she has maintained a low profile. “I am quiet in the sense that I don’t like to talk just for the sake of talking. When there’s a heated topic, I do speak up,” she stated.
García-Roves will remain in office until the November elections, in which he has not yet confirmed whether he will run.
Among the immediate challenges that must be addressed during this transition period are the rising costs of water, the state of the infrastructure, and the need to ensure affordable housing.
The appointment comes amid criticism of the strategic decisions made by Bovo in the weeks leading up to his departure, particularly regarding personnel matters.
However, García-Roves has made it clear that he will not make immediate changes. “I will lead on my own. I’m not going to make any changes right now,” he emphasized.
Regarding his political future, he noted that it is still too early to make a decision, but left the door open for a potential candidacy. “I believe that if I make a decision, it's because I intend to win,” he stated. If he does not run, he expressed his support for local politician René García.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Mayor of Hialeah, Jacqueline García-Roves
Who is Jacqueline García-Roves and what is her new role in Hialeah?
Jacqueline García-Roves is the new interim mayor of Hialeah, marking a milestone as the first woman to lead the city. She took office following the resignation of Esteban Bovo and will serve until the upcoming elections in November.
What are the main challenges that García-Roves will face as mayor of Hialeah?
Among the immediate challenges that García-Roves will face during his transition period are the rising costs of water, the state of infrastructure, and the need to ensure affordable housing. Additionally, he will need to manage the criticism generated by the decisions of his predecessor in the last weeks of his term.
What is García-Roves' stance on the decisions made by former mayor Bovo before his departure?
García-Roves has made it clear that he will not implement immediate changes and that he will lead independently, stating that the mayor leads alone, but if support is needed, they will work together. He does not plan to modify the strategic decisions made by Bovo regarding personnel.
What background does Jacqueline García-Roves have in public service in Hialeah?
Jacqueline García-Roves comes from a Cuban family with a history in public service. She was elected as a council member in 2019 and has maintained a low profile in the city council. Her father was also a public servant, a legacy that she has continued in her political career.
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