Colorado: A Career in Puerto Rican Law and Public Service
The professional journey of Colorado is marked by a deep commitment to the legal and economic advancement of Puerto Rico. From his early academic achievements to high-ranking government appointments, his career reflects a blend of legal expertise and a dedication to public administration.
Academic Foundation and Legal Training
Colorado's academic path began in Puerto Rico, where he completed his elementary and high school education. He then pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree from Boston University in 1962. Following this, he returned to his roots to attend the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor (a professional doctorate degree in law) three years later.
To further specialize his knowledge, Colorado earned a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1966. That same year, he was admitted to the Puerto Rican bar, qualifying him to practice law. He is also a member of the Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity.
Early Career and Economic Development
Between 1966 and 1968, Colorado applied his legal training as a tax adviser for the Puerto Rico Economic Development Administration. He quickly rose within the organization, serving as the executive assistant to the economic development administrator from 1968 to 1969.
In 1969, he transitioned into private law practice. His expertise in fiscal matters led to his appointment as a member of the Puerto Rico Tax Reform Commission Subcommittee in 1973.
Leadership in Government and Academia
During the late 1970s, Colorado balanced his legal practice with a passion for education, lecturing at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras.
His administrative capabilities were recognized in 1985 when Governor Rafael Hernández Colón appointed him as the administrator of economic development. This trajectory of leadership culminated in his appointment as the Secretary of State for Puerto Rico, a position he held from 1990 to 1992.
Congressional Service and Later Roles
In 1992, Colorado was appointed as the Resident Commissioner to the United States House of Representatives. He filled the vacancy left by Jaime B. Fuster, who had transitioned to become an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.
While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Colorado focused on critical social issues affecting the island, specifically targeting crime and drug abuse. He also advocated for increased Medicaid support to improve healthcare access for Puerto Ricans.
Following an unsuccessful bid for election in 1992, Colorado returned to San Juan. He later took on the role of Executive Director of the Local Redevelopment Authority for the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba. This facility had been abandoned by the United States Navy following the cessation of naval shelling practices in nearby Vieques.
Key Facts
- Education: Bachelor's from Boston University, Juris Doctor from University of Puerto Rico, and Master of Laws from Harvard.
- High Offices: Served as Secretary of State for Puerto Rico (1990–1992) and Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Economic Focus: Held leadership roles in the Puerto Rico Economic Development Administration and the Tax Reform Commission Subcommittee.
- Advocacy: Pushed for increased Medicaid support and solutions for drug abuse and crime during his congressional tenure.
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Organization/Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Bachelor's Degree | Boston University |
| 1965 | Juris Doctor | University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
| 1966 | Master of Laws | Harvard Law School |
| 1966–1968 | Legal Tax Adviser | Puerto Rico Economic Development Administration |
| 1990–1992 | Secretary of State | Government of Puerto Rico |
| 1992 | Resident Commissioner | U.S. House of Representatives |
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic degrees did Colorado hold?
Colorado earned a bachelor's degree from Boston University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School.
Which high-ranking government positions did he hold in Puerto Rico?
He served as the administrator of economic development, the Secretary of State for Puerto Rico, and the Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives.
What issues did Colorado prioritize during his time in the U.S. House of Representatives?
He focused on addressing drug abuse and crime in Puerto Rico, while also requesting additional Medicaid support for the island.
What was his role regarding the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station?
He served as the Executive Director of the Local Redevelopment Authority for the station in Ceiba after it was abandoned by the U.S. Navy.
Who appointed Colorado as the administrator of economic development?
He was appointed to the position in 1985 by the then Governor of Puerto Rico, Rafael Hernández Colón.