Francisco Zayas Seijo
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| Francisco Zayas Seijo | |
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| In office January 1, 2005 – Incumbent |
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| Preceded by | Delis Castillo (interim) |
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| Born | October 4, 1951 Santurce, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Popular Democratic Party (PPD) |
| Spouse | Nancy Colón |
| Profession | Veterinary, Mayor |
Francisco Zayas Seijo, also known as Ico (born October 4, 1951) is the current mayor of the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life
Zayas Seijo was born October 4, 1951 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Héctor Zayas Chardón and Dr. Esther Seijo Tizol. Both his parents were actively involved with former Governor Luis Muñoz Marín. He is a first cousin to journalist Jorge Seijo.
When he was 16 years old, Zayas Seijo enrolled at the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts of Mayagüez where he obtained a bachelor's degree in agronomy. Afterwards, he was accepted at the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1975 where he completes his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine at 23 years old.
Upon marrying Nancy Colón in 1973, they moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico.
[edit] Career and Work
In 1975 he started working in the public service establishing a successful veterinary clinic in Ponce. He also worked at several universities and gathered much recognition for his work. In 1980, he was selected as Distinguished Youth by the Who's Who in Young American People.
[edit] Political career
Zayas Seijo got involved in politics in 1984 when Raúl Ramírez, mayor candidate, recruited him to be part of his team. Even though they were defeated, Zayas established himself as the minority spokesman. He remained in that position until 1991.
That year, his uncle, Humberto Zayas Chardón, retired from politics and left the seat he occupied as a Representative. Zayas decided to replace him and he was elected by the party. He represented the Representative District 25 of Ponce and Jayuya for 13 years.
In 2000 he presided over an important commission that investigated government financial procedures. He was recognized as an effective leader by people from all parties.
In 2004, Zayas Seijo was elected unanimously as the official candidate for the mayoral seat in Ponce, after the death of long-time mayor Rafael Cordero Santiago. In November 2, 2004, he was elected as the mayor of the city of Ponce by an ample margin. He became the 144th mayor of the city and was sworn to the charge January 9, 2005.
[edit] Personal life
Zayas has been married to Nancy Colón since 1973. They have four children together.
