Thomas Rivera

Background

Rivera Schatz was born on June 10, 1966 in the Bronx Borough of New York City. He is the son of José A. “Nía” Rivera, a past mayor of Trujillo Alto, and Christina Schatz.

Education

Rivera Schatz was born on June 10, 1966 in the Bronx Borough of New York City. He is the son of José A. “Nía” Rivera, a past mayor of Trujillo Alto, and Christina Schatz. He attended the Interamerican University Law School, where he graduated in 1992.

While in college, he worked full-time at the City of San Juan Public Works Department.

A year later, he passed the bar exam required to practice law in Puerto Rico.

Rivera Schatz started his legal career as a legal advisor in the Senate and House of Representatives of Puerto Rico. In 1996, Governor Pedro Rosselló appointed him as a prosecutor at the Department of Justice.

After finishing his service as a prosecutor, he returned to private practice, tending both criminal and civil cases.

Career

He is affiliated with New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico and the United States Republican Party. Electoral Commissioner and Secretary General: 2000-2007 In 2000, Rivera Schatz was named Electoral Commissioner for the pro-statehood New Progressive Party (PNP). During this time, Rivera Schatz supported President of the PNP, Carlos Pesquera.

On June 20, 2002, Schatz was detained, along with Pesquera, after an incident in the office of Women Affairs.

Pesquera attempted to enter the offices by force to make a statement by putting the flag of the United States in the government office, after it was removed. As a result, a riot ensued.

He served both positions simultaneously until August 1, 2007, when he decided to run for Senator. Senator: 2008-present In the 2008 general elections, Rivera Schatz was elected Senator.

His fellow Senators then appointed him to be the 14th President of Puerto Rico’s Senate.

As such, he selected the following persons for his team: Senator Margarita Nolasco as Senate President Pro tempore Senator Larry Seilhamer as Majority Leader Senator Melinda Romero as Majority Whip Roberto "Junior" Maldonado as Chief Administrative Officer of the Senate. Senate Secretary Manuel A. Torres was nominated by Rivera Schatz and reelected to a second term, becoming the first Senate secretary to serve under two different Senate Presidents Incumbent Superintendent of the Capitol, Eliezer Velázquez, was nominated by Rivera Schatz and ratified by House Speaker Jennifer González for a second term, a first for a Superintendent. Rivera Schatz was sworn into his post on January 12, 2009.

Achievements

• Rivera Schatz ran for Senator at the PNP primaries where he won a slot in the ballot, receiving the second-most votes.

Politics

Two years later, Party President Pedro Rosselló named Rivera Schatz as Secretary General of the PNP in addition to his current position as Electoral Commissioner.