Carlos Méndez Martínez Politician
Carlos Méndez Martínez is a Puerto Rican politician and current mayor of Aguadilla.Méndez was born in Aguadilla to Pablo Méndez and Rosita Martínez. He graduated from José de Diego High School. When he was 17, he joined the United States Army, becoming a veteran at the age of 19. He studied Gemologist Science and Jewelry Design, opening his own jewelry business. He then started a real estate business.In 1995, he returned to Puerto Rico, and ran for mayor of Aguadilla at the 1996 general elections. He has been reelected in 2000, 2004 and 2008. In the 2008 elections, he received almost 70% of the votes. His margin of victory was one of the largest among elected mayors in that election.Méndez is among the highest paid mayors in the island, with a salary of $127,000 a year. In 2004, he had a salary of $75,000, but the Municipal Assembly authorized a raise to $100,000.