Preceded by Rolando Crespo Spouse(s) Mariel Pagan Ramos | Name Jose Melendez Role Politician | |
Born December 5, 1973 (age 50)
Aibonito, Puerto Rico ( 1973-12-05 ) Political party New Progressive Party (PNP) Children Jose Enrique
Enrique Jose
Enrique Andre Alma mater Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (B.A.)
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (J.D.) Party New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico Education Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico | ||
José Enrique "Quiquito" Meléndez Ortíz (born December 5, 1973) is a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the New Progressive Party (PNP). He has been a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives since May 23, 2011.
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Early years and studies
José Enrique Meléndez Ortíz was born on December 5, 1973 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. His parents are former Senator José Enrique Meléndez Ortíz, Sr. and Elba M. Ortíz Santiago.
Meléndez completed his elementary and high school studies in Coamo. He then received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. After that, he completed his Juris doctor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in 2002. After that, he passed the bar exam.
Professional career
In 2002, Meléndez was hired by then-Representative Aníbal Vega Borges to serve as Legislative Adviser to the New Progressive Party at the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. During that time, he also served as adviser to Representatives José Chico Vega and Edwin Mundo Ríos. Also, Thomas Rivera Schatz, then Electoral Commissioner of the PNP, recruited Meléndez as an adviser in electoral affairs. Meléndez continued working for Rivera Schatz becoming his Legal Aide.
From 2003 to 2004, Meléndez also gave legislative and legal advice to Representative José F. Aponte Hernández. In January 10, 2005, Meléndez was appointed unanimously to serve as Secretary of the House of Representatives, under elected Speaker Aponte Hernández. He served in that position until 2006.
Meléndez also works as a private attorney.
Political career
In April 2011, Meléndez Ortíz presented his candidacy to fill the vacant of Rolando Crespo in the House of Representatives. In May 23, 2011, he was sworn into the position. He is currently a member of the Committees of Municipal Affairs, Treasury, Health, Public Safety, and others.
Personal life
Meléndez is married to Mariel Pagán Ramos. They have three children: José Enrique, Enrique José and Enrique André. They live in Guaynabo.