Waldemar Quiles


Waldemar Quiles Rodríguez is a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the New Progressive Party. He has been a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives for two separate instances representing District 22. Quiles also served as Mayor of Utuado from 1981 to 1989.

Early years and studies

Waldemar Quiles was born December 29, 1940 in Camuy, Puerto Rico.
Quiles completed a Bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of Puerto Rico in 1965. In 1971, he completed his Master's degree in Education, also from the University of Puerto Rico, graduating Magna cum laude. In 1978, Quiles studied law at IAU.

Professional career

Quiles is certified as an elementary and junior high school teacher, and also as director and superintendent of schools.

Political career

Quiles began his political career in 1973, when he became part of the Municipal Assembly of Utuado. In 1977, he became President of the Assembly. Also, from 1977 to 1980, Quiles was the Auxiliary Administrator at the Administration of Permits and Regulations.
From 1981 to 1989, Quiles served as Mayor of Utuado.
Quiles was first elected to the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico at the 1992 general election, representing District 22. During his first term, he presided the Commission of Cooperativism, and served as Vicepresident of the Commission of Education and Culture.
Quiles was reelected at the 1996 general election, after which he presided the Treasury Commission. From 2001 to 2003, Quiles was President of the Commission of Public Service.
Quiles decided not to run for reelection at the 2004 general election. During that term, he served as Advisor to the Mayor of Toa Baja, Aníbal Vega Borges, and to the Speaker of the House, José Aponte Hernández.
Quiles returned to active politics for the 2008 general election, where he was reelected again to represent District 22. He was again reelected in 2012.

Personal life

Quiles was married to María del Carmen Llanes Medina. They divorced in 2002. Quiles has six children.