aime Arroyo, set to become Lancaster’s first Latino mayor, said it didn’t fully sink in that he had won until election night and the following day when he began receiving messages from residents about city needs. “One was election night. Both my parents were there…taking the results, taking the energy in the room and the excitement around it, I think that really started to…settle in at that moment that, oh, I am going to be the next mayor of Lancaster City,” Arroyo said. “And then also the next day when I woke up…some things that we got to improve and some things we got to fix here in the city…I was like, oh, okay. I am going to be the next mayor and it’s time to get to work.”

Residents have already reached out with a range of requests, from bringing back the Puerto Rican Day Parade to addressing street and sidewalk repairs. “It’s one of the top jobs of the mayor,” Arroyo said. “It’s quality of life things…you really impact a lot of those things that really affect our daily lives and our quality of life.”

Arroyo, who won 85 percent of the vote, attributed his overwhelming support to his visibility in the community and authentic approach. “A lot of people in the community do know me…I was showing up as my authentic self and you don’t always get that in politics,” he said. “I shared my vision and it was a positive vision for Lancaster City and making sure that we continue to move in the right direction for everyone in our community.”

Looking ahead, Arroyo said his long-term vision focuses on creating opportunity and accessibility for future generations. “My vision for Lancaster City 20 years from now is that my son…can afford to buy a house if he wants to live in Lancaster City, he can get a good paying job, he can start a business if he wants, and most importantly he is welcomed in the city that he was raised in,” he said.

Reflecting on the historic milestone of becoming the city’s first Latino mayor, Arroyo said, “Representation for me has always been very important…Seeing someone from their community being represented in any type of leadership role…really helps drive conversation, decision-making, and overall policy in a way that benefits more people. It just feels amazing to have the privilege to be in this position and represent the Latino community, especially in Lancaster City, that has sometimes felt that they weren’t a part of.”

Arroyo also emphasized that public service has always been central to his path. “I’ve never tied myself to titles…The important thing is to make sure that the work that I’m doing is something that I personally have value to that moves my community forward,” he said. The incoming mayor said the encouragement of residents played a key role in his decision to run. “When people started asking me…certain key people that I have a lot of respect for, their opinion and their thoughts, kind of made me start to think a little bit more as to what value can I add to this city that would keep it moving in the right direction and make it better for everyone.”