Editor’s note: these are the candidate’s responses to questions provided by RIPR. The views expressed are the candidate’s alone, edited only in cases of inappropriate or libelous language. No changes have been made to correct errors of fact, spelling or grammar.
1. Plans to reduce violent crime: Crime in all neighborhoods increases when there is a lack of facilities to keep young adults and adults busy. An improvement in the type and number of recreational facilities to enhance opportunities for all to develop mind and body with the goal of keeping them off the streets is one way to address the problem. A second need is to target the licensing board for clubs and liquor establishments to enforce existing rules and codes for closing times and security needed to be present. I will press the issues before the State board to uphold enforcement of our regulations and violations thereof. I will also research the possibility of changing the rules for licensing of catering companies that are hired to keep the alcohol flowing in these establishments past the 2 am closing. I will develop an auxiliary police force comprised of retired police personnel, that can be dispatched for domestic disturbances and vehicle violations while active force personnel deal with crime in the streets. In addition I will bring the police department back to full strength by running police academies in each year of my term and hiring as many graduates as needed to resume that full strength. Violent crime in the neighborhoods is a specific problem. I do not accept that each of these occurrences is a targeted situation. A violent crime against one family, one person, must be stopped and dealt with according to our existing laws.
2. Plans for Providence schools: Educating our students must be in buildings that are conducive to education – absent mold, asbestos, water leakage and broken fixtures. Our schools must have the best equipment possible, operated in enhanced surroundings. Teachers must be given a contract immediately. ELL deficiencies must be addressed through the hiring of additional teachers and professional personnel, as well as conducting the appropriate professional development to broaden the knowledge of our existing teachers in diagnosing the problems within the classroom and seeking the best resources to deal with those problems. Decisions must be made on whether to spend valuable money and resources on repairs to existing buildings versus building new facilities and consolidating existing schools and resources.
3. Improving Providence’s economy: During my administration there will be an active program to facilitate new business growth. I will initiate the formation of a new department and a restructuring of an existing department within City Hall where the specific task will be to nurture small business growth, assist in the initial development, and be a partner in the sustainability of each new business. I will look to developing special financing to assist in the new business start-up through city loans and incentives. For every business where tax stabilization credits are given there should be a partnering small business receiving funds to develop and sustain itself. I will also remove any impediments to small businesses that currently exist. The areas that need immediate attention for small business development are Thayer Street, Hope Street, Wickenden Street, Broad Street, Elmwood Avenue, Atwells Avenue, Smith Street, Eddy Street, Allens Avenue, Downtown proper, etc. These areas are vital to the economy in Providence and must be primed for growth. The more we grow small businesses, the more we introduce tax revenue into the City and make it livable for all.
4. Providence pension system: Preventing bankruptcy is a major concern for any administration within Providence. Our pension system is underfunded. Respected financial experts have declared that we are one percentage point away from ever solving this crisis. Yet we continue to give lavish tax incentives to developers for a promise of financial returns ten, and sometimes twenty years in the future. This cannot continue. Every dollar we give now as an incentive is a dollar less that we have towards solving our crisis. My program will allow for a review of tax incentive proposals as a last resort rather than as an inducement towards construction and development. In addition I plan to work with all major unions in developing proposals that allow for increased contributions to the City for the expressed purpose of reducing our pension obligations. New development along the Allens Avenue corridor also provides the potential for increased financial support towards this obligation. I will also look to the hospitals and colleges and other non-profits for increased contributions for city services which will relieve our budget and allow for a greater contribution towards this crisis. The one solution not on my table is the sale of our water. This approach is shortsighted, providing only a temporary solution and not a lasting remedy.
5. Top Three Priorities: All of the above, Safety, Education, Facilities and Infrastructure, Small Business Growth, Reducing the Pension Obligation.
