Providence Mayoral Race Taking Shape
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The field of potential contenders continues to grow for Providence Mayor Angel Taveras' anticipated open seat in 2014, should the Mayor decide to make a run at the Governor's Office.
GoLocal talked with political pundits to get their take on what will be needed to win in 2014 -- and who might be looking like they've got a chance. SEE SLIDESHOW BELOW.
Former Providence Mayor Weighs In
Providence's 33rd Mayor from 1984 to 1991, Joseph Paolino, Jr., offered his thoughts with GoLocal on the factors necessary for a Mayoral candidate to be successful in Providence in 2014.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"It's got to be someone who can show vision, fiscal stability, and sensitivity to tax issues," said Paolino Jr.. "That includes a long term plan of what to do with the Port of Providence, the Superman building. And taxes -- the current Mayor has taken an aggressive stance against raising commercial property taxes to keep businesses here. Will the next Mayor?"
"There are some relatively new faces politically speaking, as well as a number of potential candidates who bring a lot of experience to the table. Will Lombardi want to give up his GA seat? Will Solomon want to relinquish his spot as head of the City Council? I've never seen a Council President yield more power. Buddy, of course, would be a game changer if he runs. Smart, vision, experience on the job, great debater."
Profughi on Taveras
Victor Profughi, Adjunct Professor at Rhode Island College and Founder of Quest Research, thought there were possible issues that could face Mayor Taveras on his possible look out of the Mayor's office -- and up to the State House.
"Taveras has set some high and lofty goals -- integrity, straight talking, and available," said Profughi. "While he may not always have met these to the satisfaction of all his goals, they will be important for any candidate to project. "
"As he seriously considers a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor, he will face the additional challenges of providing leadership in the city while trying to balance these efforts against a statewide run that will require a broad statewide coalition for success, said Profughi. "This is a tough balancing act, and mayors tend to be unsuccessful in pulling it off .
Providence GOP's Tara Pinsky
"The major issues facing the City are the ever increasing tax burden on property owners, continuous yearly deficits which this year alone ending June 30th is $10.3 million, the "kick the can down the road" mentality with unfunded pension and medical liabilities of $2.5 billion, and the lack of a committed vision to get Providence back on it's feet," said Providence GOP Chair Tara Pinsky
"Residents are now aware we are getting too little for our taxes: schools continue to fail, ambulance service is being cut back, public safety was significantly cut back, and crime is on the rise," she continued.
"We need a Mayor who does not want to step up to higher office to advance his own personal standing, and who will focus for all four years on the City, only, to get it back on track," and noted that Dr. Daniel Harrop will be the Republican nominee.
See who the some of the candidates talked about for Mayor of Providence in 2014 are here.
