Mayoral Candidates Debate Curt Schilling Deal
Friday, September 03, 2010
The Democratic candidates for Providence mayor for the first time debated the state’s deal with Curt Schilling’s video game company and delved deeper into state budget issues at a forum hosted last night by ABC 6 and the Providence League of Women Voters.
Three of the candidates criticized the deal. Only Steven Costantino appeared to support it.
The candidates were asked if they would support giving any city tax breaks to 38 Studios, Schilling’s company—in addition to the $75 million loan guarantee the state is providing. “If he wants more than $75 million in loan guarantees than we’re in big, big trouble. I think it was a bad deal,” said Angel Taveras. “I’m a big Red Sox fan, but I’m not that big a Red Sox fan.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTChris Young and John Lombardi also criticized the deal. “Apparently, this state is star-struck,” Lombardi said. “Not everyone in this state is a Red Sox fan—people need to realize that.” Lombardi said it would have been better to spread the $75 million among small businesses.
But Costantino said the deal could be good for Providence if Schilling moves his company to the city. “If Curt Schilling wants to come to Providence, I want him to come to Providence,” Costantino said. “I want 400 jobs for Providence.”
Costantino Challenged on State Budget
The candidates also sparred over the state budget—which Costantino crafted as the chairman of the House Finance Committee. Costantino said he had cut the budget—turning a $200 million deficit into a $17 million surplus. “I think I did a very good job in a very difficult situation. This is what the city of Providence faces,” Costantino said. “You can’t spend, spend, spend when you don’t have the money.”
Despite those cuts, Taveras said the size of the state budget had grown. He also criticized Costantino for making cuts in education and state aid to Providence. “If you’re happy with the state of the state, wherever you are, then the chairman … is standing right next to me,” Taveras said. “I think we need a new direction and someone to take this state in the right direction—not taking it backwards.”
As in previous debates, Chris Young stole much of the show. He accused Taveras of being a “puppet” for Cicilline, whipped out a Taveras bumper sticker and hung it upside down on his podium. Young also attacked Costantino for backing gay marriage—producing a copy of the state legislation on same-sex marriage which he said Costantino’s supported.
Voters Weigh In
Voters who spoke with GoLocalProv said they had already made up their minds before the debate—and remained committed to their choices. David Greene, an East Side resident, is backing Taveras. “I think that he’s intelligent, that he listens to people, he’s a consensus builder, and I think he’s reach out to other segments of the population,” Greene said. “I just think he brings a freshness that we need.”
Raymond Dettore, Jr., a former deputy city solicitor, is supporting Costantino because he believes he is the one best suited to dealing with the city’s financial challenges. “I’ve felt that he’s the most qualified candidate running for mayor and I think he basically is what we need,” Dettore said.
The debate was held on the RISD campus and aired on ABC 6’s news channel, Cox Channel 5.
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