Providence City Council: Who Will Be the Next President?
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
At least three current Providence City Council members say they plan on pursuing the Council Presidency with current President Michael Solomon running for Mayor -- and several others are indicating that they are eying the post.
Who Could Be President? See City Council Bios BELOW
"I think what we need is someone who can represent the whole council," said Ward 3 Councilman Kevin Jackson. "When you have a divided council, you empower who's on the 2nd floor and we've seen a lot of that. I definitely believe through my experience as the longest standing Councilperson that I can bring people together with my hands-on experience. I bring a calming factor."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"I'm running," said President Pro Tempore Terry Hassett. "I think the position needs the institutional knowledge of the city -- and city government -- number one. I got an early start in public service on the Board of Regents, and have served in almost every capacity."
And one Council member believes he has the votes necessary to succeed Solomon.
"I've already considered it, I've been speaking with many of my colleagues, and I'm very much interested in it," said Ward 6 Councilman Michael Correia. "At this time I have the support of the membership that I need. I look forward to becoming the next council President but anything can happen between between now and 2015."
Next at the Helm?
Ways and Means Chairman David Salvatore said that as far as the President's post is concerned, "Right now, I'm concentrating on the responsibilities of the council's ways and means committee. My mission is to help my district and the city where I was born and raised. Should I be tapped for the post, then I'll deal with matters at that particular time."
Salvatore continued, "The council needs a president who remains focused on the obvious priorities; that is fiscal control - primarily - by holding the line on expenses. Our city's biggest opportunity is aggressively pursuing ways in which to help promote a better business climate -- recognizing there's a direct correlation to what happens at that state level."
Councilman Sam Zurier noted, as did a number of council members, that any discussion of who could be next was in its nascent stages -- despite some members already declaring their intentions.
"I think this discussion is premature until the voters have spoken in the primary and/or general election. With that said, I am not interested in seeking the position if I am re-elected, and I am not aware of any clear front-runner among my colleagues," said Zurier.
Of the next City Council President, Zurier said the person would need to "bring the individual City Council members together in a team that helps move the City forward, support the work of City Council members to serve their constituents...develop a good working relationship with the Mayor and maintain a quality and productive staff in the City Council and Clerk’s offices."
"I think there are several people who are interested, myself included," said Councilman Luis Aponte. "I think it's on some folks to-do list, but it's not immediate however, the council's got work to. We'll see more at some point after the September [primary] elections, it will be a lively debate. Right now, there are much more exciting races."
Contenders in the Mix
"Part of the question is who's coming," said Aponte. "Solomon's not coming back, so there a few folks organizing for his seat, including former Councilman Patrick Butler. Jacinta Pena's running against [Councilman] Narducci. [Councilman] Jennings has at least two declared candidates."
Anthony Sionni is another challenger in the race, running for Councilman Salvatore's seat in Ward 14.
Former Mayor -- and City Council Chairman -- Joe Paolino echoed sentiments that while it was still too early to tell anything, there were things to watch for as developments unfolded.
"You can't handicap [this] until you see who's got a primary," said Paolino. "If there are some candidates running now, they might try to put some money into a race to help defeat someone else."
"If you ultimately have two factions, a third candidate could become the kingmaker - or the king," said Paolino. "The Mayor's race will be important, but it's a political "no-no" for a Mayor to get involved in a City Council race."
Former State Representative and Deputy Secretary of State Ray Rickman spoke to the visibility of the President position.
"The Council President as holder of the office doesn't get a lot of attention -- the public doesn't know that person as a rule. Their clout comes from getting the Council to do things," said Rickman. "I think Solomon gets a lot of credit for cobbling together the Swim Commission."
As for the outgoing Council President?
"My advice for the next president is: Put the city first. As president, your duty is to set the direction of the council during your term. It is more than a full-time job if you are fully committed to it, but if you build strong relationships with your Council colleagues, and with the Mayor, you can overcome immense challenges and achieve great things for Providence," said Solomon. "Through focused effort, and many sacrifices, we overcame a $110 million deficit, and now we are looking ahead to being able to invest in our neighborhoods and our schools, and to improve the quality of life in our city."
Related Slideshow: Providence City Council: Who Will Be the Next President?
Several members of the current Providence City Council have declared their intentions to seek the Council Presidency, with Michael Solomon's departure.
Below is the current city council.
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