LETTERS

The wrong pathway to City Hall

Posted 9/23/14

To the Editor:

In this rather vexing campaign season, the most provocative race is unquestionably the race for mayor of our capital city. Facing Republican Daniel Harrop, whose chances are …

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LETTERS

The wrong pathway to City Hall

Posted

To the Editor:

In this rather vexing campaign season, the most provocative race is unquestionably the race for mayor of our capital city. Facing Republican Daniel Harrop, whose chances are minimal, are both Democrat Jorge Elorza and the ghost of administrations past Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci.

Any Ocean State citizen over 35 years of age knows the entire life story of Buddy Cianci. We know his trials and tribulations. We remember in the ’90s when Providence was rated one of the three top most appealing cities in the country. We also recall the decaying mill city of the late ’70s and the early ’80s when no prospective business would consider Providence as a possible operating hub.

There were many forces involved in that erstwhile grand transition. However, Buddy undoubtedly was the ramrod of change. Those who support Buddy remember those favorable times and tend to diminish in memory the uncertain days of Plunder Dome and the legacy of generous public sector negotiated [contracts] which our taxpayers cannot afford.

So far, the race with primary finalists has been caustic and unproductive. Jorge Elorza needs to rise above the accusatory attacks on Cianci and the rhetorical vagueness and start presenting concrete plans for the city’s renewal. Daniel Harrop needs to abandon his avocation of pushing the city into Chapter Nine Bankruptcy and promote a more realistic salvation plan that does not start with accepting defeat. Lastly, Buddy needs to present himself as the wise old seasoned Lion whose hard won wisdom and ample administrative experience uniquely empowers him to face the current difficulties of the capital city.

However, first Buddy needs to start every conversation with an act of contrition. Voters love a penitent candidate who has seen the errors of his ways and has yielded a perspective sagacious knowledge from mistakes that have been made. Cianci’s great wit and his gift of glibness can be endearing and magnetic if it is not spoken vindictively. If Buddy presents himself as the trustworthy wise old “Uncle Buddy” who has our best interests at heart, he can win! If he acts as he did in the first forum this past week, vengeful in retort and barely apologetic for past transgressions, he will lose. Next mayoral forum, I truly hope Uncle Buddy shows up. We need him now!

Christopher M. Curran

West Warwick

Comments

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  • JohnStark

    Elorza's story is admirable, but you get the sense that he wants more and more government. This will result in more and more Producers leaving Providence. Buddy has turned Providence around once already, but it was a different time with different personalities and a different city demographic to which he could relate. As I see it, Harrop is the adult in the room who says, not what we want to hear but what we need to hear. Filing for bankruptcy protection is a controversial, yet highly plausible idea. Three extremely well-educated men from three very different backgrounds. But will any of them tackle the problems that plague Providence and most urban areas: Multi-generational welfare dependency and a deplorable system of public education? Hint: Harrop is the only one that will not genuflect at the high altar of political correctness, and thus won't be afraid to tackle these issues head on.

    Tuesday, September 23, 2014 Report this

  • patientman

    Oh my god. Elorza, Harrop whatever. Buddy gave out 5 and 6% COLA's and then didn't fund them. Buddy is the reason Providence is so screwed now. No false contrition will change who Buddy is. He is all about Buddy all the time. Don't be so naive to think anything else.

    Wednesday, September 24, 2014 Report this

  • markyc

    There is no choice for Providence. Elorza wouldn't admit that back in April, before Buddy declared, that he wanted Buddy's support(integrity?). Plus the fact that Elorza has no experience in running any type of government entity such as a city(housing court isn't comparable).

    Harrop doesn't have the authority to declare bankruptcy. Providence would first go into a receivership commission. And outside investors & the Bond market would likely ask the State of RI to assist Providence; otherwise, the bond market would not only be reluctant to recommend Providence bonds, but almost State & local bonds as well.

    Cianci would likely find that the financial situation has changed in Providence & he would not have the financial flexibility & options that he would hope for or expect.

    Monday, September 29, 2014 Report this