Costantino to Taveras: Make the Difficult Choices Now

Costantino to Taveras: Make the Difficult Choices Now

In an interview with GoLocalProv, former Providence mayoral candidate Steven Costantino gives advice to the winner in the race, Angel Taveras, who took the oath of office today. Costantino himself is entering a new phase of his public service career, taking office this week as the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) under Governor Lincoln Chafee.

1. What did you learn from your campaign that you didn't know before? I became more confident than ever that Providence must be viewed as a whole. Whether it is city services, education or economic development, we need to grow together. There must be a shared solution, as neither the burden nor the benefit should be held in one section of the city.

2. What advice do you have for Taveras? I am honored that Mayor Taveras has reached out to me, and others, to gather different ideas on how to improve Providence’s fiscal future. In order to promote Providence, we need to get our own fiscal house in order. I would suggest the new mayor be open to new, creative and responsible budgeting solutions and make the difficult choices now, so that future generations of Providence can prosper.

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3. What do you think will be the biggest issue the city - and Taveras - will face in 2011? The biggest issue is the city’s finances, with no doubt. As long as we have a structural deficit problem, we are held back from moving forward successfully on the economy, education and a prosperous future for our city.

4. Would you run again? If so, when and for what office? I am focused on working with the governor in the position of secretary of Health and Human Services.