EDITORIAL: Mayor Elorza is Creating a Chaotic Environment in Providence

EDITORIAL: Mayor Elorza is Creating a Chaotic Environment in Providence

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s effort to be relevant during the global health and economic crisis has caused significant damage to businesses, promoted a hostile culture, and created confusion in Providence. The Mayor seems desperate to lead, but in fact, is only creating disruption.

 

Small Business Frustration

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Last weekend, his poorly planned and badly executed “Slow Streets” program was criticized by both members of the City Council for its unnecessary cost and lack of community input. As importantly, it was criticized by small business owners for the program's poor planning

"We are still open for business, against all odds. We’ve gotten a lot of calls, dms, and walk-ins today expressing confusion and asking about how they can access the store. You can drive right around those barriers and pull on up to our store baby. @mayorofpvd hasn’t changed his mind about this program. The impact within the first hour and a half of us being open is clear - this is confusing to customers and delivery drivers. This creates additional burden on already hard-hit small businesses and non-profits,” wrote the owners of Camp Street’s Hometown Poké on Camp Street. 

“This program serves wealthy residents who have the luxury of staying home, collecting a salary, and being able to walk the streets and parks during the day. There was no thought at all about essential workers who have to get around the city or small businesses or non-profits who are suffering right now. Poorer communities are being inconvenienced to benefit wealthier ones,” the small business owners said.

Councilman Michael Correia questioned the cost of $15,000 -- as city and statement governments are struggling during the coronavirus -- and Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune said the community's main concern is that the Mayor did not reach out to residents ahead of time. 

 

 

Public Shaming

On Monday, Elorza called for people to publicly shame those not wearing masks -- advice in Providence that may easily provoke violence.

That message issued became a national joke and came simultaneously to news out of Michigan that a father, who was working as a security guard at a dollar store, was shot dead for asking customers to put on masks as required.

 

Now, Governing Chaos

On Friday night the Providence City Council failed to approve his request to extend his previous executive order. His extension created a regulatory structure more restrictive than the state policy.

The City Council did not approve the order with the necessary super-majority as dictated by the City Charter. Elorza’s spokeswoman says he will move forward with the order to create a governing crisis and confusion for city residents.

Not a good week for City of Providence residents who are trying to run fledgling businesses, stay safe, and do the right thing.

It might be a good time for the Mayor to take another trip to Hawaii.