Leaders React to Elorza's Vision for "New Providence"
GoLocal News Team
Leaders React to Elorza's Vision for "New Providence"
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, who was sworn in Monday morning just after midnight, addressed a crowd of hundreds in front of City Hall on Monday afternoon, unveiling his vision for a "New Providence."
SLIDES: See Reactions from Elected Officials and Community Leaders BELOW
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTouching upon themes of heritage, history, opportunity, and pride, Elorza unveiled a bold agenda, including making Providence the only city of its size not to have a single abandoned or boarded up home.
Read Elorza's Inauguration Speech HERE
Elorza also proposed a bold agenda for the arts.
"Let’s be sure to support our local and organic arts scene because when it fully blossoms, it will return the favor ten-fold. Artists not only help us challenge convention but they enrich and enliven our souls," said Elorza. "As Mayor, I will tap into this creative energy and lay the foundation for an arts and culture festival that draws visitors from across the nation and showcases all the great talent we have in Providence."
Reactions to Mayor Elorza's Inauguration Speech
Jim Vincent
"I thought it was great, it showed a lot of optimism. He has a plan. I think he knows the city, I like the fact he's a young guy - you'll need a lot of energy to move the city forward, and I pledge to work with him."
- Jim Vincent, NAACP Providence Branch President
Sam Zurier
"I thought it was comprehensive. It was thorough -- I iwas expecting a few themes, but he went into a lot of areas. I look forward to working with him."
- Sam Zurier, Providence City Councilman
Jo-Ann Ryan
"I'm excited to work with the Mayor and new council. I love Providence. I'm excited to have a new Mayor focused on arts, culture, recreation, which are all important to me. He's got a wonderful vision, and I look forward to working with him."
- Jo-Ann Ryan, Providence City Councilwoman
Seth Magaziner
"I thought it was excellent speech, I thought it laid out an ambitious agenda. As a Providence resident, I think we need a Mayor who thinks about the big picture. I thought he had good specifics. The Treasurer's office being a financial office, I stand ready to assist the mayor's office and his team with the city's finances. We have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to it."
- Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island General Treasurer
James Diossa
"I'm very excited that the Mayor's taken on the job that was started by the previous administration. I look forward to working with him, he's got new energy, ideas. He's innovative, and looking for ways for the city to stand out and be successful."
- James Diossa, Mayor of Central Falls
Kobi Dennis
"It was refreshing to say the least. I liked that he had the community component, and I just thought people felt included. He talked about some of the things that [former Mayor] Taveras was doing, but not in the beginning. It's a new beginning, it's a new start."
- Kobi Dennis, Founder of Project Night Vision
Nellie Gorbea
"It was great. It's an exciting time for the entire state. Having Mayor Elorza at the helm is important, because he's a leader, and leadership matters. I'm excited to work with him."
- Nellie Gorbea, Rhode Island Secretary of State
Keith Oliveira
"I thought it was a powerful, visionary speech. Much of what he's talking about is in line with what the school board is moving towards - neighborhood schools, arts education policies, so having [the Mayor's office] get behind that is great. Redirecting resources from central administration to the schools, we've been moving forward with our school autonomy policy, so much of what I've heard is in line with what we're trying to do."
- Keith Oliveria, Providence School Board President
