De Los Santos and Vargas to Run for Ward 15 Vacancy Due to Departure of Matos, Ward Out
GoLocalProv Political Team
De Los Santos and Vargas to Run for Ward 15 Vacancy Due to Departure of Matos, Ward Out
Oscar Vargas had previously announced his candidacy for the vacant council seat.
Matos’ husband Patrick Ward, also rumored for a run, told GoLocal he will not run for the vacant seat.
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Vargas in his announcement said, “As a resident of the city of Providence for over 20 years, I have firsthand experience of the daily challenges people in my community face. With a passion and desire to create positive change that will have a long-lasting impact on the city I am proud to call home, I am announcing my candidacy for the Providence City Council, Ward 15, in the special election to replace Sabina Matos, who has been appointed Lt. Governor.
Vargas has a different path.
“After graduating Central High School, I continued my education at MTTI-Career Training School, and eventually opened my small business in the heart of our Olneyville community (Vargas Auto Glass on Huldah St.). For the past five years, I have split time between my business and working for the Rhode Island Senate as a legislative aide. With my small business background and ability to navigate the General Assembly in this tough political climate, I am prepared to serve Ward 15 during this pivotal time,” Vargas added.
De Los Santos close ties to Matos
Professionally, De Los Santos has spent the past year working for the Providence City Council as an advisor to former Council President Matos and as an Interim Chief of Staff. Prior to that, she worked as the Executive Director of Development at Providence Public Schools and as the Director of Municipal Affairs for the Rhode Island Governor’s Office.
“This pandemic has caused great devastation, but it also provides us an opportunity to challenge antiquated City Hall norms that too often neglect the needs of those who most need a voice,” said De Los Santos. “Families want jobs that they can pay a rent or mortgage with; they want a quality education for their children, safe streets, and timely municipal services for the taxes they pay.
De Los Santos says she has taken a leave of absence from her position at the City Council.