Political Profile: Ana Vargas, Candidate for Providence City Council in the 7th Ward

Political Profile: Ana Vargas, Candidate for Providence City Council in the 7th Ward

Ana Vargas is running in the Democratic primary for Providence City Council in Ward 7 -- here is why she is seeking the office. 

 

1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Providence?

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Housing costs are relatively high, we need to provide affordable housing to our residents. Some that I spoke with must work two jobs to make ends meet.  It would be beneficial to have something in place to give them the help that they need. There would also need to be rent control and incentives for landlords.

 

2.  What do we need to do to improve Providence's economy?

The economy is slowly recovering. We need to help assist new and existing businesses to provide more opportunities for them to flourish, hiring and train new employees among others. We live in and up-and-thriving city and we need to utilize our assets which is its people as much as possible. 

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Providence as a city?

The economy would have to be back on track to supply jobs to get people back to work. I would also say that accountability goes a long way as well. I have been hearing from residents that a lot of requests for city services have been ignored like getting paved streets and the handling of the rat infestation. There should also be more programs to help young people out of the street.

 

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

The duties of an elected official are to fulfill the needs of their community. It pains me the lack of attention given to them; I know it better than most because I struggled the same way that they do. I am a working mother of seven children and a person of color. I am also an adamant advocate for my community notifying residents of events and opportunities in the community.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

I have been on the ward seven committee for many years. My father was councilman of the Dominican Republic; his devotion to his community inspires me every day. The way he attends to the needs of his community on his act of service, being attentive to their needs is what keeps me pushing forward and want to support my community more here in the states. 

 

See Vargas' campaign Facebook page here.