Political Profile: Nirva LaFortune, Candidate for Mayor of Providence

Political Profile: Nirva LaFortune, Candidate for Mayor of Providence

Nirva LaFortune is a Democratic candidate for Mayor of Providence Here is what she has to say.

 

1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign cycle?

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

Education and public safety are the most important issues that I am hearing from people when I am out knocking on doors. People are tired of being told that Providence and the State of Rhode Island have a plan to improve our schools only to see no progress. We have passed two bonds to supposedly fix our schools, and children continue to go to school in buildings that are falling apart. The State has taken over our schools and instead of positive transformation, we have seen turnover and chaos. I am the only candidate in this race with a formal background in education. I have made the commitment that the public schools will be my responsibility as Mayor. I intend to bring people together, demand that everyone set their egos aside, and make improvements for the betterment of our children and their futures. In terms of public safety, we must create a comprehensive public safety plan that meets the unique needs of all of our neighborhoods. I have passed a resolution asking for this, and we have not seen one. I intend to work alongside communities to implement a community-policing model in every neighborhood, invest in our youth and young people, and improve the quality of life for all the residents of Providence.

 

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

Providence is the economic and cultural engine of the State of Rhode Island. It is crucial that we have an economy that is accessible and navigable for small business owners and those who wish to begin a new business venture. I intend to create an office within economic development where small business owners can go and learn the ins-and-outs of starting a business, where folks looking for work can get connected to resources, and where those looking for additional skills training can be connected to the many City and nonprofit resources that are available. I also intend on having a neighborhood/ward liaison to the Mayor’s Office so that my office is connected to the unique needs of our communities throughout the City. This position will both assist with the economic development of our neighborhoods but also with the public safety aspect that I have already mentioned - the need to deal with each neighborhood’s challenges as unique ones and not apply a one-size fits all approach to the entire City.

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?

Rhode Island is going to need to be proactive and aggressive in fighting the effects of climate change on our State, building more affordable housing, and ensuring that we have the infrastructure to meet both of these needs. As Mayor of the City of Providence, I intend to make sure that we are working diligently to use the infrastructure funds that are coming into our City and State to identify projects that will help us navigate rising sea levels, identify climate mitigation opportunities along the Port of Providence, and work alongside community environmental justice leaders to move our city’s efforts forward. Environmental justice is an issue of racial and economic justice for our City and State. We have the opportunity to ensure that our residents have access to jobs that are going to help improve our environment while providing them with life-long skills in an innovative and growing industry. We need to incentivize the construction of affordable housing and be bold in our efforts to fight climate change. I have outlined my short- and long-term plans to do just that at votenirva.com/first100days.

 

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

I am a working mom who grew up in the city of Providence and came back to raise my children in my hometown. I am tired of the status quo; our city needs a bold leader who will roll up their sleeves to get things done and who will put Providence and its residents first. I am a product of Providence’s public schools, my children are Providence public school kids, and I am running to ensure that my children and all of the residents of the City of Providence have access to high-quality schools in their neighborhoods, have the ability to safely play and walk around in their communities, and have access to a government that is accessible and that will work for all. We must move past the career politicians of the past. We need a breath of fresh air in Providence politics because for too long, the only people our City’s government has worked for are the rich and well-connected. This has to end. As Mayor, I will prioritize the people of Providence.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?

Many inspire me. My parents made the difficult decision to leave their home country to come to the US as migrant workers to seek a  better life. I watched as they worked hard, navigated adversity and racism but continued to show others grace and love and as they demonstrated their commitment to service.

My grandmothers too. Both are buried here isn Providence. My maternal grandmother came to the US well into her 60s. She took English and job training classes at the Genesis Center, worked in our city’s factories, and for the first time in her life was able to make her own money and rent her own apartment. She was independent and fierce and taught me that no matter who you are and where you land, be a woman of integrity because that quality is something that cannot be bought.

My maternal grandmother was born in 1915; she never learned how to read. She is a survivor. She lost her husband and yet raised her children by herself as a farmer and seamstress. She was the oldest person sworn in to become a US citizen at her ceremony.

Website: https://votenirva.com/