Political Profile: Patrick Griffin, Candidate for Providence City Council in the 14th Ward

Political Profile: Patrick Griffin, Candidate for Providence City Council in the 14th Ward

Patrick Griffin is running for Providence City Council in the 14th Ward. Here's what he has to say. 

 

1. What is the biggest “political issue” in this campaign?

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With the upcoming election of a new Mayor and a considerable number of Councilmembers, it is critical that our local elected officials have a “shared vision” for Providence. The city is facing a myriad of critical issues (public safety, education, city services, affordable housing). It is essential that from “day one” there be a desire and willingness to work collaboratively to identify and implement realistic solutions to these challenges.

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

I have owned and continuously operated my own business (Patrick’s Pub) since 1992. As a small businessperson, I understand better than most the challenges faced every day by businesses trying to survive and hopefully grow. Dealing with the lingering effects of Covid has pushed many small businesses to the brink. 

I will be a tireless advocate with the city administration and Planning Department to identify state and federal monies, including ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds that regrettably the city has been agonizingly slow in distributing, to provide increased low interest loans to more businesses citywide. 

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

In my view, there are several “greatest challenges” facing the city. One of those is confidence. Confidence among city residents that elected officials are listening to them, working to keep them and their families safe and acting on their behalf. Confidence that the city can provide a quality education for our young people to ensure they are “future ready.” Finally, confidence among our business community and fellow Rhode Islanders that the city is a safe place to invest in their businesses and frequent and socialize. 

Public safety is a major part of my campaign platform. I have state repeatedly; I will support funding to keep our police force at its full complement of officers. I will advocate for renewed Community Police in our neighborhoods and commercial areas. It is a proven fact that building relationships between the police and local community helps create confidence and helps to reduce crime. Finally, our city needs, and should have, a full time Fire Chief.

Implementing sensible long-term solutions to provide affordable housing and addressing the city’s longstanding unfunded pension liability are two other critical issues. Our citizens deserve clean, safe, and affordable places to live. Likewise, we must be certain that hardworking and faithful city workers receive the pension benefits they earned.

4. Why am I running for office & makes me uniquely qualified?

I have lived in Providence and operated a small business since 1992.

I am running for office because after working for the city in several capacities for 15 years, I am extremely knowledgeable about how to navigate “the system” and solve problems for residents. During those 15 years, I served as Director of Maintenance of Low-Income Housing for the former Providence Community Action Program. I have also worked in various departments in City Hall, most recently in Constituent Services in the City Council Office. It is that experience and understanding of every city department and its director that I believe is my unique qualification.

5. Who is my inspiration?

Great question. I have always admired former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill. Specifically, his ability to work collaboratively and constructively with former President Ronald Reagan. Despite many political and ideological differences, on several occasions both men put politics aside for the benefit of the American citizens. If I am fortunate to be elected, I will bring this same commitment of collaboration to the City Council to benefit the residents of Ward 14 and the city of Providence. “Tip’s” famous quote, “All politics is local” remains true.