Political Profile: Pedro Espinal, Candidate for Providence City Council, 10th Ward

Political Profile: Pedro Espinal, Candidate for Providence City Council, 10th Ward

{Image_1}Pedro Espinal is running for Providence City Council in the 10th Ward. Here's what he has to say. 

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

The biggest political issue in this campaign season in Providence is gun violence. It seems like every day we see, hear, or read about a new murder and shooting in our city. This is the most prevalent issue afflicting my neighbors. I constantly hear about this while I'm knocking on doors or attending community events. This is an issue that has always been on top of mind which is why I advocated and voted to invest in more than $5 Milllion in youth programming, employment, and recreation - our youth needs opportunities and this investment provides that. 

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2.  What do we need to do to improve Providence's economy?
 
I believe one of the ways to improve Providence's economy is by leveraging the city's power to get the non-exempt institutions to pay their fair share of property taxes. The growing number of taxable parcels acquired by non-exempt institutions has forced the city's residents to pick up the burden. Which is I voted against the recent budget because it disproportionately increased taxes in the community that I represent. I believe that this is not sustainable and should no longer be tolerated.
 

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

With the growing number of renters and homeowners that are cost-burdened, I believe the most critical issue in Providence is access to affordable housing that's I advocated and voted to allocate more than $30 million towards to creation of affordable housing. We have residents constantly being priced out of their homes and the city. All residents deserve safe, quality, affordable housing as a foundation for their well-being and success. I want to expand homeownership to build wealth, make sure landlords receive the rent they are owed, and ensure that renters can stay in their homes without being priced out.
 

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

I ran for Providence City Council to amplify the voices of so many neighbors who wanted trust restored in their local leaders. For many years, there have been efforts to improve the state of our community. I have been in front of many of those efforts. Since being elected in 2019, I have had major success in passing legislation aimed to protect our community, our environment, and the health of my neighbors. While we had many wins since taking office, I am running for re-election because there is still so much more work to be done.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

My inspiration is my father. While raising 12 children, my father worked long days and nights to save for our family's eventual move to America. Despite having very little my father always felt like it was his responsibility to make sure all of our neighbors were taken care of. Without my father instilling the importance of working hard, education, and always looking out for my neighbors, I certainly would be the man that I am today. 

 

Bio:

I am a husband, father of 4, a 40+ year resident of Ward 10, a product of our public schools, and a community leader that has been fighting for solutions to put the American dream within our reach for all of our neighbors. As Council President Pro Tempore, I have fought to put laws in place that protect the health of our children and families, support tenants and homeowners, as well as laws protecting our workers to ensure that they are receiving fair wages. Working to improve the quality of life for our neighbors is personal to me.

I ran for Providence City Council to amplify the voices of so many neighbors who wanted trust restored in their local leaders. I am proud to have earned the greatest number of votes in the special election of 2019. For many years, there have been efforts to improve the state of our community. I have been in front of many of those efforts. This includes investing in real estate and creating affordable housing opportunities for our neighbors. I also served as the Chair for various organizations including DARE, the Southside Broad Street Steering Committee and the Providence Latino Business Association. Also, former board member of P.E.R.A, WP Foundation, and the RI Victims of Crime Support Center.