[Summit] City Council election

[Gayle Gifford]

If Marcus is launching a serious campaign, which he seems to be doing, then
is it possible that SNA might try to invite him and Kevin Jackson to a
candidate forum?
I would very much like to hear positions.

I know that Kevin is terrible at getting back to constituents and has very
much taken this seat for granted. His support for Cianci is shocking. Yet,
he should have the opportunity to explain that and his past record to the
neighborhood, shouldn't he? 

I think we need to all be well-informed before rashly jumping out on any
candidate. 

Kevin has taken some very important actions over the years that have
benefited the neighborhood and many of the city's poorest residents. When
Mayor Cicilline tried to ram through zoning changes (in which the city
planning department was hot on having the businesses on Hope St add floors
and grow upwards)  without undertaking the required comprehensive planning
first, Kevin was among the council members who challenged him. The council
hired its own advisor who advised that the mayors action was not legal. The
council pushed very hard against the Mayor, who was not happy, but the Mayor
had to step back and  engage the community the right way. 

The city council position is a more than full time job. I want to know that
anyone we elect has the stamina, the political savvy and positions that are
good for the city, not just for  our neighborhood but for all of
Providence's residents.
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Gayle L. Gifford