Rather than await his presumed election on Tuesday, November 3, we are submitting this editorial early, so the mayor-elect will be able to hear our concerns and get the ball rolling as soon as possible to ensure the well-being of our beloved Providence. While we reference David Morales, the same holds for the Republican candidate, David Talan.
In the final scene of the 1972 movie The Candidate, newly elected United States Senator Bill McKay (Robert Redford) is pulled into a chaotic, cheering mob of supporters before escaping with his campaign manager into an empty hotel room for a brief moment of privacy and asks, “What do we do now?”
As Abraham Lincoln wryly observed, ”Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” Kind of sounds like Providence today, as democratic socialist David Morales essentially rode one issue, rent control, to victory in a close mayoral primary. Ironically, votes in three precincts located in the Providence Housing Authority buildings (where rent control isn’t even an issue!) delivered the victory.
Only speculation is on the table right now, but his closeness with former Mayor Jorge Elorza should concern everyone. Elorza ran for mayor on the theme of “One Providence,” but lacked real governing or business experience and then surrounded himself with a staff who was young and inexperienced – “yes” people who did not deliver. He was weak on crime, and his support of the police was passive at best. He refused to bring in experienced professionals, and the city suffered.
The City’s Bond Rating:
Mayor Brett Smiley improved the city’s operating performance and reserve levels, which contributed to a rating upgrade. His administration’s fiscal management balanced operations while still making strategic investments in the city’s future. Unions will negotiate more aggressively with the socialist mayor, increasing the deficit challenge. Cities with inexperienced socialist mayors draw greater scrutiny, which often results in lower bond ratings. If the city’s bond rating declines, this will mean borrowing at a higher interest rate, increasing the already onerous debt.
The Police:
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform “strictly bans law enforcement officers from joining the organization and that police officers promote capitalist interests and act as barriers to working-class power.” Not a good way to start a relationship with law enforcement. Early retirement and a reduced police force will not be good for the city and its residents, nor will a dramatic increase in the “overtime budget” that this will create. Overall violent and property crime rates in Providence have shown a general downward trend, but it’s a fragile metric. It is likely that the police will face extreme oversight and will reduce their policing. While major crimes will be investigated, other crimes may not be. This anticipated lack of deterrence will further reduce the ‘quality of life’ in the city.
The Schools:
Elorza was mayor when the state took over the Providence schools. The schools were returned to the city this year, and the state’s report card would probably be an “F” or “D-” (if we were generous). The school board is a complete mess with infighting, no direction, and little experience. Three experienced senior district administrators are leaving, all publicly departing, claiming that the leadership by the board president was the driving factor in their resignations.
According to numerous sources, the overall situation in the schools remains a mess. The Providence Teachers Union backed challenger Morales, who opposed public charter school expansion, which aligns with their position.
City Services:
Overall, city services, including parks, have operated at a very high level, except for a single major snowstorm. While there have been some major changes in improving city services, it comes down to having good managers. The forecasted El Niño winter will be a formidable test for the new mayor.
Leadership:
If David Morales takes a pragmatic approach balancing his progressive ideals with practical governing realities, like bringing in seasoned professionals who can manage existing administrative staff, things could be OK. The reality is that the city’s finances remain on edge, and there aren’t any hidden or overfunded pockets of cash lying around to support and maintain many new initiatives. If they try to treat the city like “looting a candy store,” nobody wins.
The State Legislature:
Morales’ track record in the legislature was weak overall, and ineffective for Providence. He will need some strong, expensive lobbyists and a willingness to compromise on many of his “asks” if he wants greater funding support.
Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT):
Expect a long and very costly battle and probably little change. And going back to Abe Lincoln, we can only hope that the blisters on our collective asses are tolerable!
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