On eve of inauguration, Jorge Elorza discusses plans

January 4, 2015 7:55 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

Twitter: @Rebecca_Turco

Facebook: RebeccaTurcoABC6

PROVIDENCE – Providence’s Mayor-Elect Jorge Elorza met with parents and kids at the Children’s Museum on the eve of his inauguration.

Elorza told ABC6 News education is high on his priorities, which is why he chose to meet with people at the museum.

He said he is ready to make big changes to improve the city. “We have to turn the economy around,” Elorza said. “People want to work, people are looking for opportunities and so we need to make sure that we provide that.”

Creating jobs is high on the mayor-elect’s agenda – along with increasing public safety, in a city where violent crime overall has decreased but the number of murders has gone up. “We need to stay ever-vigilant on this. One murder, one homicide is one too many.”

Elorza feels providing jobs and activities for young people could keep them away from gangs and thus bring the number of murders down.

But the mayor-elect said one of the first things he is going to do in office is get back to basics. “We need a city that just works. Having the streets plowed, we need our potholes filled – we need to set the tone that ‘That’s the way it’s always been done’ will never be an acceptable answer,” Elorza said.

Elorza’s supporters are also ready for change. “I want to see Providence turn around, turn on a new leaf,” said Claudia Castellanos. “I feel that Mayor Elorza will be the right mayor to do the job.”

Patricia Collins Erikanders, who did not vote for Elorza, said she is still feeling optimistic about what he will bring to the table. “We all have to come together to be on his team at this point.”

Elorza’s inauguration ceremony is Monday at 2 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, followed by a public reception. A celebration will take place at the Cranston Street Armory that night at 7. The day’s events are free and open to the public, but tickets are required for entry.