State Sen. Sam Zurier Endorses Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune
As colleagues on the Providence City Council during 2017-18, State Senator Sam Zurier and Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune worked to improve the City of Providence. They collaborated in their advocacy for the creation of more affordable housing, the stabilization of our City’s finances and pension crisis, and the ongoing project of creating an ethical, open, and transparent government.
As a City Councilor, State Senator Zurier championed the causes of public education and responsible management of the City’s finances. When Councilwoman LaFortune was elected in 2017, then-Councilman Zurier quickly found an ally in the fight to make Providence a more equitable place for all families, including efforts to provide every child in every neighborhood with access to a high-quality education.
In the State Senate, Senator Zurier has advocated for greater State aid for cities and towns with tax exempt properties (bringing Providence an additional $1.7 million), and increased oversight and accountability for the State’s takeover of the Providence Public Schools. Senator Zurier is confident that Councilwoman LaFortune is the candidate best equipped to bring people together to solve the complex challenges facing our City.
“I am proud to endorse my former City Council colleague, Nirva LaFortune, to serve as our next Mayor of Providence. I know Nirva, and I trust her integrity and sound judgment. Winning election after her predecessor was recalled from office, Nirva fought to restore the good name of the Providence City Council in the wake of its leadership scandals. Nirva showed foresight and vision by proposing to link the Fane Tower tax stabilization agreement to affordable housing funding. The Council majority rejected Nirva’s idea at the time, but later approved an ordinance to adopt a similar policy for all future development.”
-State Senator Sam Zurier
“I am proud to have State Senator Sam Zurier join this campaign. Our campaign has been laser focused on bringing people together to advance our City’s well-being in both the short and long terms. Senator Zurier and I agree that policy that is created in silos is not good public policy. As Mayor, I look forward to working with our entire State legislative delegation to move our City and our region forward. Thank you, Senator!”
-Councilwoman and Mayoral Candidate Nirva LaFortune
