Cranston Election Profile: Dylan Zelazo

CRANSTON, RI — Dylan Zelazo is running for a seat on the Cranston City Council. The 33-year-old Democrat is a newcomer to elected office.

Zelazo and his wife, Amanda, have two children, ages 5 and 3. He serves as the Director of Administration, or Chief Operating Officer, for the City of Pawtucket.

"I have experience drafting budgets, working with City Council Members on local ordinances, and every aspect of local government.," Zelazo said. "I've worked in Mayor Don Grebien's office for the last seven years in varying capacities, including Communications Director, Chief of Staff, Deputy Director of Administration, and Director of Administration, the latter role of which I've been in for a little over two years now. During my time in the Mayor's office, I also served as Interim Director of Public works for about a year and a half over two separate stints."

Zelazo holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Providence College and a master's in Public Affairs from Indiana University, with a concentration in local government management.

Campaign website

https://dylanzelazo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/dylan...

Why are you seeking elective office?

It’s time for a new generation of leadership in Cranston. We must focus on moving this great city forward and investing in our future. Together, we have the opportunity to build a better tomorrow for our children, and I am committed to helping make that a reality.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

COVID-19 has had horrible impacts on Rhode Island's cities, especially our elderly residents. I've been fortunate enough to be a part of a committed team in the City of Pawtucket that has worked hand in hand with our neighbors in Central Falls to provide direct, local response to the pandemic. We found that many residents weren't getting the necessary information from RIDOH, so we established a local effort, with a call center, to communicate to our residents in multiple languages, and provide access to testing and information about how to effectively isolate and stop the spread of this contagious virus. Information is critical for people to adjust their behavior, and with leadership focused on safety everyone can do better with compliance with masks and social distancing, which are proven to help reduce the spread. These efforts have had a part in the reduction of the spread of the virus in our urban core, and I am proud to have been a small part in them. The same model could be applied here in Cranston.

Our city governments can provide low interest loans to our small businesses through federal community development block grant funding, or other sources. I know, because I've done so with my colleagues. These loans have helped keep our small businesses afloat during the most challenging times since the Great Depression.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

Absolutely, this isn't even a debate. Historical power structures have been in place and have evolved over centuries that we don't even notice, and this has to change. This is not to say that most people or entities are intentionally, knowingly, or even subconsciously racist, but rather that repeated, regular, and constantly reinforced small stereotypes lead us all to make certain assumptions about others.

I think it is on everyone to keep these subconscious issues at the forefront of our thinking as we approach every societal and policy issue. We must take this approach and work together to improve our community and state as a place for all peoples to thrive.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I help run another city government every day. I studied to become a leader in local government and I pursued that as a career. Every single day, I am focused on improving city government in Rhode Island professionally. From budgets, to governing, to the issues of the day, I am immersed in best practices that can help move our community forward. I want to be able to put my experience to work for this community that has welcomed me and my family.

With 5 of the 9 City Council seats being vacated this year, a majority of the Council will be brand new in January. My municipal government leadership experience sets me apart from the other candidates, and makes me capable of leading on day one in a way that no one else possesses.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

All three citywide City Council seats are being vacated as all of the incumbents run for Mayor.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Education:
I am is passionate about public education. His parents instilled in him at an early age the importance of a quality education. My wife, Amanda, and I attended K-12 public schools and are grateful to have received quality educations that set us on the path to success in higher education. With two sons who will soon enter kindergarten, we are truly invested in the future of the Cranston School Department. Too often, difficult budget situations lead to underfunding of our local school department. There cannot be a brighter future without better education, and there must be a continuing emphasis placed on making our schools the best they can be. The City Council plays a critical role in this, as it controls what resources go to the schools. Our schools must be a priority and we must invest in our educational system, from the buildings to the technology to the teachers.

Economic Development:
Small businesses need to know that their local government is here for them. They will help us lead our local economy back from the recession caused by the coronavirus, and we must do everything we can to support them. A citywide economic development strategy is necessary to balance growth with the needs of our community. Together, we must continually evaluate our business climate, zoning regulations, and permitting processes to ensure that our city is the best place in the state to start a business, create jobs, and contribute to our community.

Public Infrastructure:
Our streets, sidewalks, and public facilities are in real need of reinvestment so that our residents and businesses have what they need in order to have the best quality of life and business climate possible. From recreational facilities to roads to school buildings, our focus on improving our public assets must be smart and balance our taxpayers’ ability to pay with the quality facilities our residents deserve. The plan must be bold and strategic as we prioritize the best interests of all Cranston residents, and literally build the future of our city.

Fiscal Responsibility:
Keeping taxes down must be the priority of every elected official, especially at the local level. Property taxes are too high in Rhode Island and we must do better. Intelligent and strategic cuts are necessary so that essential services can be improved and critical investments in our future can be made. Cranston’s leaders must find other ways to raise revenues to increase the sustainability of the City’s fiscal health. Partnerships with our General Assembly delegation will be essential to meeting our City’s ongoing needs while not overburdening our residents with property tax bills. I have a proven track record crafting municipal budgets without increasing taxes, consolidating services to find efficiencies that save taxpayer dollars, and managing spending through tight fiscal controls. I have experience with bond initiatives, green initiatives that cut costs, and creating shared services agreements with other communities so that taxpayers get the best bang for their buck.

Senior Services:
Just as we must make our public schools the best in the state, our commitment to our senior citizens must be that we will do everything we can so that they can continue to age (and thrive) in place. Our older residents have done so much for this community, and we should have their backs like they've had ours. From public infrastructure to taxes, our focus must remain on making Cranston home for all residents and ensuring that no one has to choose between their health and their home. Senior services and senior-friendly policies have to be at the forefront of our thinking as the Baby Boomer generation transitions to retirement.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As Director of Administration for one of Rhode Island's largest cities, I have experience across all aspects of municipal government. I have been a part of many no tax increase budgets, planning for and executing reinvestment in roads and schools, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and saving taxpayer dollars through finding efficiencies and supporting economic growth.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always do the right thing.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have always had a strong interest in public service to help improve my community, and if the Cranston voters decide to elect me it will fulfill a lifelong dream.