Should Mayor Leo Fontaine defeat three primary challengers Tuesday and win the Nov. 5, election, he'll continue leading the city through what he describes as, "...some of the most difficult times this city has faced since the Great Depression."
Under Fontaine, the city has responded to shrinking revenue with some officials on double duty. Economic Director Matt Wojcik also serves as Human Resources Director. DPW Director Sheila McGauvran manages the Building Inspector's office, and is also the city engineer. Acting Planning Director Paulette Miller is also deputy director of housing & community development. The city's new Parks and Recreation Director, Elizabeth Kerrigan, runs self-sufficient programs on a shoestring budget.
Fontaine said he prefers creative solutions to problems. He's hinted at a plan to switch city street lights back on using the Municipal Streetlight Investment Act that lets municipalities take over ownership and maintenance of lighting from electric utilities, with the help of "cooperative efforts."
Fontaine also planned the city's donation and sponsorship-funded $70,000 125th birthday block party, pulling together the city's art, business, veteran and historic communities together to throw the half-mile long celebration including food, music, arts, cars and history exhibits.
On Oct. 2, Fontaine unveiled an economic development plan involving: A commuter rail running from Worcester through Woonsocket to Providence; His long-time quest to woo a higher education institution to the city; Acquisition and sale of blighted properties to fund redevelopment in the city; The establishment of a medical economic development zone to support and capitalize on the ultimate rescue of Landmark Medical Center, and the establishment of a Med Zone. Under such a district, businesses get a 50 percent tax break, with those revenues going straight to redevelopment efforts. Audio of the entire presentation is posted at MyWoonsocket.com.
Fontaine has served as Mayor since 2009, and was on the City Council for eight terms prior to that.
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