Mayor Angel Taveras. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
One day after he proposed an increase in property taxes for Providence homeowners, Mayor Angel Taveras said that he will not let political decisions steer him away from "doing the right thing".
"I understand it's politically unpopular, but I'm focused on doing the right thing. And, as difficult as this is, under the circumstances, I believe it's the right thing," Taveras said.
Taveras, who is exploring a run for governor in 2014, was asked if the increase could hurt his political ambitions.
"It doesn't matter whether it hurts it or not, if you're doing the right thing, you're doing the right thing."
In his fiscal year 2014 budget that he presented to the city council Thursday night, Taveras proposed a 3% increase in city spending over the current year, to $663 million, including 3% and 4% raises for city workers, teachers, police and firefighters who all gave pension and other concessions over the past few years.
Taveras' budget includes about a 6% increase in residential property taxes and no increase in commercial tax rates.
"If you think about all the decisions I've made in my short time as mayor, I think most of them have been unpopular," Taveras said. "But, my focus has always been on moving the city forward in a positive direction."
"I've made many difficult decisions, and this is another one, but not everyone's going to understand, I understand that. I have a job to lead, and that's what I'm doing. And, you can't expect that everyone's going to always agree with you."
