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Three residents asked mayoral candidates Gonzalo Cuervo, Nirva LaFortune, and Brett Smiley a series of questions, ranging from health care, public safety and policing, affordable housing, education, to child care.
Jennifer Hawkins, Executive Director of ONE|NB, introduced the candidates and explained how important issues are to everyone in the city, particularly in the 02908 and 02909 zip codes, where ONE|NB serves as the backbone of the Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone.
“If you live in Smith Hill, your life expectancy is six years less than if you live in College Hill, and that has nothing to do with whether you see your doctor or take your medication,” she said. “It’s because of issues in the neighborhood whether you have access to affordable housing and quality jobs and good education. These are things that are not only important, but they actually impact your ability to live. Those are the issues that we care deeply about.”
“The most important thing we can do as residents to address these issues is to vote and be civically engaged,” she added, pointing out that voter registration was available at Wednesday’s forum.
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