Political Profile: Joe Cornwall, Candidate for Providence City Council, 12th Ward

Political Profile: Joe Cornwall, Candidate for Providence City Council, 12th Ward

Joe Cornwall is running for City Council in Providence. Here's what he has to say. 

1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Providence?

For me the issues are about Ward 12, which may be city wide. It is difficult to distinguish the biggest, but for me it appears that basically people feel disconnected from the political process. I want to address that. The Ward can be a powerful political force but now it is in a weakened state. My website zeros in on this. Go to www.cornwallforcouncil.com and hit the 7+2 tab.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

2. What do we need to do to improve Providence's economy?

Again, I approach this problem from the point of view of empowerment of constituents. Especially look at Ordinance Proposals 1-4 in the 7+2 tab of my website.

3. What is the greatest challenge facing Providence as a city?

Same answer as 1. and 2.

4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified? 

Living on Smith Hill for 40 years I know what it's like to have a councilperson! I have never run before but I know the difficulties they face trying to help their constituents. Whether I am qualified or not is for the voters to decide. The perspective I bring is on my website. If my platform is convincing then I am qualified!

5. Who is your inspiration?  

I love history, especially of Providence. The dynamism of change is astounding. Two simple anecdotes. I have a neighbor who use to ride his bike on I-95 when it was new. Imagine that! I walk the overpass on Smith Street everyday. Day or night, I dare you to cross it on your bike! My aunt died in 2018 at 102. When she was born maybe 15% of Americans had telephones. 

Providence in 1916 still had over 1,200 outhouses! I can go on and on. If George Washington is the father of our country, people need to know that Roger Williams is our grandfather. What a legacy! We need to seize it. We need to get our mojo back.