5Q: Robin A. Muksian

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 As the city’s new director of administration, what are your responsibilities?

The position … has primary responsibility for all day-to-day operations of the city, to include public works, parks and recreation and information technology. Additionally, I will oversee the finance department and all of the associated positions. In that capacity, I will be directly involved in budget preparation, presentation and spending throughout the year. My position will work on tax-stabilization agreements, and I will serve as the primary contact for any potential incoming developers.

2 What made you want this position?

After having left municipal government a few years back after nine years in similar roles in other communities, I realized how much I missed the day-to-day functions of local government. I have a particular passion for municipal government because it is a place where one can effect change in short amounts of time. Roles such as the one I’ll be taking allow us to serve the public in a very direct and immediate fashion.

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3 Having previously worked in operations for the school district, are you confident you can make the adjustment to the citywide role?

My prior history on the municipal side is what has truly prepared me for the operations portion of my new position. I have served as a director of administration in other communities and am familiar with municipal government. My school-district position … allowed me to learn the neighborhoods of Providence and get to know its residents.

4 Is there a specific area of city administration you’d like to improve upon?

I don’t think the question is really about … resolving issues that have plagued the city for decades – particularly in the area of finance and budgeting. Providence, in the past, has not had a long-range capital plan, and has been strapped with structural deficits in its budget. Mayor [Jorge O.] Elorza’s team has begun to correct both of those challenges with an eye toward the long term.

5 What do you view as the biggest challenge facing businesses in Providence, and how do you plan to help?

Providence has a diverse and growing economy. I think that ensuring the city is on sound financial footing will allow for our small businesses, who are the core of our economy, to thrive. •

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