Home Subscriber Only 5Q Five Questions With: Ernest Almonte

Five Questions With: Ernest Almonte

By

Nancy Lavin

-

06/24/2022

Ernest Almonte — PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

How does your financial background, including as the state’s auditor general, apply to your new role? As the auditor general, I oversaw audits and finances for all 39 cities and towns and supported fiscal responsibility at the local level. Between developing professional standards for federal, state and municipal funds, and advocating for leadership development in

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How does your financial background, including as the state’s auditor general, apply to your new role? As the auditor general, I oversaw audits and finances for all 39 cities and towns and supported fiscal responsibility at the local level. Between developing professional standards for federal, state and municipal funds, and advocating for leadership development in support of government, I know my education, experience and integrity will help me collaborate with the outstanding team at the league and municipal leaders.
Do you think it will be difficult to transition from considering financing and policy from a state perspective to a municipal one? During my time with Lt. Gov. [Sabina] Matos, we worked closely with Rhode Island cities and towns to ensure they were being supported during the pandemic and looking ahead to the endemic economy. State and local governments have the same goal in mind – to make Rhode Island a better place for residents, current and future. By working collaboratively, we can achieve these mutual goals.
What are the biggest state legislative wins and losses for the league out of this session? I think the league showed that policy and legislation can always be improved with the input of our municipal leaders. In many instances, they will be the ones implementing the law and can provide useful “boots on the ground” insight. I do see room for improvement, however, regarding unfunded mandates, which are really costs that get passed down to the local taxpayer.
Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns often have vastly different demographics, topographies and priorities. How do you plan to represent and advocate for these different interests? No two communities are exactly the same, but they do have similar core goals and the same concerns. For example, there are larger changes to the system regarding housing they can all agree on, and particular caveats that need to be addressed for a rural versus urban community that already has the infrastructure in place for new construction – I don’t see these as mutually exclusive.
How does the continued efforts over how to spend federal COVID-19 relief funds for cities and towns factor into your plans and priorities for the year ahead? These funds present a huge opportunity for communities to jump-start projects that they have been planning for years and would improve outcomes for their community.