Xaykham ‘Xay’ Khamsyvoravong |
Mayor of Newport
1. What is the most pressing issue facing Newport you would like to address?Newport needs to remain a place where middle-class, working families can continue living because they are the cultural core that makes Newport such a dynamic and attractive community. This requires solutions to address housing.
These problems are much more severe because we’re located on an island. Newport has limited options to construct new housing because it is largely developed. Additionally, the limited housing stock we do have is rapidly snatched up as investment properties.
2. As someone with experience in both the public and private sector, what does government do best and what is best left to the private sector? When run well, government gives individuals the opportunity to have an impact that far exceeds what one could accomplish on their own.
However, that also gives the government an enormous amount of power. It’s important that government exercises restraint and remains cognizant of the limits of where its influence should end. Once the government sets its priorities and establishes the guardrails necessary to protect and advance those priorities, it needs to let the private sector lead on where and how best to invest and innovate.
3. Diversity among elected officials has been increasing in Rhode Island. What are the positives of greater representation among leaders? Diversity brings new perspectives and energy – two attributes government needs to address the unique challenges our communities are facing. Having diverse representation also highlights that the doors of our democracy are open to all.
4. How can the issues with housing and education be best addressed? First, we need to implement multiyear strategies that transcend our short election and public funding cycles. One way to do this is by working with community partners … to ensure sustained support by our elected leaders for smart policies. Second, local leaders need [not only] the power of state and federal funding but the flexibility to deploy these funds thoughtfully and carefully.
5. How can the city keep its identity while encouraging private investment and economic development? When done correctly, good development should strengthen our community and reflect its priorities. The key is attracting the best possible partners by clearly defining the community’s priorities and expectations, and then ensuring the processes for development are as objective, clear and predictable as possible.
