Farina hosts Central Library's 'Pizza and Politics'

By PAM SCHIFF
Posted 2/12/20

By PAM SCHIFF If you are going to talk politics, it sure helps to have some delicious pizza to go with it. On Monday, Feb. 10, Alyssa Taft, teen librarian at the Cranston Public Library's Central Library, provided both for 10 Cranston students in middle

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Farina hosts Central Library's 'Pizza and Politics'

Posted

If you are going to talk politics, it sure helps to have some delicious pizza to go with it.

On Monday, Feb. 10, Alyssa Taft, teen librarian at the Cranston Public Library’s Central Library, provided both for 10 Cranston students in middle and high school.

City Council President Mike Farina had the opportunity to be the first politician to host the event.

“I’ve lived here my whole life. I went to Oaklawn, Western Hills then Cranston West. After college, I came back to Cranston. I really never left,” he said.

He also told the kids how important it is to get involved with school.

“I was on the football team, I ran track, I was involved with student government. No matter how you choose to get involved, it’s important to be a part of something bigger than yourself,” he said.

Farina gave a brief description of his current job at CVS, then moved onto why he ran for office in the first place.

“When I bought my first house, there was a giant pothole in front. I had no idea of what to do, as I had never owned a home before. I called my councilman at the time, and he never responded. I emailed the mayor’s office and they told me to contact my councilman. After a year of runaround, I decided to run myself. I lost. But, it was only by 26 votes. So, the following election I ran citywide and won,” he said.

Farina talked a bit about finances for the city.

“While I do not want to raise taxes, it is the way the city makes it money. That is why it is so important that the council spends its money responsibly and we are constantly bringing in new businesses that will pay taxes. For example, TopGolf is going to be built right behind us,” he said.

Halfway through the program, Farina flipped the questions to the students, and asked them what is important to them and what they want to see for the future of Cranston.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here