Joe Paolino has a plan to create jobs and energize Providence.  He's encouraging David Cicilline and Don Carcieri to rally Hospitals and Universities to begin planned construction projects sooner rather than later.  The thinking is that the quick infusion of money would create  local jobs, while the spending would have a ripple effect throughout the economy.  I have to agree that it sounds like a great idea.  I wonder if he thought of it himself, or saw the same idea on the front page of the Providence Journal about a week before.

     Joe Paolino is full of ideas, there's no doubt about that.  I remember the great idea he had for a hotel on a triangular parcel of land across the street from Union Station.  He tied up that piece of city land for years, but nothing was ever built.  Then there was the demolition of two downtown buildings and the attempted demolition of another on Washington St. to build a garage that has resulted in more surface parking.  Next, we have his quick demolition of the round gas station at Lasalle Square, which if I remember correctly, was supposed to be the site of a signature office building.  Instead, we have yet another parking lot.  Maybe Joe should try developing some of these parcels and create some construction jobs.  If he would approach construction with the same fervor he approaches demolition, Paolino could be an economic force.

     Finally, I have an idea to help the economy that Joe Paolino can assist with.  Rather than whining about Carpionato Properties' redevelopment of the old Farmer's Market on Harris Ave, why doesn't he stop being an impediment and encourage construction to continue?  The project will enhance his ability to market the 903, beautify the area, add to the tax base, and create jobs.  Now there's an idea.


http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/CT_paolino9_12-09-08_SACGQMT_v9.3e2e65d.html