Politics & Elections

Deya Garcia announces her run for Providence City Council, Ward 8

“Our Ward is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the City of Providence and our families are struggling to make ends meet,” said community activist Deya Garcia, who announced her intention to run as a Democrat for Providence City Council, Ward 8. “As gentrification creeps into our backyards, we will no longer be able to afford to live here. I

Rhode Island News: Deya Garcia announces her run for Providence City Council, Ward 8

June 10, 2018, 11:45 am

By Steve Ahlquist

Deya Garcia

“Our Ward is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the City of Providence and our families are struggling to make ends meet,” said community activist Deya Garcia, who announced her intention to run as a Democrat for Providence City Council, Ward 8. “As gentrification creeps into our backyards, we will no longer be able to afford to live here. I will fight for fairness and opportunity for all residents of Ward 8 and pledge to help keep poor minority families from being displaced.”

Garcia made her announcement on Saturday at La Roca Restaurant on Elmwood Avenue in Providence. Garcia describes herself as “an immigrant, a mother, and an active member of the Providence community.” Garcia has “worked to raise the minimum wage and earned sick time. She advocates in support of worker’s rights, women’s rights, and immigrant’s rights…”

“Ward 8 has been losing resources for many years, and we can see this loss as we look around our neighborhood,” said Garcia. “Our ward has been neglected. We should not have to compete with the East Side and Federal Hill for funds. The Mayor needs to do his due diligence to guarantee that wards that are not as affluent are prioritized when it comes to spending.  Our voices have not been silent, but it feels like our cries have fallen on deaf ears. I know that when I visit other wards and see their beautiful streets and flowers, it makes me angry that we seem to be ignored here while our problems with trash, unsafe buildings, and poorly maintained roads persist. Our neighbors in this ward love living here and are very proud of our rich history. We are distressed to see that while we work very hard to maintain our vibrant community, we feel overlooked by decision makers. My overall vision for Ward 8 is that we begin to feel like we matter again.”

There are now four candidates announced for Ward 8 said Garcia. She is the only woman in the race.

In the video below Garcia addresses supporters:

Frances Boyes, Director of Representation for the New England Joint Board of Unite Here!, representing 10,000 members, announced that Garcia has earned their endorsement:

Deya Garcia and Jason Roias


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