WOONSOCKET -- Governor Carcieri plans to hold his first-ever town meeting as governor tomorrow evening in Woonsocket.
The forum, Carcieri says, is a way for him to discuss the state's budget problems and solicit community input from across northern Rhode Island.
"The citizens of Rhode Island are confronted with a combined budget deficit of over $240 million," Carcieri said.
"This will be an opportunity for citizens to discuss these issues directly with me."
Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said Woonsocket was an easy choice for his first forum -- the governor hasn't been there in awhile.
"He also believes it is important that people from every part of the state get a chance to see and interact with their elected officials," Neal said yesterday.
During the hour-long meeting, the governor will lay out his proposed fiscal 2005 budget and explain how it will help put the state on the road to financial stability.
In Woonsocket, promises of stability will no doubt be met with candid opinions and concerns from residents, particularly when it comes to Carcieri's proposed education cuts.
"That's exactly the kind of question the governor expects to get and hopes to answer," Neal said.
Carcieri will likely offer similar forums throughout the state in the next few months, Neal said, though none has been planned at this time.
Tomorrow night's meeting will be held 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woonsocket City Hall.
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