By Lisa Vernon-Sparks
Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Democratic mayoral candidate Rep. Steven M. Costantino says the key to creating jobs in the city is making it easier for businesses to survive in Rhode Island.

"It's the people in this room that create the jobs," Costantino said during a round table forum on jobs he held at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Wednesday morning. About 50 people attended the forum.

Costantino was there to unveil his Jobs for Providence strategy, a plan that would streamline the regulatory and permitting process for businesses.

"What we can do as leaders is to create a [better] environment to create jobs. We need to provide you with the pathways to keep you here," he said.

Among some of the highlights, Costantino said he would relocate the city's economic development division, now under the planning department, and make it a separate division under the mayor's office to oversee job creation and economic development.

Other plans include setting up a one-stop business shop and assign an advocate to work with individual businesses, from start to finish, with permits, loans and meeting regulations; a database to search available office space locations and other developable land, and also a peer-to-peer program encouraging Providence business owners to help attract new businesses by speaking about their experiences.

"It's the businesses that bring the jobs here," he said. "If a bio-tech business wants to come here, the first company they are going to call is another bio-tech company. You are the advocate for this city. You are the advocate for this state."

Costantino faces a Democratic primary against John Lombardi, Angel Taveras and Christopher F. Young. The winner will face Jonathan P. Scott and Stephen L. Woerner, both independents, in November's general election.