Gonzalo Cuervo, one of three Democrats running for mayor of Providence, says the biggest issue facing the city is economic inequality and an opportunity gap.

“We’re becoming two separate cities, and all the issues that we face are poor performing schools, housing affordability, public safety. The underlying issue is a real gap in wealth and in economic opportunity,” Cuervo said.

Cuervo answered a series of questions for a “Beyond the Podium” segment.

Cuervo said he’s qualified to take on those challenges because he was born in Providence, he’s been a community advocate since his teen years, and he has owned a small business on the South Side.

He also cited his work with nonprofits and the leadership positions he’s held in city and state government.

“I also have a lifetime -- 30 years -- of community engagement experience, of organizing experience. And I think that the combination of this diversity in experience, combined with experience as a small business owner, gives me a unique perspective and a track record of bringing people together to find solutions,” Cuervo said.

Cuervo said he’d like to be asked why he’s running.

“I am running because I love this city, because I have the experience and the life experience, the lived experience as a parent, as everything that I’ve described before to really bring about change,” Cuervo said. “I know that we can bring the right people together to impact the city and leave it much better than it currently is.”

Cuervo didn’t name a specific political hero, instead listing the traits of strong leaders.

“I admire people that are tenacious and that have values and that stick to those values and that understand that public service is absolutely about helping people,” Cuervo said.

As for the best advice he ever received: “To always be empathetic and try to understand where other people are coming from,” he said.

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