Statement Regarding Friday’s Shooting on Douglas Avenue:
I want to thank the Providence Police Department, especially the officer that was shot in the line of duty, for their dedication and bravery. They handled Friday’s shooting with professionalism, and that should be commended.
However, this event should have never happened. It is disturbing to my neighbors and me that the accused young man, who was out on bail from another weapons charge, was able to access a firearm. If he was alleged to be dangerous – why was he released on bond? If someone has a track record of being a violent offender, which this young man is alleged to have, why was he released? And at the very least, why was he not released on home confinement and monitored? These questions need to be answered. This is another occasion where our court system has failed us again.
I encourage our State leaders to look into stronger penalties when it comes to weapons charges. We need to act now.
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Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., Senior Deputy Majority Leader – Providence City Council – Councilman, Ward 4
On behalf of myself and the residents of Ward 14, I want to thank the Providence Police Department for their quick work in minimizing the situation on Douglas Avenue earlier today. The safety of our City’s residents is paramount, and we are thankful that this situation was able to be resolved quickly.
Although there were shots fired, the suspect has been apprehended along with his weapon. The suspect was known to police and is now off our streets. An officer was shot, but thankfully his protective gear kept him out of harm’s way.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the injured officer, and thank all the first responders involved.
As we learn more information, we will share it with the community as quickly as possible.
Today Commissioner Infante-Green issued her reconstitution order of the Providence Public Schools. I believe that this is a necessary step, and although I have concerns that the state is taking control of more than half of the City’s budget, I remain committed and supportive of this process.
This process was never going to be easy, but I hope this will be an opportunity to transform our school system and serves all of our students. It is essential that all stakeholders, including the City Council, have a seat at the table as we navigate these changes.
The Commissioner has proposed a bold plan, and I look forward to working with her to make sure that Providence City Schools are no longer at the bottom, but that we fix the systemic issues that have plagued our schools for generations, and rise to the top. It’s what our children deserve.
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announced today that she is convening the City Council for a meeting to discuss the status of the Providence City Schools this coming Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
“We all must play our part to rebuild our school system,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The Council must augment the voice of the families who demand accountability. In partnership with the State and the administration, we must ensure that our schools are safe and clean on day one for our students.”
The Council has invited Providence City School’s Interim Superintendent Francis Gallo, Chief of Administration Joseph DiPina; Providence City School Board President Nicholas Hemond, Esq., Providence City School Board Members; and Providence’s Director of Public Property Michael Borg to attend and and provide an update on the condition of our school buildings, and to discuss the comprehensive education report conducted by Johns Hopkins University.
Council President Matos continued, “I attended all but one of the community meetings held by Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and I was deeply moved by the passion and the resilience that our community voiced. Over the past two months, I have met with stakeholders at all levels and have expressed that the Council will do whatever it takes to improve the quality of education for our students. Our community is not only resilient, but we have proved time and time again that anything is possible with hard work. But first, we need to ensure that the basics are met – that our schools are clean, that our infrastructure projects are completed, that students, staff, and faculty have what they need to achieve success.”
City Council as a Whole meeting occurs when the Council wants to convene all its members to discuss a specific issue or topic.
New sidewalks from Nick’s Auto Body to Chelo’s on Silver Spring Street courtesy of Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. Many thanks to the DPW, and their partners for helping make this area shine!
