Today, Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) announced that she will resign from office effective September 1st to devote more time to her health.
This morning, Chairwoman Anthony sent a formal letter of resignation to the city clerk. Councilors will officially receive that letter at the first September meeting of the city council and, by resolution, declare the seat vacant and direct the Board of Canvassers to schedule a special election. In accordance with the Providence Home Rule Charter, a special election will then be held within 90 days.
In a letter shared by email this morning with her Ward 2 neighbors, Chairwoman Anthony explained her decision and shared a well-earned pride in her accomplishments over six and a half years as a city councilwoman. The letter read, in part:
“As I continue to heal from the traumatic injuries I suffered when I was struck by a van in June 2023, my neurologist has recommended that I devote more time to my recovery. I’m proud to have served Ward 2 and the City of Providence and to have chaired the council’s Finance Committee. Unfortunately, the demands of those roles are hindering my ability to heal.
Working on behalf of this incredible community has been tremendously rewarding. Over the past six years, I have been inspired by your commitment to demanding better for our schools, our environment, our city services, and our government.
I take immense pride in the stands I have taken for transparency. It was not always easy, but I have done my best to communicate with you and to represent the city’s long-term interests. This year’s budget was particularly difficult given the financial challenges facing the city. While no single councilor can solve the city’s problems, I am proud that my team and I set a new bar for educating colleagues and residents about how the city’s budget and taxation processes work, and striving to encourage meaningful public input.”
On behalf of her colleagues and staff, Council President Rachel Miller shared her gratitude and admiration for the chairwoman’s service during her time on the council:
“Serving alongside Chairwoman Anthony has been a great privilege,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Since our first months in office, I found her to be a clarion voice for her neighborhood and the city, honoring resident contribution and leading effectively with compassion and clarity of purpose. The residents of Ward 2 have had a wonderful representative; residents of every neighborhood have had a steadfast advocate in Helen. While I will miss her leadership on the council, and in particular her deft stewardship of the Finance Committee, I am proud of her decision to prioritize her health. As Helen’s colleague and friend, I was in awe of her resilience and tenacity as she recovered from the accident, and I am in awe of the grace with which she is making this difficult decision today. The city owes Councilwoman Anthony a debt of gratitude for her service.”
The City Council Office will be available to address any constituent issues during the transition and while the Ward 2 council seat is vacant. Residents are encouraged to call constituent services at 401-521-7477 or email council@providenceri.gov.
