by Billy Kepner | Jul 7, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Councilman Nicholas Narducci (Ward 4) is pleased to welcome Opera Providence and the “Celebrate Providence! Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative” coordinated by the Providence Art, Culture & Tourism Department in collaboration with the Department of Parks & Recreation and Partnership for Providence Parks. The upcoming performances by Opera Providence, a local arts organization with the mission of “engaging and inspiring audiences through opera as the ultimate theater experience of music”, will be held at Hopkins Square on Charles Street at 5 PM on Sunday July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30.
Providence’s Art, Culture & Tourism Department states, “the weekly themes and selections will showcase music from Latin America, Italy and America while providing a festive and welcoming atmosphere to opera fans and those experiencing the genre for the first time.” Councilman Narducci adds that “the event offers community members in Ward 4 an opportunity to celebrate and engage with the performing arts in a family-friendly atmosphere.” The event is free and open to the public.
To learn more about the Providence Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative, visit: http://bit.ly/2u0v2PJ
by Billy Kepner | Jun 30, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued the following statement regarding the passage of a bill the Providence City Council requested from state legislators that increases penalties for assaulting delivery drivers. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Salvatore and amended to include taxi drivers at the request of Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
“On behalf of the people of Providence, I commend state lawmakers for approving greater protections for delivery drivers, who are vulnerable to violent assault because they travel alone with cash on hand. No employee should face those kinds of risks, and many of these drivers are already struggling to pay their bills, holding second jobs to supplement their pay, and just getting by making make ends meet. I’m thankful to state legislators for supporting our efforts to ensure delivery drivers are more thoroughly protected while they’re on the job.”
by Billy Kepner | Jun 30, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6) has formally requested increased enforcement of fireworks used in Providence neighborhoods, especially those that disturb residents late at night. In a letter sent to Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh Clements, Correia stated, “As we approach the Fourth of July, constituents have noticed an increase in fireworks being used late into the evening. I respectfully request that the Providence Police Department steps up enforcement in our neighborhoods around this time.”
“I take the safety and well-being of our constituents very seriously,” Correia added. He has requested the department looks into the matter as soon as possible.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 29, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Acting Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) is calling for an independent investigation of Harry Kizirian Elementary School officials’ failure to report molestation allegations to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Rhode Island state law mandates that anyone “who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that any child has been the victim of sexual abuse by an employee, agent, contractor, or volunteer of an educational program” must report the information to DCYF within twenty-four hours.
“It is a fundamental requirement of every adult in every school to ensure absolute safety for every child,” said Matos. “Policies, procedures, and laws are in place to support that requirement. I am calling for an independent investigation to bring to light what happened when school officials learned of this horrific, disturbing allegation. Providence families deserve that information, and this situation demands the transparency of an independent investigation.”
by Billy Kepner | Jun 16, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-10
The Providence City Council on Thursday unanimously approved and cosponsored a resolution introduced by Councilman Luis Aponte (Ward 10) that formalizes the body’s support for the Paris Climate Accord.
“Our federal government has chosen to neglect its duty to protect America and the world from the harmful effects of climate change,” said Aponte. “Ignoring climate change does not lessen its threat. More responsibility now lies in the hands of local governments across the country to enact policies that protect our planet from further destruction. Cities house the majority of industry and population, which makes it more important than ever for us to take the lead on these issues.”
In addition to affirming the Council’s support of the Paris Climate Accord in full, the resolution also formalizes the Council’s commitment to reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
