by Abigail Appel | Jan 13, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, mentor, and former United States Congressman Edward P. Beard, or as those of us who knew him, Eddie. When I was considering running for the City Council, one of the first people I spoke to was Congressman Beard. He was a good friend and became a passionate supporter of my candidacy. At my first official campaign event, he introduced me, where I announced my candidacy for the Ward 14 Council seat.
Congressman Beard began his political career in the Rhode Island General Assembly, where he served from 1972 until 1974. He then served the great State of Rhode Island in the United States House of Representatives, representing District 2, from 1975 until 1981.
Prior to entering public service, Congressman Beard was a proud house painter. He was known to carry a paintbrush in his pocket as a reminder that his role was to serve and represent working-class Rhode Islanders and Americans. He loved sharing stories about his time in Congress, and I loved hearing them. Over the years, he was a great source of inspiration to me, and his knowledge of government was unmatched.
My family extends our deepest sympathies to Congressman Beard’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. His loss will leave a hole in many of our lives.
We are all the better for having known him.
David A. Salvatore
Providence City Council Councilor – Ward 14
by Abigail Appel | Jan 12, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
As many have learned, the first homicide in RI of 2021 occurred in Providence this past weekend. It is a painful reminder that we, as a City, need to continue to work together to address the systemic issues that lead to these crimes.
We know families thrive when protective factors are robust in their lives and their neighborhoods. It is incumbent upon us to continue the hard work of recognizing the conditions that have exacerbated the risk factors and maximize the best use of resources to improve those conditions so our families and youth can thrive and realize their potential.
In this new year, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to sustaining and creating the solutions that will bring the most significant impact to address these complex issues. To achieve this end, we must involve those that are closest to these issues and understand from their perspective how and why violence is occurring in our city.
I hold the pain of the families in my heart as if it were my own. I pray 2021 is a safer, more peaceful year for us all.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Abigail Appel | Jan 8, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
On behalf of myself and my family, we extend our thanks and congratulations to Governor Gina Raimondo, the nominee for United States Secretary of Commerce for her friendship and her service to our State.
As Rhode Islanders, we should all be proud that our State’s Governor has been tapped by President-elect Biden to be his Secretary of Commerce. It has shown the nation that we may be a small state, but we are mighty.
It has been an honor to work with Governor Raimondo over the years, and to watch how she responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic was a master-class in grace and leadership under eminence pressure. She has inspired all of us to keep moving forward even while facing huge obstacles.
I look forward to working closely with Lt. Governor Dan McKee as he takes on the role of Governor after Governor Raimondo is approved by the United States Senate.
As a young woman who emigrated to this country in 1994, I would not have believed that I would become an elected leader; or that I would know the Governor of my adopted state; and finally, that I would later know the nominees for the United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg – and that I would call them friends.
I am proof that the American dream is real, and that with hard work, determination, and a desire to serve – all things are possible.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Abigail Appel | Jan 7, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-13, Ward-15, Ward-4
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos Announces Decennial Ward Boundary Committee
The Committee Will be the Most Diverse in the Council’s History
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) tonight announced the creation of the Decennial Ward Boundary Committee, which for the first time in twenty years will be comprised of not only City Councilors but Providence residents as well.
“When I set out to form the Decennial Ward Boundary Committee I was clear that I wanted it to be a combination of sitting Councilors and Providence residents that would each bring a different perspective to how we shape our City’s voting districts with the goal to ensure a fair, inclusive and equitable process in determining the new ward boundaries committees,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “I also wanted it to be as diverse as possible – including representatives from the African American community and the LGBTQIA+ community to ensure that we had a true cross-section of our diverse population. It’s also notable that the committee is led by a female majority – another first in the Council’s history.”
Every ten years, the City Council is responsible for revising and establishing the City’s ward boundaries. In order to accomplish this task, the Providence Home Rule Charter requires the City Council to convene a Committee on Ward Boundaries that will recommend new ward boundaries based on the most recent United States Census data. The Committee must be comprised of five members who are either members of the Council or qualified individuals who reside within the City of Providence.
In constructing the map of new ward boundaries, the committee on ward boundaries and the city council must insure that the boundaries are drawn in accordance with the following criteria:
(1) Equality of ward populations so far as practicable;
(2) Contiguousness of the territory of each ward;
(3) Wards shall comply with the federal Voting Rights Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1971 and following).
(4) The geographic integrity of local neighborhood; and
(5) Geographical compactness such that nearby areas of population are not bypassed for more distant populations.
The Charter requires that the committee hold at least four public meetings, during which public comment will be accepted before creating a proposed map of ward boundaries. After the final plan is completed, it is then submitted to the full Council with a written report of findings and reasons for adoption, which will include: notation of all criteria employed in the process, a full analysis of their work, and a detailed explanation of the committee’s decisions. After these items are received, the City Council must host a public hearing before the plan can be adopted.
The Decennial Ward Boundary Committee will be comprised of:
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr., who has served on the City Council since 2006 and whose term will end in December 2022, is an ideal choice for his institutional experience. As a lifelong resident of Providence, his knowledge of the City is unparalleled. Councilman Narducci represents the North End and part of the Wanskuck neighborhoods of Providence.
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, who was elected to the City Council in 2014, has strong roots in South Providence. She knows the neighborhoods and the south side of the City like no other. Her long and storied career is one of true resilience from being a welder to a community advocate. Her ongoing work to create genuinely affordable housing in Providence will be valuable skills in creating the new ward boundaries. Councilwoman Harris represents the neighborhoods of Upper South Providence and part of the West End.
Councilor Rachel Miller was elected to the City Council in 2018 and has been a fierce advocate for workers’ rights, equitable development, racial and environmental justice. Originally from New York, Miller moved to Providence in 2003 and quickly became involved in the community. She has been a vocal community activist and has worked to amplify the diverse voices of her community. She represents the historic Federal Hill and part of the West End neighborhoods.
Jessica Cigna has lived in Providence since 2007 and lives on the East Side of Providence. She is a senior data analyst with over 20 years of significant experience relating to the research and application of social policies, including the connections between education, housing, health, the social safety net, family economic success, neighborhood change, and revitalization. She serves on several community organization boards, and her skill set will be ideal in crafting the decennial ward boundary map.
Nick Freeman is a lifelong Providence native and currently lives in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of the City. Nick brings with him a wealth of historical knowledge related to the City Council, where he served the body for 11 years as a policy and research analyst and then as the manager of policy and research. He currently is the assistant director at The Providence Foundation, where he advocates for policies and projects for the development of downtown and the City. His vast knowledge of the City Council and its various wards will be a great asset to the committee.
Council President Sabina Matos continued, “I believe that this cohort of exceptional committee members are ready to take on this historical task which will shape how our City is governed for the next decade. Further, I know they will do so engaging and listening with humility and with the best interest of our residents at the core of every decision they propose.”
by Abigail Appel | Jan 7, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
As a mother, my heart aches for Jhamal, his family, and his friends, as they continue the healing process – both physically and emotionally. I ask that we give him and his family the space and peace they need to heal. As an elected official, my heart aches for our community, we experience tragedy much to often, and as we know, the results of these tragedies last for generations.
These incidents are so complex and filled with such painful emotions. I am grateful to the Attorney General and his team, as well as the State Police for bringing the resources needed to assist with this thorough investigation. And I am grateful to Chief Clements and the Providence Police for understanding the emotion surrounding this tragic incident and the need to get it right and strengthen their policies. I encourage the Chief and the Public Safety Commissioner to take the time needed to review the next phase of this incident and to use the resources and partnerships they have to make any changes needed to ensure the public and our officers’ safety.
I am committed to finding solutions to the challenges of policing in our City. Regardless of the incidents, we need to actively deescalate inherently dangerous encounters in our communities so families and friends similar to Jhamal’s will not experience the pain they are enduring.
I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Council and in the City to strengthen current ordinances and enacting meaningful reforms that have one goal, keep us all safe. We are a city made up of neighborhoods and what affects one neighborhood affects all.
My request of you, is to continue to show compassion.
Sabina Matos
President-Providence City Council
Councilwoman-Ward 15
by Billy Kepner | Jan 7, 2021 | Council News, Press Release
The world watches in awe when Americans vote and engage in a peaceful transition of power every four years, especially when we elect a President. We set the example for other nations to follow. What is occurring in Washington is not how our country holds elections.
The result of this election was clear – former Vice-President Joseph R. Biden Jr. was elected President and Senator Kamala Harris was elected Vice-President. These are not abstract ideas; they are facts.
Today’s events in our Nation’s capital are antithetical to the principles that our democracy was built upon. The Electoral College has voted and awarded the votes as their state’s citizens cast.
We firmly believe in the first amendment and the right to assemble in peaceful protest. Storming the United States Capitol Building is not peaceful. We fervently condemn these actions.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Tonight, we rise together and say, ‘enough.’
Enough of hate-filled rhetoric that is unproductive, irresponsible, and unpresidential from the sitting President of the United States. Enough of disinformation campaigns on social media. Enough of doubting the will of the American People — who risked their lives to cast their ballots in this monumental election.
We are better than this. We are hopeful that the violence will end and that peace will be restored.
Until then, we will keep our Nation’s Capital, its residents, law enforcement, journalists, and especially our own Rhode Island delegation and their staffers, in our thoughts and prayers.
