by Michael Giles | Sep 3, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12
Statement from Councilwoman Kat Kerwin
On this first day of school in Providence, I remain concerned about both the physical conditions and the academic integrity of our schools. Starting today, students will be in class for hours each day, for many months. It is our duty as elected officials to ensure their experience does not continue to reflect what they have already endured for years in the Providence Schools. We cannot improve this system unless the people impacted by the decision making structure are with us every step of the way.
The truth is our parents, students and youth organizations should not have to beg for a seat at the decision making table. While community conversations have been offered to these stakeholders, dialogue is not enough. To truly build power and address the very real concerns of our community we must offer them a chance to be vocal leaders in the plan to change our school system.
This means more than symbolic conversation and passed mics. This means the Commissioner cannot hire a new Superintendent without allowing parents, students and community members to be part of the vetting process. This means the goals and metrics of any plan to improve the Providence schools must be made transparent to all stakeholders. This means an accountability structure that works for all of our students and ensures we are on a path to make every school stronger. This means providing enough additional resources to ensure the system can support every single student, not just a lucky few.
I stand with students, parents and community organizations in demanding a voice in the plan to reform our schools. Only with their real support will we have the chance to see real change in the district.
Kat Kerwin
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 12
by Billy Kepner | Aug 31, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Once again our City is waking up to the reports of several acts of violence that broke out across Providence in the early morning hours. As elected officials we have a sworn duty to speak up and provide a voice to those that elected us. We must do something to address these issues immediately.
I want the residents of Ward 14 to know that I have been in touch with the Commander of Providence Police, and have been briefed on the situation. I will continue to be in contact with our public safety officials and will update you when I can.
There have been too many acts of violence over the last several weeks, and besides creating serious quality of life issues for our residents – this is also harming our image as a City that is welcoming and a great place to live and visit.
We need to do more, and I’m calling on my colleagues to join me in taking action to protect residents, businesses, and patrons a like.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 31, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Waking up to the news of more violence in our City is disheartening. As the Council President, I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Council, the Board of Licenses, public safety officials, and the Administration to work collaboratively to find ways to mitigate these acts of violence.
One of the greatest things about Providence is our amazing restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Violent incidents like the ones that have been occurring over the past several weeks not only affect the quality of life for our residents, but also is harmful to our business community and their patrons.
As many of us gather to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, let us do so safely.
by Billy Kepner | Aug 26, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
My family and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Berta Hudson. The North End is a tight-knit community, and when tragedies like these occur it affects us all.
Once again, I find myself asking – How does a man convicted of domestic abuse have access to a firearm? We need to do better to ensure the safety of our community. This tragedy marks the 10th homicide in Providence this year, and it is time for us to take action. Whether that be investing in more police, or working to hold another gun buy-back program, we must do something.
Over the coming months, I will be working with my colleagues on the City Council to find ways for us to address these serious quality of life issues.
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Nicholas J. Narducci Jr, Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 4
by Billy Kepner | Aug 26, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
We are at an inflection point in Providence, as we grow as a City. We are facing crisis’ on multiple fronts; our schools, affordable housing, and the seeming uptick in violence centered around our nightclub culture.
As we grow as a City, it’s time for us to revisit our culture around nightlife and public safety. Every time an act of violence occurs inside or outside of a nightclub, public safety resources are diverted from every neighborhood in Providence leaving communities susceptible to other acts of crime.
I’m calling on my colleagues to revisit the City Council’s 2012 strategy and the Pine Report to ensure that we are working in the best interest of our constituents when it comes to their safety. I am also calling on the Board of Licenses to work with club owners across Providence and the City Council to employ strategies that proactively prevent these seemingly frequent incidents.
Violence is never the answer, and I’m deeply concerned that so many of our young people are resorting to these strategies to deal with their differences.
These acts of violence are systemic, and we as elected leaders need to address the underlying issues that plague our community. I am committed to working with my colleagues at both the state and local level to help address these serious quality of life issues.
David A. Salvatore, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 14
by Billy Kepner | Aug 22, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
With today’s announcement, the City has taken a positive step forward in addressing the safety concerns of residents by suspending the JUMP Bike program.
After engaging with the community, the overwhelming response was that this initiative, although good in theory, lacked key controls such as a safety and retrieval plan. My Council colleagues and I put forth a resolution in July that has prompted the administration to take action, and we look forward to working with them to create a program that works for all residents.
I want to commend the Providence Police Department for doing a fantastic job responding to complaints and investigating the problems associated with the JUMP Bikes over the past year. The City Council is committed to making sure that the need for reliable and affordable forms of transportation continues to be a top priority, and will work with our partners in government to achieve that end.
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Michael J. Correia, President Pro Tempore, Providence City Council, Councilman – Ward 6
