by Billy Kepner | May 2, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-6
City Council to Recognize May 5 – May 11 as Providence Small Business Week
City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and City Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6) co-sponsored a
resolution recognizing May 5, 2019 through May 11, 2019 as Providence Small Business Week.
“Small local businesses like Olneyville New York System, Adler’s Design Center and Hardware, and all of the other bookstores, bodegas, and coffee shops that pepper our 15 wards are collectively our city’s economic engine,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “Small businesses are the fastest growing sector in our economy. And when you support a local business, you are supporting that neighborhood, that businesses’ employees, and their families. I encourage everyone to shop local as often as they can, but especially during this week.”
The United States sets aside a week to honor small business owners, advocates, and workers for their important role in ensuring that the U.S. remains the economic leader of the world. The City Council formally recognizes the week of May 5-11, 2019 as Providence Small Business Week.
by Billy Kepner | May 2, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-6
Council President Matos and Council President Pro-Tempore Correia Introduce Resolution Requiring Sexual Harassment-Prevention Training for Providence Employees and Officials
City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and City Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6) co-sponsored a
resolution that requires all city employees and Providence elected officials to participate in Sexual Harassment-Prevention Training.
“Thanks to many brave women, like Tarana Burke who started the #MeToo movement, many workplaces have begun to examine their policies around sexual harassment prevention. As one of the larger employers in our State, I believe we should be doing the same,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The national dialogue that the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have created is not only overdue but important for us to address here locally. Times are changing, and things that were once the status quo are no more, and we need to train our workforce to recognize what constitutes sexual harassment and the impacts that it has on victims, so we can all work together to create a safe and healthy working environment.”
Sexual harassment is widespread and impacts our community as reflected in the national estimates that show that:
· 77% of women had experienced verbal sexual harassment.
· 51% had been sexually touched without their consent.
· 41% said they had been sexually harassed online.
· 27% said they had survived a sexual assault.
· 38% of women said they had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
The resolution requests that the city’s human resources department offer sexual-harassment-prevention training to all employees and Providence elected officials.
by Billy Kepner | Apr 30, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Over the next several weeks the City Council’s Committee on Finance will be reviewing every aspect of Mayor Elorza’s proposed budget and its potential impacts on our constituents from tax levies to services provided.
I look forward to working with Mayor Elorza and our teams to come up with a budget that addresses the serious issues we face head-on. I hope together we can address the concerns of our constituents, including infrastructure needs, and further economic development across the City; and other quality of life issues that affect every corner of Providence.
I, along with my colleagues on the Council are committed to working with the Mayor and his team in producing a budget that is financially prudent and equitable to the city as a whole.
–Sabina Matos, Providence City Council President
by Billy Kepner | Apr 29, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
City Council President Sabina Matos Welcomes
Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green to Providence
(L to R) Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and Providence City Council President Sabina Matos meet at Harry Kizirian Elementary School in Providence on Monday, April 29, 2019.
This morning Providence City Council President Sabina Matos joined Principal Daniel Smith and the students of Harry Kizirian Elementary School, along with Providence Schools Superintendent Christopher Maher, and Providence School Board member Mark Santow in welcoming Rhode Island’s new Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green on her first day.
“Commissioner Infante-Green has a remarkable resumé, and her skill set is unmatched,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “Rhode Island is a unique state when it comes to the needs of our students, and although our state is small, we have a broad base of students that represent countries from around the world and who speak many different languages. The Commissioner’s work in this space, I believe, will make her an excellent leader in addressing the concerns that many of us have regarding our multi-language learners. With graduation rates in our capital city continuing to be on a dangerous and downward trend for these students, I am glad that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has begun to look at education reforms here in Providence and across the state. I look forward to working closely with Commissioner Infante-Green to make not just Providence, but the state, a case study in how we can turn around our schools and support our students.”
Multi-language learners are one of the fastest growing student populations in the United States, and here in Rhode Island. Several studies including the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook from 2016, and other education advocacy groups, have all acknowledged that RIDE needs to address these issues that come from having such a diverse student body in a meaningful and transformative way.
Council President Matos continued, “The City Council welcome Commissioner Infante-Green, and we look forward to hearing her plans for transforming our states education system.”
by Billy Kepner | Apr 27, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-8
City Council Honors Legacy of Kenny and Steve Arlan with Commemorative Street Renaming
City Councilman James Taylor, (Ward 8) hosted a ceremony on Saturday, April 27, 2019 for the commemorative street renaming of Access Road in honor of the legacy of Kenny and Steve Arlan who have been coaching with the Elmwood Little League for over thirty-four years. This event was hosted at the J.T. Owens Field where the Elmwood Little League has been playing baseball since 1951. Two commemorative signs were placed, with one at the corner of Access Road and Niantic Ave; and another at the corner of Park Lane and Access Road.
“It is a pleasure to recognize the Arlan Family for their dedication and commitment to the Elmwood Little League,” stated City Councilman James Taylor. “Kenny and Steve Arlan have helped transform the league into the thriving organization it is today. Their work has made an impact on the lives of hundreds of families by inspiring the next generation of young athletes to stay healthy, active and motivated. I want to thank the many old-time players, coaches, the District Administrator and the board members that showed up to this joyous ceremony.”
Elmwood Little League is a non-profit organization in South Providence offering baseball and softball programs for boys and girls ages 5 – 16, who live or attend school in the Elmwood, West End, Upper & Lower South Providence, and Reservoir neighborhoods. The Elmwood Little League was founded in 1951. The organization is completely volunteer run by parents and community members. The Elmwood Little League serves over 500 children and is comprised of 22 teams.
by Billy Kepner | Apr 26, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12
City Council Honors the Legacy of Community Activist Mary C. Jones with Commemorative Street Renaming
City Councilwoman Katherine (Kat) Kerwin, (Ward 12) hosted a ceremony on Friday for the commemorative street renaming of Candace Street in honor of the legacy of the late community activist Mary C. Jones. This event was hosted at the Smith Hill Library where Mary C. Jones worked for over forty years. Two commemorative signs were placed, with one at the corner of Candace Street and Orms Street; and another at the corner of Candace Street and Chalkstone Ave.
“I am humbled to memorialize the life of Mary C. Jones with this commemorative street renaming,” stated City Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “Mary was committed to the Smith Hill community. She labored tirelessly to keep our libraries open after funds were cut and she helped residents obtain access to affordable health care and better housing opportunities through her work with the Smith Hill CDC and the Neighborhood Health Center. Her story is integral to understanding how important it is for organizations to form partnerships by engaging and understanding the needs of residents.”
The Providence City Council partnered with the Smith Hill Library; the Brown Arts Initiative; the John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage; and the Feinstein Institute for Public Service to present, “Smith Hill: Past, Present, Future.” Today’s Dedication included remarks from the family of Mary C. Jones, Althea Graves, President of the Friends of Smith Hill, Councilwoman Kat Kerwin and former Ward 12 Councilman Terrence M. Hassett.
“Mary C. Jones was not only my friend, but she was a fierce advocate and kept me on my toes for years,” stated former Ward 12 Councilman Terrence M. Hassett. “For a whole generation, when they think of the Smith Hill Community, they think of her, and that’s a legacy that not everyone gets to leave behind. I’m honored and humbled that one of my last acts as a Councilor for Ward 12 is to honor Ms. Jones in this special way. She meant a great deal to me, and I’m so glad that we can celebrate her lasting legacy.”
During Mary’s forty years with the Smith Hill library, she developed programs based on cultural awareness, education and health issues; for the advancement of marginalized groups and people of color. Many of her programs still run today such as the “Keep Our Families Warm Campaign” (KOFWC) and the “Children’s Christmas Party” (CCP). The annual KOFWC ensures that residents in need get warm clothes for the winter season and every child who attends the Children’s Christmas Party gets food, a free toy and a day full of fun.
During her career, Mary served on numerous boards, committees, and commissions throughout the city and state. Notably, she was a member of the Neighborhood Health Center Board for over thirty-five years. She traveled all around the country advocating for safe, comprehensive, affordable health care from infancy to senior care. She was also one of the founders of the Smith Hill CDC, serving on their board for close to twenty years. This organization is still helping people realize their dreams of home ownership today. She was also one of the co-founders of the Capitol Hill Interaction Council (CHIC) which worked with landlords and tenants to repair buildings, help residents connect with social agencies, and help locals find employment opportunities.
Miss Jones is survived by her sister Bessie Jones, her children Althea Graves, Anita Jones, Angela Jones, Aaron Jones, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family across the United States.
