by Billy Kepner | Jan 13, 2018 | Community Engagement, Council News, Press Release, Ward-3
The national media recently reported racist and derogatory comments made by President Trump against Haitians and other immigrant communities. Haitians in Rhode Island stand together to condemn the President’s racist and xenophobic comments.
“The Haitian community has withstood over 200 years of racism and various forms of oppression,” stated Providence Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune, Ward Three. “And on the eighth anniversary of the most devastating earthquake to impact humanity, The President should be recognizing the many lives lost, not insulting Haitians and other immigrant communities.”
The ongoing systemic discrimination against Haitians and other immigrant communities deserves global attention. Haitians throughout history has made significant economic, cultural and educational contributions to our local and international communities.
We invite the Rhode Island community, leaders, partners, and elected officials to join us on Sunday, January, 14th at 2pm at the Dorcas International Institute to stand against the President’s racist rhetoric.
by Michael Florio | Jan 2, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. is urging the Providence Zoning Board of Review not to approve a special use permit requested for 67 Batcheller Avenue for a proposed compassion center/marijuana dispensary.
“I want to be very clear, I’m not opposed to compassion centers,” stated Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “I’m only opposed to this specific site because its location is almost completely surrounded by family homes. I realize that this area is zoned for commercial enterprise, but this is not the right place for a compassion center. I hope the zoning review board will consider my concerns when they meet next week.”
Donovan Obair LLC and SEACAP Holdings RI I, LLC have submitted an application for a Special Use Permit from the Providence Zoning Board of Review for the operation of a Compassion Center/Cultivation Center for medical cannabis at 67 Bacheller Avenue. The Zoning Board of Review will be meeting on January 10, 2018, at 5:30 pm at 444 Westminster Avenue, in the first-floor conference room to vote on the matter then.
by Billy Kepner | Jan 2, 2018 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
Councilman Nicholas Narducci of Ward 4 gave his thanks today to long time city employee Linda Callei-Fraioli who celebrated her retirement today. Linda is retiring from her position of Ground Office Manager at city owned North Burial Ground.
by Billy Kepner | Dec 26, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-14
Providence City Council calls for applications for the Providence External Review Authority (PERA) Board. To be considered, please apply with a cover letter and resume by January 20, 2018.
“We are dedicated to an open and transparent process for seating the PERA board,” stated Council President David Salvatore, Ward 14. “We want anyone who is interested in being part of this board to have an opportunity to be considered. If you or someone you know is interested, I encourage you to submit your materials as soon as possible.”
PERA board members will:
- Create and implement community outreach programs
- Review police department policies and training procedures and make recommendations for change
- Receive complaints that allege misconduct by a police officer or officers, including, but not limited to the use of excessive force, inappropriate language or conduct, harassment, theft, and discrimination
- Perform other functions as authorized by the Providence Community-Police Relations Act
“As we begin the interview process I’m humbled by those who want to serve on this very important board,” stated Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, Ward 11. “As an original member of the PERA Board, I know and understand how important this is for the community. I look forward to meeting applicants and getting the board seated as soon as we can.”
To apply to sit on the PERA Board, we ask that you submit a cover letter and resume to Nick Freeman at Nfreeman@providenceri.gov no later than January 20, 2018, by 11:59 pm.
Please be advised that the seating of the PERA board does not delay the Providence Community-Police Relations Act which becomes law on January 1, 2018.
For more information, please contact the City Council office at 401-521-7477.
by Billy Kepner | Dec 22, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Providence City Council President David Salvatore announced the appointment of Emily Martineau as Chief of Staff to the Providence City Council.
“I am proud to have an incredibly capable team that is dedicated to this city,” Salvatore stated. “With a background in public affairs at both the state and municipal level, Emily knows this city and I have the utmost confidence that she will hit the ground running.”
Martineau most recently served as External Communications Director for RIHousing, and previously was Assistant Public Information Officer for the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General.
“I am excited and honored by this opportunity to serve the City of Providence,” said Martineau. “As a Providence resident, I know how meaningful the Council’s work is to all those who live, work and visit here. I look forward to helping the Council advance its ambitious agenda for improving our neighborhoods and moving our city forward.”
Martineau is a graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket and Stonehill College in Easton, MA, and owns a home near the Valley section of Providence.
“I would like to thank the current Chief of Staff, Cyd Mckenna, for her hard work and dedication to the post. We wish her well on all future endeavors,” said Salvatore.
by Billy Kepner | Dec 21, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Providence City Councilman David A. Salvatore, Ward 14, was elected City Council President at a special meeting tonight in the City Council Chambers. Salvatore began his first term as the councilman for the fourteenth ward in January 2011.
“I am honored and humbled to have the support of my colleagues on the council to support me to serve as President of the Providence City Council. I am grateful to Council President Pro Tempore Matos for her service as acting Council President. I look forward to working with every member of the council on behalf of all Providence’s residents.” said Salvatore upon his election.
Council President Salvatore’s election comes after the majority of the Democratic members of the City Council held a caucus on Monday, December 18, 2017, to seat new leadership. The positions are as follows:
- John J. Igliozzi – Ward 7, Majority Leader
- Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. – Ward 4, Senior Deputy Majority Leader
- Terrence Hassett – Ward 12, Senior Deputy Majority Leader
- Wilbur Jennings Jr. – Ward 8, Deputy Majority Leader
- Jo-Ann Ryan – Ward 5, Majority Whip
“As Chair of Finance and now in my additional new role as Majority Leader I look forward to working with David as President of the City Council,” stated John. J. Igliozzi – Ward 7. “My colleagues and I will continue to work for the betterment of the people of Providence, and the continued positive forward movement of our city.”
Since taking office in 2011, Salvatore has focused on community building efforts, advocating for fiscal and pension reforms, and growing Providence’s local economy. He was Chairman of the Subcommittee on Pension Sustainability, which issued a report and made recommendations—many of which were adopted—to stabilize the pension system and address the system’s unfunded liability. Salvatore was also Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means (2012-2014) and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances (2011-2014).
Salvatore is a lifelong resident of the Elmhurst neighborhood in Providence. Growing up, he and his family were active constituents in Elmhurst, and continue to make contributions to the prosperity of the community. An alumnus of Providence public schools, Salvatore attended Robert F. Kennedy Elementary and Nathanael Greene Middle School and graduated from La Salle Academy High School in 1993. He subsequently attended Rhode Island College and graduated with a degree in Business Management, and recently completed the Masters in Public Administration from Roger Williams University School for Justice Studies.
Salvatore has a diverse background in both the public and private sectors, holding key roles in management, oversight, and policy development. Since 2015, he has served as Director of Government Affairs for the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®. See his full biography here: http://council.providenceri.com/ward14/david-salvatore
He is married to Angie Sarhan Salvatore, and they reside in the Elmhurst neighborhood in Providence.
