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