Ward 15
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Councilman Oscar Vargas
Oscar O. Vargas was elected to City Council in the summer of 2021. He represents Ward 15, which includes the parts of Silver Lake, Olneyville, Manton, and Valley neighborhoods. As a resident of Providence for more than 20 years, Councilman Vargas has had the opportunity to experience firsthand the issues Ward 15 faces.
Born in Zacapa, Guatemala, Councilman Vargas immigrated to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1989. He attended Central High School, and after graduation, he worked at the Citizens Bank Corporation Office. Councilman Vargas has also worked as a jeweler; a year later, he opened his jewelry shop. In 2016 he received an auto mechanic certificate from MTTI.
He currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on City Public Works and a member of the Committee on Ordinances. He is also a member of the Water Supply Board.
Ward 15: Olneyville, Silver Lake, Valley
Recent News
City Councilors Call for Review of Mayor Elorza’s Agreement with Achievement First
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilors Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) and John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution calling for a review of Mayor Jorge Elorza’s license agreement with the charter school Achievement First, which grants the...
Providence City Council Approves $539 Million FY 2022 City Budget
Approved budget contains no tax increases and uses $42 million in stimulus funds for small business relief, youth investments, free public Internet access, and more. Tonight, the Providence City Council voted to approve a $539 million FY 2022 City Budget including $42...
Statement from Council President Sabina Matos Regarding the Hanley Verdict
Today, we learned that Providence District Court Judge Brian Goldman announced that Sgt. Joseph Hanley was found guilty of assaulting Rishod Gore. I believe that justice was served, and I hope that Mr. Gore and his family can begin the healing process. Sabina Matos,...
Providence City Council Calls on Mayor Elorza to Enforce Existing ATV Laws and Names Members to the Council’s Special Commission on ATVs & Recreational Vehicles
At tonight's City Council Meeting, Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) proposed a resolution urging Mayor Jorge Elorza to decisively enforce the multiple laws that the Providence City Council has enacted to mitigate the dangers and nuisance of all-terrain vehicles...
Providence City Councilor’s Call for Environmental Compliance in the Port of Providence
Tonight, Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution, which was passed, calling for more environmental controls and compliance in the Port of Providence after last week's fire. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15),...
Council President Sabina Matos Affirms Council Support of Providence Community Health Centers
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) proposed and passed a resolution supporting Providence Community Health Centers. This resolution was co-sponsored by Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Senior Deputy Majority Leader...
