In 2014, citizen Brett P. Smiley removed himself from the Providence mayoral race, throwing his support to Jorge Elorza; his goal was to prevent the odious Vincent “Buddy” Cianci from being re-elected (ProJo 8.22.14). Cianci had been running as an independent after serving a prison term for conspiring in city hall corruption, and he wanted …
This is in addition to, not instead of, the existing network, bringing the total to 20 cameras (most of which seem to be aimed directly at my car). There will be a 30-day grace period at the new sites during which motorists will get a warning. Starting June 6, drivers will be fined $50. Commuters …
Starting this morning the school zone speed cameras are being turned back on and the city will start issuing fines immediately. According to WPRI: There are fourteen speed cameras in school zones that will operate on school days from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and any vehicle going 11 mph over the 20 mph posted …
And his finances. Well, the rosy glow cast by last autumn’s “pink wave” sure has faded. The promise that the first-ever majority-female Providence City Council might usher in a more progressive and enlightened way of doing things has since been buried under a red tide sludge of punitive committee assignments. (Sound familiar? See also: Speaker …
Somebody owes me $95. Those controversial school zone cameras have been reactivated. The initial roll-out was so poorly executed that a class action suit was filed and the state legislature and the Providence city council had to make some adjustments. According to WPRI the cameras are back on now, and more have been added. City …
We’re number one . . . yay? Looks like the new podcast ‘Crimetown’ has a winner on its hands. The first season, devoted to Providence, is topping the iTunes podcast charts, and lots of locals are raving about the production — the podcast’s creators, Marc Smerling and Zac Sturt-Pontier, were behind the excellent “The Jinx: …
A gaggle of food trucks will congregate on the fourth Thursday of every month, now through August. (Facebook event.) Come to historic City Hall in Providence and experience the streets lined with local food trucks. This new monthly event is held the 4th Thursday of each month from May to September. Explore the downtown shops …
Mayor Elorza announced today that “Providence is turning an important corner. Everywhere you look, there are encouraging signs.” We are evidently to call this phenomenon the “Providence resurgence.” (Please, no new logos, slogans, or ad campaigns. Just leave the surging to us.) One item discussed in the press release is ethics. Upon taking office, I …
Let’s take this opportunity to stride boldly into the 21st century, finally shaking off our nation-wide reputation as a hopeless sink of graft and patronage. Our notorious pay-to-play business climate has kept us behind the eight ball for years. And for those who wouldn’t pay, Cianci was neither a “character” nor a lovable rogue. In …
One friend at a time. “‘I don’t think we are at the point where $55,000 is going to break the budget.’” So says City Council President Luis A. Aponte in today’s ProJo regarding another recent city council hire. Spoken just like a person spending someone else’s money. It’s also the justification your deadbeat brother-in-law uses …
What are they? Where do they come from? What do they want from us? Mayor Elorza has some answers. This year, the City is using new equipment to help improve the speed and quality of pothole repairs. The City has more than tripled the number of asphalt compactors used to compress and smooth the surface …
(1.5) Mayor-elect Jorge O. Elorza will be sworn in as Providence’s 38th Mayor on Monday, January 5th. 1:30pm: Seating opens for Inauguration Ceremony, steps of Providence City Hall 2pm: Inauguration Ceremony 3:00pm: Reception with Mayor Elorza, City Hall, second floor 7pm: One Providence Inaugural Celebration, Cranston Street Armory, 310 Cranston Street The weather looks good. …
“The eyes of the nation were upon us and today the people of Providence have spoken. We’ve made history,” Elorza said. “But more importantly, we’ve set Providence on a path to a bright future. I feel privileged to have earned the trust of the people of Providence. Thank you so much.” Elorza thanked his supporters …
[UPDATE: Mitchell ahead by 22 votes! Still unofficial but the Providence Journal reports that Marcus Mitchell may just have pulled this off! BC] When lawn signs start appearing for a write-in campaign, something is up. Marcus Mitchell, founding president of the Providence Community Library, is mounting a write-in candidacy for Providence City Council Ward 3.* …
Mitchell Mounts Credible Write-In Campaign In Ward 3 Read More »
(10.15) There may still be tickets available in the overflow area (?) for Wednesday’s mayoral debate at Brown, but the large auditorium of Salomon Center has been sold out. This could be interesting. [Additional Note: Good job, everyone. Read about the debate in ProJo 10.15.14.] In the meantime, go to RI Future and check out …
(10.14) Channel your rage by getting Jorge Elorza elected Mayor of Providence! Head down to Jacky’s tonight for a fundraiser aimed at all income levels. Be a host for $100, a supporter for $50, or make an individual donation of $25. OR — pay your age. Sign up for volunteer activities. Get a lawn sign. …