2018 Ward Letters

My January 6, 2019 Ward Letter discusses the conclusion of the current City Council term, and offers my thoughts about the opportunities and challenges facing the next City Council.

My December 16 Ward Letter discusses the teachers’ union contract, forming a parents’ union, regulating student housing and the City Council’s override of the  Mayor’s veto on the Hope Point Tower project.

My December 9 Ward Letter discusses the City’s school building program, conserving paper, pension reform, ethics reform and the Hope Point Tower zoning change.

My December 2 Ward Letter discusses our State’s public education program, school facilities improvements and the Mayor’s veto of the Hope Point Tower project.

My November 18 Ward Letter discusses the City Council’s vote on the Hope Point Tower project.

My November 11 Ward Letter discusses the Nicholson Estate subdivision, the Hope Point Tower project and the downtown smoking ban ordinance.

My November 4 Ward Letter views some of the choices on Tuesday’s ballot through my perspective as a Providence resident.

My October 28 Ward Letter discusses parent engagement in the public schools, bus transportation and “work to rule.

My October 21 Ward Letter discusses parent involvement in School Department decisions, the Hope Point Tower project and the renewal of the First Student school bus contract.

My October 14 ward letter discusses regulation of college student housing and short-term rentals, teachers “working to rule” and the school bus driver strike.

My October 6 Ward Letter discusses regulation of college student housing and short-term rentals, tax stabilization agreements and the school bus driver strike.

My September 30 Ward Letter discusses the school bus driver strike, the teacher union’s “work to rule” program and an opportunity to contribute to local organizations.

My September 23 letter discusses the School Department’s English language learner program, the school bus strike, regulation of AirBnb and regulation of student housing.

My September 16 Ward Letter discusses the results and ramifications of last week’s City primaries.

My September 8 Ward Letter discusses the City Council’s votes on the Hope Point Tower and ethics reform.

My September 1 letter describes some new challenges in the coming school year, and answers questions you have asked me about the Ward 2 City Council race.

My August 25 letter explains why I am voting for Mark Tracy for State Representative and urge District 4 voters to join me.

My July 29 Ward Letter discusses a school bond ballot question and “good government” reforms for the City Council.

My July 22 Ward Letter discusses a new student housing ordinance and the Hope Point Tower project.

My July 15 Ward Letter discusses the supplemental School Department budget and the campaign for the Ward 2 City Council seat.

My July 8 Ward Letter discusses the current controversy over the party endorsement process and possible reforms.

My July 1 Ward Letter discusses a community meeting concerning short-term rentals, regulation of student housing and final passage of the City budget.

My June 24 Ward Letter discusses a community to discuss regulation of short-term rental platforms such as AirBnB, a public hearing on the proposed student housing ordinance and the City Plan Commission’s review of the 150 Lloyd Avenue condominium proposal.

My June 17 Ward Letter discusses the suboxone office, the proposed student housing ordinance and regulation of short-term rental platforms such as AirBnB.

My June 3 Ward Letter discusses a City Council candidate forum, a proposal for 150 Lloyd Avenue and extending the student housing ordinance.

My May 27 Ward Letter discusses the School Department budget.

My May 20 Ward Letter discusses the settlement of the speed camera lawsuit and the Fane Tower project.

My May 13 Ward Letter reviews recent discussion of the City’s unfunded pension liability.

My May 6 Ward letter explains my decision not to seek re-election to the City Council this year.

My April 29 Ward Letter provides an initial view of the Mayor’s budget.

My April 22 Ward Letter discusses road repairs, the upcoming road race and restoring checks and balances in City government.

My April 14 Ward Letter discusses the City’s pension deficit and the regulation of online booking of City residences.

My March 31 Ward Letter discusses street repaving, Remembrance Day and the mayor’s veto of the reusable bag ordinance.

My March 25 Ward Letter discusses public education from a national and a local context.

My March 18 Ward Letter discusses the reusable bag ordinance, speeding cameras and the Providence Public Schools 5-year plan.

My March 11 Ward Letter discusses trees downed in power lines, the City’s speeding camera program and a cost-sharing program for sidewalk repairs.

My March 4 Ward Letter discusses school safety, community-police relations and reducing the City’s environmental footprint of single-use plastic bags.

My  February 25 Ward Letter discusses Brown University’s decision to redesign its performing arts center, this week’s letter discusses the City’s past deficiencies in contributing to the pension fund, and a meeting last week of the special committee to study homelessness.

My February 18 Ward Letter discusses school safety, the School Department strategic plan and the School Department budget.

My February 11 Ward Letter discusses a meeting to stand against bigotry and the Mayor’s State of the City address.

My January 28 Ward Letter discusses the School Department budget, teachers’ contract and facilities plan.

My January 7 letter discusses the City Council leadership election, the new School Department Oversight Committee and the opportunity to apply to the Providence External Review Authority Board.

My January 4 letter provides information about the snow storm, and general information about how to prepare for and deal with snow storms.