December 29, 2013 Ward Letter

       This week’s ward reviews my work from the past year and describes projects I plan to work on in 2014.

Download a pdf copy

              

The end of 2013 allows me an opportunity to reflect on the work I accomplished last year and the projects I plan to advance in the coming year.  During 2013, I was able to: 

  • Propose and gain enactment of legislation that eliminated the “Welcome to Providence” tax penalty for people moving into our City. 
  • Persuade the School Department to amend its strategic plan (at page 9) to recognize that all children have a right to an education that advances their knowledge in all subjects by at least one grade level per year (even if they begin the year above grade level). 
  • Propose and gain initial passage of legislation to reform the Zoning Board’s procedures to protect the public right to participate, which was later codified in amended policies and procedures published by the Zoning Board (at pp. 10-11). 
  • Sponsor a resolution to authorize a broader base of contractors to bid for the next school bus contract, allowing for more accountability going forward. 

            In the coming year, I plan to complete the Revaluation Commission’s report and work on legislation to place a 3-year limit on collective bargaining agreements, limit campaign contributions by City contractors and propose improvements in the next teachers’ contract.  If you have any ideas for new initiatives, please send me an email at samforcouncil@verizon.net. 

            I am grateful for the moral and financial support many of you have provided me over the past year to sustain my work.  For those of you who have not yet done so, please consider supporting my campaign fund at this time.  You can do so by printing up this form, filling it out, and mailing a check to the address indicated on the form, or online by clicking here and making a contribution through PayPal or your credit card (by starting with the PayPal form and checking the “Don’t have PayPal account” box). 

             Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and ideas, and I hope you have a happy and healthy New Year.

 

Sincerely,

signature