News Briefs:

Supreme Court Rules for City in Pond View Matter:

The long standing battle between some city residents, city officials and Kenlin Properties or Pond View, continued with a Rhode Island Supreme Court ruling in late June.  The Court's opinion said that "... the Supreme Court granted a petition for writ of certiorari filed by the City of East Providence and the East Providence Zoning Board of Review (zoning board) (collectively, the city) seeking review of a judgment of the Superior Court."  The zoning board had affirmed a notice of violation issued by the East Providence zoning officer finding several violations of a use variance that had been granted in 1998 to the owner and operator of a facility known as Pond View Recycling (Pond View).  Kenlin Properties, LLC and TLA-Providence, LLC, as the owner and operator of Pond View, had appealed to the Superior Court from the zoning board’s decision upholding the notice of violation.  A trial justice of the Superior Court reversed the zoning board’s decision after concluding that the zoning board’s decision was clearly erroneous and made upon unlawful procedure because the zoning board erred as a matter of law by reviewing material outside of the decision granting the variance.

The Supreme Court held that the determination of the scope of a use variance is a question of fact entrusted in the first instance to the zoning board and that in determining the scope of a variance, the zoning board may refer to the entire public record.  The Supreme Court concluded that the record supported the zoning board’s decision that Pond View was in violation of the 1998 use variance by exceeding the scope of the variance.  Thus, the Supreme Court quashed the judgment of the Superior Court and remanded the case to the Superior Court with instructions to enter judgment for the city.  

The city issued a statement via its web site:  "The City Council is gratified that the Supreme Court recognized the right of the Zoning Official and the Zoning Board to determine the scope of the 1998 use variance using the record of the original variance proceeding, including the application and site plan, the transcript of the hearing, and the written decision of the Zoning Board. The Superior Court had ruled that only the Board's 1998 written decision could be considered and had rejected the Zoning Board's findings that Pond View had exceeded the scope of the 1998 use variance. The Supreme Court's opinion accepted the City's arguments that the Zoning Official and Zoning Board had properly considered the other materials in the record in determining the scope of the 1998 use variance."

School Department Finances Continue to be Healthy

Surplus and healthy continue to be buzzwords for the school department budget.  School Finance Director Lucy Maddock told the School Committee in late June that they were probably looking at a more than $5 million surplus in the current budget.   The surplus number hasn't been confirmed through a formal audit but school leaders believe that will be the case.

New finance manager Maddock was credited with discerning this good information because of her "technology abilities."  Superintendent Kathryn Crowley and others including the state financial overseer, Paul Luba, agreed that it was a good thing to have separate finance departments for both the City and School Department.  "I commend the new (schools) finance director," said Luba.  "We will be in control of our own funding.  It is positive for the City that we have our own finance people," added Crowley.

Riley Ousted From Canvassing Board:

16 year member and chairman of  the East Providence Canvassing Authority, Tom Riley, was not re-appointed by the City Council at its meeting in late June.  Riley, often clashed with city politicians and would address the council and sometimes school committee on an array of issues.  Riley also disagreed often with City Solicitor, Timothy Chapman.

Riley charged the council with being in violation of State laws in the way in which he was not re-appointed, a statement that Chapman disagreed with.  "We have gone over this many times with Mr. Riley, and he can't show we're not following the law.  We (City) are following the right process," said Solicitor Chapman. "State law has not been followed.  I will be going to the Attorney General," said Riley.  "Have at it," replied Chapman.  Riley has not yet filed a formal complaint and he later told the council that he may be running for office himself as a result of their decision.      

Representative  Melo's Retirement Changes Election Plans for Some:

Representative Helio Melo, (D) East Providence, announced that he is not going to be seeking re-election to the seat he has held in the Rhode Island General Assembly since 2005. "It has been a great privilege for me to hold this seat and represent my neighbors and my city in the state house. When I combine my time in this office with the period that I sat on the East Providence School committee, it totals 18 years. I cannot believe how quickly that time has passed and I cannot express with words how grateful I am for the support that I have received. It is time for me to step aside and let someone else take on these duties. These two public offices that I have held have taught me much about my city in and its citizens. The experience has made me realize over and over why I enjoy living here. My thanks go out to the people I have worked with, the people that have supported me and everyone I've met along the way."

Melo, who became a leading Democrat in state house politics, has served in District 64 in East Providence since first being elected in November 2004. He was a recent member of the House Labor Committee and was the chairman of the influential House Committee on Finance from 2011 until March 2014.  In that role, he co-chaired the hearings and played a leading role in the passage of the comprehensive pension reform legislation in 2011 which reduced the state’s liability by $3 billion. In 2010, he was the sponsor of the enacted income tax reform legislation which reduced the tax burden for most Rhode Islanders and simplified the tax system. In 2012, he was the sponsor of the Revenue Protection Act which established the state’s share of table games at Twin River, as approved by the voters.  Melo was replaced by Raymond Gallison as House Finance Chair after Gordon Fox resigned as House Speaker. Gallison recently resigned from his House seat altogether in the midst of an investigation which he is now the target of.

Helio Melo may have started his career in government when as a young teenager he was called the "Mayor of Taunton Avenue" for his interest in school committee and city council meetings. He was often seen in City Hall and Taunton Avenue businesses discussing his thoughts on politics. The young Melo became friendly with another Taunton Avenue icon, James "Jimmy" Kanelos of the Coney Island System and a long time school committee member. Eventually Melo ran for and was elected to the school committee himself in 1998.

Cunha Announces Election Run For Melo Seat:

Ward Two incumbent councilman Helder Cunha has decided to run for the House seat being vacated by Helio Melo.  Statement:   "After Helio Melo’s announcement, I’ve decided to announce my candidacy for the East Providence State Representative District 64 seat.  I am proud of the accomplishments that have been achieved while serving Ward 2.  Our city’s finances are healthy, our credit rating is higher, and several projects that I have been involved in such as the renovation of Onna-Moniz-John Neighborhood Park and Central Avenue Playground and Jone’s Pond are currently in the making.  I look forward to working alongside council members and the community in advocating for East Providence in a different capacity.

High sewer bills continue to be a major challenge in our city.  Rate hikes have become a severe burden on both residents and businesses, especially for persons who live on fixed incomes. As your State Rep, I will be looking into what the general assembly can do to tackle high wastewater costs.

We must make our state a place that’s easier to do business.  Year after year, Rhode Island has ranked near dead last in business climate. As a small business owner, I know the red tape businesses struggle with.  Improving our state’s business climate is not just good for business owners; it’s good for everyone. Economic growth is key to addressing many of the challenges our state is faced with: Getting our fiscal house in order, preventing tax increases, creating jobs, making sure our kids attend well-funded and quality schools, as well as attracting and keeping residents who want raise their families here.

During my time on the City Council, I heard the frustration of residents concerned by our crumbling state-managed roads. Because of RIDOT’s slow-moving and unresponsive bureaucracy, we here in East Providence have seen the safety of taxpaying residents at risk. Pawtucket Avenue, the McCormick Quarry Bridge held up by logs, and other roads are in desperate need of repair. We can’t wait until 2024.

I have always said that that during my time in office, it is the residents themselves that I have learned the most from. It’s a two-way street. They have helped me in determining what’s going right with our city and what is going wrong with it. I don’t have all the answers and don’t pretend to do so, but I hope to work alongside residents in making our city a better place to live and to be their voice on Smith Hill.

Brian Coogan Former Councilman and State Rep. Declares for Melo Seat:

Former city councilman and State Representative Brian Coogan will make a run for the District 64 seat.  In his press release Coogan cites his prior experiences and criticized many in office now:   “I’ve sat back and watched our state do nothing but decline over the past decade.  It’s time for me to get back to the State House and work on behalf of the hardworking people of District 64 and for the citizens of our great state,” said Coogan.

“Our state needs a comprehensive solution to the heroin epidemic – plain and simple. Everyone knows someone who has been affected or is being affected by this atrocity,”  Coogan explained. “As soon as I walk back into the House Chamber, I will have a coalition of community organizations behind legislation that will eradicate and destroy this life-threatening issue.”

Coogan also cites his effort to deal with employment issues.   “As an employer and as a former public servant, I understand that there is a need to help the private sector to create jobs.  In the coming weeks, I will release my plan to combat job loss and help reinvigorate our economy.”

 “He (Helio Melo) served District 64 with honor and I wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Coogan.  “I enjoy being a father more than anything in the world and it is my hope that I can make Rhode Island a better place for not just my family but for the larger family of District 64,” he added.

Representative Gregg Amore Seeks Re-election:

State Representative Gregg Amore, a District 65 Democrat, has announced his intentions to run for a third term as a State Representative. Amore is a veteran East Providence High School teacher and was recently appointed as the district Athletic Director. His district includes Kent Heights and Riverside neighborhoods. Amore is a Kent Heights resident.

Amore recently joined area East Providence legislators in decrying the State's plan to rebuild and repair roads. “Owning a tank should not be necessary to go down Pawtucket Avenue but it’s beginning to get to that point,” said Amore . “East Providence residents pay their taxes and they deserve a safe Pawtucket Avenue to travel on with their families and vehicles. This plan is simply intolerable,” he added.

Amore released a re-election statement which said in part: "Representing the citizens of District 65 the past four years has been an honor and a privilege and I hope to continue to fight for their interests at the State House.

After years of fighting for reimbursement to the East Providence School Department for CRAFT funding for the Bradley Hospital program, an increase to the East Providence School Department was included in this year’s state budget, inspired by legislation sponsored by Representative Amore.

The inclusion of additional funding to the East Providence School Department in this year’s budget is a huge win for East Providence taxpayers,” said Representative Amore. “The addition of $4,000 per bed for the CRAFT program at Bradley Hospital included in the budget rectifies an eight year loss for East Providence that totals over $800,000. The state reimbursement for these students has not increased in nearly a decade, and the cost of transportation, in-district special education services, and out-of-district special education services had placed an undue burden on the East Providence School Department and taxpayer and I am happy to report that this is no longer the case for East Providence residents.

Representative Amore also strongly supported several money-saving initiatives within this year’s state budget such as a state income tax exemption to all retirees who have reached the full Social Security retirement age beginning in the 2017 tax year. The tax cut also applies to other types of retirement income, including public and private pensions. The move will benefit over 60,000 taxpayers and provides $14 million of annual tax relief to the taxpayers.

He also supported the increase to the earned income tax credit to 15 percent of the federal credit, after raising it from 10 percent to 12.5 percent in 2016. The change will affect 83,000 taxpayers earning $50,000 or less, allowing them to keep more of what they earn, and helping Rhode Island businesses who benefit from the increased spending power of those consumers.

He also fought hard for victims of domestic violence, seeing two pieces of legislation he sponsored pass the General Assembly that will create further crucial protections for victims of domestic violence. The first bill requires the surrender of firearms within 24 hours by anyone who is either convicted of a felony charge of domestic violence, or pleads nolo contendere and the second bill prohibits individuals served with protective orders relating to domestic assault from shutting off or disrupting utility services without prior court approval.

In 2014, Representative Amore was honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving as a Legislator of the Year for his cosponsoring of legislation that allows judges to require ignition interlocks for those convicted of drunken driving. The legislation was improved during the most recent legislative session.

He was also awarded the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Rhode Island Cancer Caucus, a prestigious honor bestowed by ACS CAN in recognition of his commitment to promoting legislation that improves the lives of cancer patients. He was awarded the honor because in 2013, Representative Amore championed a bill requiring health plans to cover oral treatments for cancer at a rate comparable to standard intravenous chemotherapy. Since the passage of his bill, the legislation has saved cancer patients thousands of dollars for a treatment that serves the same purpose as the intravenous form. It also recognizes the growing range of oncology drugs and leaves room for medical advances in oral treatments.

In addition to fighting for things like better local and state roads, Amore said that "If reelected, I will work hard making sure our public school system is adequately funded so our kids can succeed later in life. I am asking the residents of District 65 to consider me again for the seat because I feel that I have more work to do for the taxpayers of East Providence,” said Amore.

Representative Katherine Kazarian Seeks Re-election:

Katherine Kazarian has issued a statement in which she announces her re-election bid:  “It has been an honor to represent the residents of District 63 over the past four years and I ask them for their vote so I can continue to fight for their best interests at the State House,” said Representative Kazarian.

If re-elected, Representative Kazarian will continue to put pressure on RIDOT to fix the decrepit Pawtucket Avenue as well as other roads in serious disrepair in East Providence, said her campaign.  She has publicly called for RIDOT to amend its deficient road repair plan that leaves out East Providence residents for the much-needed road repairs on state roads that the taxpayers thoroughly deserve.

“Our residents pay too much in taxes every year to have to deal with the crumbling conditions of Pawtucket Avenue,” said Representative Kazarian.  “This is an issue of safety and a significant barrier to economic development for East Providence and our residents deserve far better than what they are getting from the DOT.”

This year, the General Assembly passed her legislation that requires each school district in the state to include in its curriculum a unit on the Holocaust and genocide for every student by the time he or she graduates.

“Although these are not pleasant topics to learn about in school, these events must be studied by our children in order to prevent further similar atrocities from happening in the future,” said Representative Kazarian. “My family’s own history involving the Armenian Genocide has shown me that these events in history should never be forgotten and it is important that our children recognize and understand how such terrible events can occur in society, and more importantly, how to stop them from happening.”

Representative Kazarian has also focused on chairing her commission, created through legislation she sponsored last year, which studies the creation of a council to coordinate resources for providing care to individuals with rare diseases in Rhode Island.  The commission was extended this year to continue the work Representative Kazarian has been championing for the past two years.

“This extension was needed because the reality of living with rare diseases does not go away for many people after the initial expiration date of the commission and there is much more work the commission needs to do to help these individuals who suffer on a daily basis,” said Representative Kazarian. “Living with any disease is a burden, but, to the few in the state affected with uncommon and rare diseases, the burden significantly increases, often without any clear course of action for treatment. Just because a patient is the only person in Rhode Island suffering from a particular rare ailment, does not mean they should be left alone to fend for themselves. My hope is that this commission can change that tragic reality for those who suffer from rare diseases.”

Representative Kazarian has been concerned with a lack of social workers in the state’s public schools since she took office, and if reelected, she will continue to make sure every child in the state has access to a school social worker if needed.   Her legislation this session to study the total impact of social workers in our schools passed the House of Representatives but was stalled in the Senate.  “We need to invest more in our children. This bill would work to make sure our children are receiving the help that they need in order to develop and learn properly,” said Representative Kazarian. “School shootings are all too common these days. We need to do a better job of providing services that will prevent such horrific events from ever happening again.”

“The residents of District 63 deserve representation that fights for the best interests of themselves and their children. If reelected, I can promise each resident of the district that I will head to the State House every single day fighting for the men, women, and children of East Providence,” added Representative Kazarian.

It is expected that Senator Dan DaPonte, District 14 and Senator Billy Conley, District 18 will be seeking re-election also.

Former Mayor Bruce Rogers Running for Ward 2 Council:

Former city councilman Bruce Rogers has decided to run for the Ward Two council seat after first considering the at-large seat being vacated by Tracy Capobianco.  With Helder Cunha now running for a state house seat, Rogers has decided to regain his the Ward Two seat he previously held.  Rogers statement:  "As a lifelong East Providence resident and Townie, I have a great interest in returning to public service as a City Councilman. My intent was not to challenge a sitting councilmember but with the Ward Two seat newly vacant I express my interest for the seat.  Rogers was a Councilman from Ward Three and Mayor 1980 - 1984 and again in 2010 -2012 representing Ward Two.  "Bruce has the leadership skills to address the tough times and work ethic to work keeping our city moving in the right direction," said his campaign. "With the creation of an open council seat I pledge to once again work tirelessly on behalf of Ward Two resident’s issues both small & large as well as being an advocate for all of East Providence on the issues that affects us every day."

 “I wish to Thank Helio Melo for all his years of service to our great city and state and wish him success on all his future endeavors.  I also wish to extend best wishes to Helder Cunha for his interest to be the next State Representative from District 64,”  said Rogers.

“As in the past my only intention is to work for the people of East Providence and to be a voice for the Ward Two residents and all Townies.  I will always be there for you and will happily answer your phone calls and listen to your concerns as I have always done for the great people of East Providence. The needs and worries that affect the people of East Providence is my only motivation,” added Rogers.

Councilman Tom Rose Subject of Ethics Probe:

Ward Three Councilman and Mayor Tom Rose is reportedly being investigated by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.  The commission is looking into reports that Rose leased a truck from a rental agency that the city police department uses.  The complaint is looking into several text messages between Rose and the agency in which it appears that Rose was billing the city for his lease.  The RI State police have investigated the matter and concluded that there was no criminal violation because the city never paid any of the bill.  City councilman Tim Conley wants Rose to explain the matter in greater detail.  "This is a violation of trust, if proven true," said Conley. 

Candy Seel, a candidate for Rose's Ward Three council seat thinks Rose should resign from office.   "By his actions in office, Councilman Tommy Rose has brought disgrace upon himself and upon our city.  If he has not done so already, I call upon him to resign from office immediately. The State Police have so far declined to pursue criminal charges in Mr. Rose’s Enterprise lease caper, but, if his behavior doesn’t rise to the level of “moral turpitude,” mentioned in our City Charter as cause for removal from office, I don’t know what would," said Seel in a blog on social media.

City Waterfront Residents Irked at Tax Rate:

An internet petition movement has been circulating for weeks ever since the new tax valuations have been mailed to homeowners.  Waterfront homeowners in the Riverside area, mostly from the "Terrace" have been incredulous at the large increases they've received. 

The petition states: Petition Demanding Action on Outrageous Waterfront Property Tax Increases in East Providence, RI:

"We, the property owners and concerned citizens of East Providence, petition the City Council to develop a plan to address the egregious property tax increases, particularly targeting waterfront residents of the Riverside neighborhood.  This year, waterfront property owners face property tax increases of 40-60%.  These outrageous increases are not only unfair in comparison to other neighborhoods, they are unreasonable.  Behind the number are actual people and families, many of whom have lived in their homes for decades.   Outrageous tax increases in the blink of an eye do not reflect trends in employment or income.  Therefore, people heartbreaking reality that they are going to lose their homes, especially the many in our community who are on fixed or limited incomes, such as young first-time homebuyers, elderly, disabled, and families.

Waterfront properties are already assessed at high values than their non-waterfront neighbors.  In addition, such residents incur multiple additional costs in maintaining and repairing their homes in response to coastal erosion and increased wear to an aging housing stock from exposure and weather events.   Despite the targeted taxes on waterfront properties, the City has no plan to address or assist property owners such issues. It is unreasonable and inefficient to expect every individual to file an appeal when the hardship is felt across the community.  City Councilors have a responsibility to represent the people.  We, the undersigned of this document, demand that they correct this situation by:

• Pass an ordinance instating a tax cap preventing increases of more than 10-12% over the previous year on any given property. 
• Restore the full 15% homestead exemption that was reduced during the Budget Commission’s oversight of EP finances.
• Initiate an immediate, independent review of the City’s contract with Vision Government Solutions, their process of determining assessments, and the Tax Collector’s methodology of adjusting and approving them. The process used to determine assessments needs and the accountability of those involved needs to be public."

2015 property assessment information for any address in East Providence can be found at: http://gis.vgsi.com/EastProvidenceRI/Search.aspx

School Department Moves:

The school committee approved several recommendations from Superintendent Kathryn Crowley in June as school closed for the 2015-2016 school year.

• Veteran Social Studies teacher Gregg Amore was appointed Athletic Director to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Duarte.  Duarte and the department  administration came to a mutual parting of the ways after different operating styles in several areas of athletic administration.  At one time it was announced that Duarte would return to the classroom in September but no firm announcement has been made.  Amore has coached baseball at LaSalle, East Providence and also coached hockey.  Amore is also the State Representative from District 65 in East Providence.
• The list of Fall coaches for EPHS was also approved, mostly returning all coaches.
• Jonathan Stringfellow and Lian Furtado were officially named EPHS Dean's for discipline and supervision.
• Shane Messier was hired as Assistant Principal to replace retiring administrator Frank DeVall.
• David Britto was appointed as Assistant Principal for Discipline at both Waddington and Francis schools in the city.  An employment complaint by Britto against the city was dropped.  Britto was one of three minority school principals with recent litigation involvement with city schools.