October 2, 2026
Beauchaine, Luiz, Forand Drop Out of School Committee Races
Ward four School Committee incumbent member Jessica Beauchaine has withdrawn her bid to be re-elected to a seventh consecutive two-year term. The withdrawal comes after a controversary with garnering the necessary signatures to be placed on the ballot. Ward candidates for School Committee need to get 50 valid signatures from registered voters. Beauchaine submitted 92 signatures but could not provide proof that they were presented in her presence. The controversary began after a Beauchaine Facebook post invited residents to sign her papers which she would leave on her porch at home. She was not present to observe the signings. After a complaint was filed and a hearing held before the East Providence Board of Canvassing, Beauchaine issued a social media statement:
“After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming East Providence School Committee election. Although I was successful in the recent hearing regarding my candidacy, I believe this is the right decision for me at this time.
For the past 12 consecutive years, it has been an incredible honor to serve the residents of East Providence. Looking back, I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. I have always led with one goal in mind—doing what is best for our students…”
Beauchaine’s reference to being successful in the canvassing hearing was due to the board’s 2-1 vote not to invalidate all of her signatures. The board’s decision was along political party lines. Candidate Chrissy Rossi stated that this was not a political matter but it’s about fair and free elections. Rossi will soon serve on the School Committee as the only certified candidate on the ballot for the November election. Rossi has previously served on both the School Committee and City Council.
“Serving East Providence has never been about politics for me—it has always been about our children. I leave this campaign with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and confidence in the bright future of our schools. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this incredible community,” wrote Beauchaine.
Current School Committee Chairman David Luiz and former Superintendent of Schools Sandra Forand have pulled out of contention. Luiz had announced intentions to run for the Ward 3 city council seat and changed his mind to run for the at-large school committee seat, before dropping out of contention for both. Luiz’ decision leaves Anthony Ferreira as unopposed in his current at-large school committee seat. Former Superintendent Forand changed her mind and will not pursue a school committee seat in Ward 3. Also, David O’Connell has withdrawn his intention to run for the Ward 3 school committee seat.
The following candidates for local and state office have been certified for the upcoming elections. Candidates needed 50, 100 or in some at-large cases, 200 valid signatures of East Providence voters.
The primary for races with more than two candidates is on September 9th and the general election is November 3, 2026. Here are the certified candidates for office:
City Council
Ward 1: Frank Rego (incumbent), Jonathan Jacobs, Richard Stanley and Bethany White.
Ward 2: Anna Sousa (incumbent), Kevin Pereira.
Ward 3: Frank Fogarty (incumbent), Christopher Teixeira.
Ward 4: Jason Botelho, Michael Spremulli (incumbent Rick Lawson not running).
At Large Citywide: Robert “Bob” Rodericks (incumbent), Jason Medeiros
Mayor: Roberto DaSilva (incumbent), Patricio Pinto
School Committee
Ward 1: Ryan Queenan (incumbent)
Ward 2: Antonio DeSimas (incumbent), John Medeiros
Ward 3: Renee Ignacio, Elizabeth Merrill
Ward 4: Anthony Pedulla, Chrissy Rossi
At-Large Citywide: Anthony Ferreira (incumbent)
RI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District 63: Katherine Kazarian (D - incumbent)
District 64: Jenni Furtado (D - incumbent)
District 65: Matthew Dawson (D - incumbent), Cameron St. Germain (D), Grant Webber Wosencroft (D)
District 66: Jennifer Boylan (D - incumbent)
RHODE ISLAND SENATE
District 14: Valarie Lawson (D - incumbent), Brian Coogan (I)
District 18: Robert Britto (D - incumbent)
District 32: Pam Lauria (D - incumbent)
Mail Ballot Question Addressed
After a question of why East Providence seemed to have very little mail ballots recorded in the canvassing office, Mayor Bob DaSilva replied in a social media post. “As of (July 21st) all mail-in ballots applied for both online and in person have been processed. According to the East Providence canvassing team at this time there have been 5 in person applications for the primary and 6 for the general election processed. Additionally, 37 online applications have been processed for the primary and 84 for the general election in November. The deadline in which all ballots must be processed is by August 19th and all mail-in ballots by state law must be processed within 7 days of receipt by the Board of Canvassers. Additionally, these ballots are not sent out to residents who have requested them until August 14th.”
“I have been told that the Elections Division of the Secretary of State has reached out directly to East Providence Canvassing Administrator Leslie Shattuck-Moore in regard to these concerns and advised that moving forward these ballots must be processed as they are received.”
“Elections are separate from the day-to-day operations of the city, and the administration has NO role in their oversight. Elections are NOT overseen by the Mayor’s Office. The running and administration of elections has nothing to do with this office. The oversight for Canvassing is by a bipartisan Board of Canvassers.”
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Tax Stabilization
City administration issued a press release regarding an effort to enhance the development of ADU’s for city residents. The City of East Providence announced that on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the East Providence City Council passed legislation on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) tax stabilization that will encourage the development of alternative housing opportunities throughout East Providence.
“Affordable housing continues to be a top priority of this administration, and I am grateful to have so many partners in local government who share a vision in creating innovative ways to make housing more obtainable,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This new Accessary Dwelling Unit Tax Stabilization will build on that momentum, ensuring that those who want to call East Providence home, or those that already do are afforded the opportunity to do so,” DaSilva added.
This new stabilization measure will allow residents the opportunity to build an ADU and receive a five-year period of tax relief from the additional value that the ADU would add to their home’s assessment, starting at 100% exemption year one and scaling down 20% each year.
"ADUs show that some of our most impactful housing solutions don't have to be the biggest ones," Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard said. "They create opportunities for young adults, aging parents, caregivers, and homeowners while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. That's why Housing 2030 includes a goal of permitting 525 new ADUs by the end of 2030. East Providence's innovative ADU tax stabilization program is an outstanding example of local leadership removing barriers and making it easier for homeowners to create more housing. Coupled with initiatives like our recently launched +1 RI ADU Design Competition, we're partnering with municipalities to make ADUs more accessible, affordable, and achievable—and to help Rhode Island reach its Housing 2030 goals."
Across the United States, rising housing costs are forcing many young professionals to remain in their family homes longer. East Providence is continuing to lead the way, recently passing ordinances to make ADU’s available on lots that are at least 5,000 square feet, rather than the state’s baseline requirement of 20,000 and creating a 5-year relief for additional assessments from ADU construction.
“We want to maintain Townies living in East Providence,” said bill sponsor and council vice president Frank Rego. “This is a way of helping with the housing crisis in the city and the state, without having to build on land that we want to keep green throughout the city,” Rego added.
For many older adults, ADU’s provide an opportunity to downsize without leaving the communities they have called home for decades, offering seniors a more manageable and affordable living option while allowing them to remain close to the ones they love.
"Aging in community – where 87% of Rhode Islanders 45 and older have told AARP Rhode Island they wish to be – is possible if homes can be modified to accommodate changing needs,” Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director said . “Our cities and towns must have housing options that are suitable for differing incomes, ages and life stages. Accessory Dwelling Units are a fast and flexible way to accomplish this critical Age-Friendly goal. I’m thrilled that the City of East Providence is offering this powerful incentive to build ADUs, which will help so many families and caregivers in this community.”
City Senior Center Closed for Paving August 10th – 21st
The Senior Center will be closed from Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 21 while the parking lot is being repaved. Many of the activities will continue at EP High School. Lunch will be served daily at 12:00 PM at the High School. During this time, the lunch menu will be limited to the cold meal option.
Seniors attending activities and lunch at the High School during the closure can park to the left of the front entrance of the High School. The lot is sufficient for all. Handicapped vehicles can park to the left of the High School or to the right of the entrance. There is a smaller lot accommodating handicapped vehicles to the right of the High School.
Transportation services will be offered throughout the two-week closure. Transportation will pick members up at home and bring to the High School.
Please enter through the front entrance of the High School. Senior Center staff will be there to welcome you and direct you to activities and the lunch area. No sign in or visitor badge required to enter the High School to participate in Senior Center operations during the shut down.
Senior Center staff will report to the Senior Center to answer telephones. If you have any questions, please call 401-435-7800 during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as our parking lot undergoes repaving. We know this temporary inconvenience may disrupt your routine, but we are excited about the improvements. Once completed, the new parking lot will provide a safer, smoother, and more accessible experience for all of our members.
Hope & Faith Drive’s 11th Annual Wagon Walk
The 11th annual Hope & Faith Drive’s ‘Wagon Walk’ took place last month. The beloved local charity was started by Carl Sweeny Jr., a retired school maintenance worker, who along with his family and an army of supporters, raises money every year for local families in need. Hope & Faith Drive, LLC was founded in 2011 with the mission of providing food to those in need. What started as a personal effort to teach a life lesson to Carl Sweeney’s granddaughter has grown into a community-driven initiative. Through the support of local schools, businesses, and programs, the organization has been able to consistently feed over 20 families each month and countless individuals in the community.
Another local group, ‘EastProv Hospitality’ has helped to promote the activities of Hope & Faith as well as highlighting many other activities within East Providence. A website proclaims, “… your social media source for “What’s Going On” in East Providence and surrounding communities. EastProvHospitality.com features an ongoing Events Calendar with entertainment, Hospitality and Community happenings, Spotlight Blogs featuring local businesses, people and topics of interest, free yard sale listings and much more. Our goal is to support the East Providence business community by bringing attention to all it has to offer for residents and visitors alike! Community, Wellness & Fundraiser events will always be an EastProvHospitality.com priority. Just let us know the details and we will do our best to help you promote your event at no cost. We welcome you to reach out to us at info@eastprovhospitality.com with your thoughts, ideas or questions about our community website and how we can better serve your interests.”
In an EastProv Hospitality post, they wrote – “We were honored to cover Hope & Faith Drive’s 11th Annual Wagon Walk, a heartwarming East Providence tradition that continues to bring children together through kindness, friendship, and fun. Led by Hope & Faith Drive Founder Carl Sweeny Jr., this year’s Wagon Walk welcomed more than 150 children participating in the East Providence Recreation Department’s Summer Day Camp. The July day began at 10:30 AM as the children, escorted by the East Providence Police Department, proudly paraded from the East Bay Bike Path near Dari-Bee Ice Cream down Bullocks Point Avenue to Historic Crescent Park.
Along the route, the campers proudly carried colorful signs promoting kindness, compassion, and community spirit - values that have become the foundation of Hope & Faith Drive’s mission. Their excitement and enthusiasm were contagious as families, neighbors, and passing motorists cheered them on.
Once they arrived at Crescent Park, the celebration continued with an afternoon filled with games, activities, pizza, and plenty of laughter. A highlight of the day was riding the Historic Crescent Park Looff Carousel, creating lasting memories for the children as they enjoyed one of East Providence’s most treasured attractions.”
“EastProv Hospitality congratulates Carl Sweeny Jr., the dedicated volunteers of Hope & Faith Drive, the East Providence Recreation Department and its amazing Summer Day Camp staff, the East Providence Police Department, and everyone who helped make the 11th Annual Wagon Walk another unforgettable day for the children and our community.”
The Reporter thanks EastProv Hospitality Publisher, Gary Santos, for permission to re-print many of their comments and photos. The Reporter is happy to support EastProv Hospitality. Other important information is listed on EastProv Hospitality.com, including the October 18, 2026 Hope & Faith Drive’s 2nd Annual Free Children's Clothing Giveaway. This provides donated winter clothing to local kids who need a little extra warmth through the generosity of the community. To help support that effort, EastProv Hospitality will once again organize a Live Music Clothing Drive on Saturday, October 10, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at The 133 Club. The afternoon will feature Joshua David & The Green River Band, Rhode Island's premier tribute to the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Our goal is to collect even more clothing donations than ever before in support of Carl's mission. The Reporter will also be there!
City Announces Animal Control Shelter Renovations
Over $400K on Shelter Renovations
The City held a grand opening of the newly renovated animal control shelter late last month. Shelter officials were joined by members of the community, state, and local leaders to cut the ribbon on over $400,000 in renovations to enhance the care, comfort, and safety of animals, while creating a more welcoming environment for residents looking to adopt their ‘furever’ friends.
“Today marks another exciting example of how the City of East Providence continues to move forward as the best place to live, learn, work and play,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This investment transforms our animal shelter into a safer and more welcoming facility for the animals in our care, our dedicated staff and for the families looking to adopt a new companion.”
The $476,746 in renovations were funded through general and capital funds as well as allocated funding from the American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA). The renovated amenities include:
EP ranked 3rd safest city in Rhode Island by Safewise.com
Each year, SafeWise, Inc experts dig into data to see which cities report the fewest crimes in every state. This is their 12th annual safest city report. According to official FBI data and SafeWise’s most recent State of Safety report, residents of Rhode Island experience below-average levels of gun violence, violent crime, package theft, and property crime in the nation. Rhode Islanders also worry about these issues less than the average American, yet only 50% say they feel safe calling The Ocean State home. The State of Safety in America is SafeWise’s annual, nationally representative study tracking how Americans perceive, experience, and respond to safety risks over time. The findings in this report serve as the foundation for SafeWise’s rankings, special reports, and ongoing safety analyses throughout the year.
For the second year in a row, cybercrimes topped the list of crime concerns, especially for older adults, who reported increased concern and increased experiences with cybercrime last year. Violent crimes and gun violence are the second-highest concerns, with younger adults (below 55) and women reporting the most concern.
East Providence was listed as the third safest city in Rhode Island, with just Bristol and Cumberland ranked above EP.
SafeWise: Population of EP 47,555
Gun Violent Crime Rate 2026, 2025, 2024 - 0.7, 0.8, 0.6.
Property Crime Rate 2026, 2025, 2024 - 6.9, 9.1, 8.7.
For the purposes of this report, the terms “dangerous” and “safest” refer explicitly to crime rates as calculated from FBI crime data—no other characterization of any community is implied or intended. 18 cities met the criteria for ranking this year. Bristol is the safest city in Rhode Island for the seventh consecutive year. The property crime rates in Bristol and North Providence decreased for the second year in a row. East Providence, Westerly, West Warwick, and Cranston saw year-over-year decreases in both property crime and violent crime. 1 murder was reported in Rhode Island's 10 safest cities. It happened in Cranston. All of Rhode Island's safest cities reported 1 or more rapes. No robberies were reported in Bristol, Cumberland, North Kingstown, Westerly, and Coventry.
Council President lauds World Cup Impact on Area
City Council President Bob Rodericks made good on a pledge to wear a Scottish kilt to the July 7th council meeting. The gesture was made according to Rodericks, because of the “positive impact received by the community during the recent soccer World Cup games.” With Boston hosting several games in nearby Foxboro, many tourists stayed in the area. “I met several of the “Tartan Army” visitors during a Mayor’s coffee hour in Riverside. They were staying in the area and stopped in on their way to Boston for Scotland’s World Cup match. It was heartwarming to see their spirit and pride, and I was amazed that they donated close to $100,000 to area charities, including $10,000 to Hasbro Children’s hospital,” Rodericks said. “The Tartan Army also participated in the ‘Good Night Lights’ salute to Hasbro, started by East Providence’s Steve Brosnihan. “Although I hoped the USA team did well, I had to appreciate the great spirit by visitors here from other nations. As a quick fan of the Scottish team and with a family member from Scotland, I said I would wear a Kilt to our meeting (July 7th). It wasn’t a good look, I know, but I kept my word!” chuckled Rodericks.
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