I’ve been critical of Mayor Smiley in the past – particularly about his lackluster approach to PVDFest – but now, I’ve got to hand it to him. The mayor’s PILOT agreement negotiation seems to have been quite successful. PILOT agreements – or Payment In Lieu Of Tax agreements – have been a subject of discussion […]
Late summertime in Rhode Island, and between torrential rains and random tornados, everyone is hoping for one more clear beach day with unpolluted water, followed by clam cakes that now cost more than a buck apiece. But there’s a feeding frenzy here in the Ocean State. When David Ciccilini pulled the ripcord on his political […]
Our hackers still haven’t recovered from the December 1 opening of RI’s marijuana dispensaries. The fug of kind bud floats in the basement and the freezer is empty of frozen pizza.… The First Flush of Relief Just after November’s election results came in, RI Democrats ran to the toilet and unclenched their sphincters. Seth Magaziner […]
We sent most of our hackers off to fight Russian and Chinese hackers, so this month, we’re relying on a coffee cabinet of optimism and outrage. A Votive Candle for Democracy You may have heard that democracy is in trouble (it is), that government is corrupt (sometimes) and that our nation is divided (it always […]
For information about the upcoming RI general election on Nov 8, see the web site – vote.sos.ri.gov – that explains how and where to vote, options for early voting, and lists of candidates for all offices. RI has early in-person voting Oct 19 through Nov 7 at city and town halls; no special application is […]
Our hackers had an easy September. We floated under the waves at contaminated beaches, and lounged under the bridges as flood waters rushed past above. Yes, we dodged those lures and fishing hooks (oh, the sweet temptation of near-death), but we emerged into the hurricane-election season unscathed. While others may think that the State’s appetizer […]
Before 1952, Woonsocket was divided into five city council wards. After the 1952 Charter Commission finished its work, Woonsocket moved to the system it roughly has today, with seven at-large city council seats and an elected mayor. Instead of at-large seats, most cities use a district election model that ensures people from different neighborhoods will […]
Buying votes might be illegal, but Rhode Island’s politicians have a long tradition of innovative and expensive ways to ensure loyalty: Offer a group of state or local employees a raise or a better contract, with the expectation they’ll be grateful. Remember Buddy Cianci’s Cost of Living Pension Blowout? It’s the gift that keeps on […]
Lunar Notes for Providence Candidate Buddy Cianci Love him or hate him, you have to admit that Buddy Cianci is a remarkable man. Two time mayor of Providence, forced to resign each time as a convicted felon, he has announced his decision to run for that office again. A look at his horoscope reveals […]
Bill: H-7506 “Held For Further Study” On May 16, a RI House Judiciary Committee recommended that the Marijuana Regulation, Control & Taxation Act (Bill: H-7506) be “held for further study” along with six other marijuana-related bills. What this means is that they will wait for those who proposed the bill to come back with more […]