David Norton

The downside, as reported extensively in GoLocal.com, is that Robbins has a reputation as “the worst slumlord in L.A. history, ” and his local reputation, with some business owners, is no better. Three of those business owners, Rosinha Benros, Phyllis Arffa and John Arcaro, spoke at the protest, and their stories are troubling. Each claim that their businesses were destroyed by the actions of their landlord, Lance Robbins.

Also speaking at the protest were Independent candidate for Mayor of Pawtucket John Arcaro and Independent candidate for State Rep Lori Barden.

The march briefly detoured through the East Side, to pass by the home of Governor Gina Raimondo, who broke a campaign promise to grant licenses through executive action. Instead, the governor threw the issue to the General Assembly, where House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello declined to advance the legislation.

The march was organized by the Safer Rhodes Coalition and Comité en Acción. Organizer Claire Pimental, writing for RI Future, said that passing this legislation will improve the quality of life and overall safety of our communities, from higher rates of insured and licensed drivers, to greater cooperation between police and the immigrant communities they serve.

Before the march Mayor James Diossa of Central Falls was joined by state Senators Donna Nesselbush and Frank Ciccone, Senator elect Ana Quezada, and Representatives Aaron Regunberg and Shelby Maldonado.

Below find pictures and video from the event.

Under the agreement the pay gap for Pawtucket School Lunch Workers will dramatically shrink as they receive $1.20 in raises over three years.  Unite Here says that after the lunch workers “courageously called attention to the problem of wage discrimination, Aramark Educational Services, LLC and the City of Pawtucket demonstrated that they wanted to be leaders in solving this problem.”

Melanie Plante, a truck driver based out of Jenks Junior High, described the victory: “We will proudly be serving the kids tomorrow.  This new Agreement will help all of us improve our lives and raise healthy, happy families.”

Carolyn DeOliveira, lead cook at Nathaniel Greene Elementary, “Our members have worked hard to earn more and to maintain their health benefits.  I am really proud to call myself a Pawtucket School Lunch Worker.”

The new three year Agreement covering the 81 school lunch employees will expire in April 2019.

Unite Here Local 26 represents 9,000 hotel, food service, airport, & casino workers across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Melissa and fellow streetworker Tara were joined by #300Women representatives from Providence and local community members at the corner of Jefferson and West Avenues in Pawtucket, across the street from two convenience stores and almost across from the Oaklawn Community Center, to lock arms for peace and to take a stand against violence in the community. The area has become a hangout for kids.

“These are good kids, they aren’t bad kids,” said Melissa, “they just need guidance. They just need more tender loving care.”

As the small group gathered around, Pawtucket Police cruisers drove past slowly. They did not interfere.

Some people who live in the neighborhood joined in, calling the kids from across the street at the stores to join them in locking arms and calling for peace. All of the kids demurred. “I can’t lock arms with him,” said one boy, about 14 years old. He didn’t want to appear in any way to be less manly. Women offered to let the boy between them but he answered, “Nah.”

Pawtucket has been plagued by a string of shootings in this area. So far, no one has been killed. Mary Gray, a Pawtucket City Councillor, was on hand. This is her district, and she’s been working to get Mayor Grebien more involved.  Part of the solution is the Midnight Basketball League.

Diana Garlington, of #300Women, explained that the League gets kids off the streets, but also gets them to a place where they can hear better messages.

“The Midnight League is not about guys playing basketball,” said Melissa, “It’s a way to capture everybody’s ear that we can do better.”

The league had a game scheduled for the park that evening, but due to rain it was being moved indoors.

People looking to help end the violence should contact the Institute, or contact Anchor Recovery. People are looking for jobs and job training opportunities. If you can’t offer jobs, money could help.

Meanwhile, the effort to save our kids from violence continues. “We need to come together and save them,” said Melissa DaRosa, “before we end up having a grieving family and have to bury somebody else.”

Meghan Kallman, of 93 Capwell Ave, has announced her candidacy for Pawtucket City Council in Ward 5. “I’m running for City Council to make Pawtucket a thriving, economically viable, sustainable city for our residents, our children, and our small businesses,” she said of her campaign. “Our Council needs new ideas and fresh energy, and I am ready to work hard to make those new ideas a reality”.

Kallman works as a researcher at Brown University and teaches in the state prison. She also volunteers her time with a number of nonprofit and advocacy programs serving both Pawtucket and Rhode Island. “My organizing experience, both in the community and at the State House, have prepared me to be an effective and creative City Counselor”, she says.

Kallman is co-founder of Crash Pawtucket, an organization that showcases small businesses in the city in partnership with neighborhood and community groups. She also serves on the Pawtucket Juvenile Hearings Board, a restorative justice program aimed at keeping children out of legal trouble.  Pawtucket resident Elizabeth Maynard shared, “I live and work in Pawtucket. Meghan and I have been working together on the Taft Street Community garden, and it’s great to be part of such an uplifting project with someone so motivated and committed. I was thrilled to hear she is running for City Council.”

Kallman explained her motivation to run for office: “The job of an elected official is to to ensure our that our community thrives. We need to build a positive environment for families to live in, students to learn in, and businesses to grow in. I will work to align the city’s services with the needs of our community” she said.

Kallman has a PhD in sociology from Brown University, and a Bachelor’s from Smith College. She lives with her partner Tim, a divinity student and future Unitarian Universalist minister.

Oak Hill resident Morgan Lord said of Kallman’s campaign: “Meghan Kallman is an engaged, knowledgeable and well-integrated member of the Pawtucket/Oak Hill community. As an established city-organizer, she works very hard to nurture connections between Pawtucket residents and their representatives, all the while taking action on many of issues affecting the city’s well-being”.

[From a press release]