Calls in support for Senator Walaska are coming from state phone
“Good afternoon,” says a male voice, “I’m a representative of Senator Walaska. We’re looking for some support this election if you go out and vote in the primary we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.”
Labor concerns over RI’s GEM Realty investment
The RI State Investment Commission voted to invest $20 million with GEM Realty Capital, despite the company’s claim that the health and safety of employees at the Sofitel Los Angeles Hotel in Los Angeles, one of the many properties owned by the company, is not something they can have any affect on.
RI legislators not returning illegal campaign donations
Despite the NRA paying a record fine for making illegal campaign donations to Rhode Island politicians, to date, not one current office holder in the state has seen fit to return the money. The National Rifle Association (NRA) was fined by the RI Board of Elections for funneling illegal donations to RI politicians, including House […]
Ethics complaint filed against Rep Bill O’Brien
Bell alleges that when O’Brien ran for office in 2009 and 2011, he failed to file his first two required financial disclosure statements. Candidates are required to file financial disclosure statement for the preceding year.
Grim Wisdom Podcast #11
Just so you know, the overarching theme of the podcast is that we’re going to give you insights into the nature of existence that will depress you. As it happens, we seem to spend a lot of time talking about RI politics, because it’s such an insightful and depressing topic. Set your expectations accordingly…
Fast tracking RhodeWorks: Passing unpopular legislation in an election year
RhodeWorks s being fast tracked because the necessary arrangements between the various parties involved have been carefully worked out, but in an election year, meaning that the sooner elected officials put this issue in their rear view mirror the better. Several legislators are going to be challenged for their seats because of their votes on this.
PVD City Council Finance rejects first of four proposed tax giveaways
In a “big win” for Providence taxpayers, the Providence City Council Finance Committee unanimously rejected the proposed extension of the tax stabilization agreement (TSA) for the property at 100 Fountain St last night.
STEP fights corporate welfare at City Hall with a carnival atmosphere
At the same time the protesters arrived, people were arriving for the Bike the Night with Mayor Elorza event. The STEP protesters were eager to engage with the Mayor about the proposed tax breaks, but Mayor Elorza did not make it to the bike event that bore his name, citing a conflict.
Mayor Elorza offering tax breaks Candidate Elorza opposed
According to the RI Progressive Democrats, “The deals pending before the city right now are even more egregious than usual. That’s because the development has already happened. There’s no question of encouraging development–the developers want their special tax deals to continue. This is just giving the city’s limited tax dollars to big developers. Pure and simple.”
PVD City Council may still get vote on PawSox stadium proposal
While it’s been widely reported that PawSox ownership’s dream of playing in a riverfront stadium on I-195 redevelopment lands in downtown Providence is dead, the Providence City Council may still get to drive the final – and conclusive – stake through its heart. The Stop the Stadium Deal group announced today in a press release […]
RIPDA gives Mike Araujo the Progressive Hero award
Mike Araujo of Restaurant Opportunities Center RI and the One Fair Wage Coalition was given the Progressive Hero award by the RI Progressive Democrats of America (RIPDA) last night at a fundraising event held at Ogie’s Trailer Park in the West End of Providence. RIPDA Coordinator Sam Bell presented the award, noting that the award is usually given to a politician.
Progressive Dems call out conservative Warwick mayoral candidate
What was supposed to be a casual meet and greet for the Warwick Progressive Democrats quickly went downhill when Sam Bell, the state coordinator for the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats, called out Democratic Warwick mayoral candidate Richard Corrente’s merits, saying that he’s an embarrassment to the party. Corrente’s campaign has been an all around unorthodox […]
Public opposition to downtown stadium builds
It was by far the biggest meeting I had ever seen at Rochambeau Library, and bigger than any crowd I have seen at any of the PawSox listening tours. The crowd filled the room and overflowed into the halls. About 125 people attended the Providence Campaign Against the Stadium organizational meeting in Providence Monday night to recruit help in defeating the building of a new PawSox stadium in Providence.
Mayor Grebien rallies support, says new owners are no Ben Mondor
The potential move of the Pawtucket Red Sox to downtown Providence has caused heated debate between the public and the General Assembly since the idea was first floated earlier this year. On Thursday, opponents of the move rallied outside of the State House to express their passionate disapproval for the move. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien […]
Raimondo’s budget addition allows employers vast discretion on abortion coverage for workers
“Planned Parenthood was surprised to see these proposals in the Governor’s budget when it was unveiled last week, and we were not consulted about the new policies contained in this article. Additionally, since there was never a hearing on this language, we have not been able to get clear guidance on the intent of these policies.”
Tipped minimum wage increase debated at the State House
“This issue speaks to how we believe society should be shaped. Do we believe that our citizens deserve equal treatment and deserve full equality, or do we believe that there is a second tier that women, increasingly, belong to?”
Speaker Mattiello calls for an end to criticism of Speaker Mattiello
“Were my statements on the income tax correct?” asks Speaker Mattiello, “I believe they were correct because when I talk to my neighbors, my neighbors don’t see any tax relief, the well-to-do neighbors don’t see any tax relief. But Politifact spent two weeks trying to prove me wrong and I think technically they were wrong. That discussion has to stop.”
Government FOR the People
Last week I wrote an op-ed in response to Mike Stenhouse’s op-ed Left won’t defend failed RI Policies lambasting Tom Sgouros and Sam Bell . My first draft went to the Providence Journal, but the conversation with the editor didn’t go well for a variety of reasons. Next I sent it to GoLocalProv with the […]
Two views on SCOTUS campaign finance ruling
“If the court in Citizens United opened a door,” wrote Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, “today’s decision may well open a floodgate.” But his was the dissenting opinion in the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling that strips back prohibitions on how much money people can give to candidates. The New York Times called it “a sequel […]
Sam Bell is running for Gordon Fox’s seat
He exposed the illegal campaign tactics of the NRA. He leads the Progressive Democrats of Rhode Island. He’s a frequent contributor to this blog. And – hopefully – next Sam Bell will add to his resume state representative from District 4. With news that soon-to-be-former House Speaker Gordon Fox won’t be seeking re-election, Bell has […]