Elorza Calls Igliozzi’s Actions a “Misinformation Stunt”

Elorza Calls Igliozzi’s Actions a “Misinformation Stunt”

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza fired back at Providence City Council President John Igliozzi Wednesday night in the latest back-and-forth over the city's vaccination policy.

On Wednesday, Igliozzi scheduled an emergency city council meeting for Friday in an effort to block the Elorza administration from taking personnel action against city workers who have failed to comply with the city’s vaccination mandate.

Friday is the city’s deadline and according to Igliozzi, approximately 80 Providence Police officers have refused to be vaccinated. That represents about 15% of the department’s staff.

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Elorza blistered Igliozzi in arguably his strongest language as mayor stating, “Regardless of the Council President's misinformed stunt today, all city staff are still required to submit proof of vaccination by close of business on Friday. The City's Human Resources Department will review all data submitted by staff next week. While we are willing to help educate employees who need additional information, every Providence employee will be required to get vaccinated. Our policy stands in place as we know it is in the best interest of our employees, their families and the residents we serve that everyone who is eligible gets vaccinated.”

Igliozzi is term-limited and has announced he is considering running for statewide office.

“Vaccines are safe, effective and the best tool to ending this pandemic. All City employees, especially public safety personnel, interact frequently with the public. We have a responsibility to do all we can to keep one another safe,” added Elorza.

“As the Council President is aware - but choosing to ignore - every policy implemented by the City sets a process in motion. The vaccination requirement is no different. Just as when RIDOH required vaccinations for firefighters, we are working hand-in-hand with public safety officials to make medical experts available and set up vaccine clinics. Ultimately, 100% of Providence firefighters are now vaccinated, and only five firefighters chose to not receive their vaccine. We know this process can work. We are willing to work with those whose vaccine hesitation comes from a desire to know more, or have been unable to access a vaccine thus far, and we will continue to do so,“ added Elorza.

In announcing the scheduling of the emergency council meeting, Igliozzi said, “If a significant number of police officers are fired, lawlessness would take hold, disrupt City business, and put every resident of Providence at risk.”

In contrast to the police, according to the Elorza administration, all members of the Providence Fire Department have been vaccinated, but five.