Providence Battle Brewing Between Council and Elorza Over Fate of Pare
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Battle Brewing Between Council and Elorza Over Fate of Pare
“He (Pare) has been inept at leading public safety,” said Providence Councilman Jim Taylor who chairs the Committee of Public Safety.
Taylor criticized Pare’s leadership and inability or unwillingness to name a Fire Chief for Providence in nearly four years.
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Peter McMichael, who served as Providence's fire marshal was named fire chief in Warwick in March of this year; J. Jeffrey Varone was named new Chief of the West Warwick Fire Department in July 2018; and, Brian Jackvony was named the Fire Chief of Marion, MA.
Taylor also cites the explosion of Pare’s budget which he says has increased from approximately $900,000 to $1.7 million.
In addition, Taylor says that there is widespread abuse by Pare in the distribution of confidential — untraceable license places. Taylor said there are now 75 members of public safety driving vehicles — including one who travels back and forth to Hopkinton, MA.
Taylor also said that as a result of Pare’s mismanagement the city has been forced to pay hundreds of thousands in lawsuits tied to sexual harassment and violating public purchasing statutes.
The City Council has sent a demand letter to the Elorza Administration requesting that Pare and eight other directors be submitted to the council for approval per the Providence City Charter -- which means the council would have the ability to approve -- or reject the positions.
Efforts to reach Pare for comment for this article prior to publication were unsuccessful.