RI State Report: Solomon's Health Violations + Mayoral Shake-Up

Prov Mayoral Shake-Up

The potential field of Providence mayoral candidates gets a little more crowded.

On Wednesday, GoLocal first reported that State Representative and former Acting Mayor of Providence John Lombardi is seriously considering running for mayor of Providence.

Lombardi, who represents District 8 in Providence, told GoLocal today that he is “absolutely” thinking about entering the race. "I have the necessary experience to lead Providence," said Lombardi.

When asked what prompted him to consider joining the race, Lombardi told GoLocal that the current mayoral field lacks both experience and leadership.

Lombardi told GoLocal that he will make his final decision by January 1.

If Lombardi enters the race, he would join a crowded field of Democratic candidates, which includes City Council President Michael Solomon, former Water Supply Board Chairman Brett Smiley, former Housing Court Judge Jorge Elorza, and managing director at Ballentine Partners Lorne Adrain, who filed papers to run for may earlier this week.

The winner of the Democratic Primary will face Republican Dr. Daniel Harrop, who is running for mayor for the third time.

Lombardi ran for mayor in 2010, finishing second in the Democratic primary to current Providence Mayor and 2014 gubernatorial candidate Angel Taveras.

Prior to joining the House of Representatives, Lombardi served on the Providence City Council for over 26 years—including eight years as council president. During his tenure as council president, Lombardi served as Acting Mayor of Providence for four months between the resignation of Buddy Cianci and the election of David Cicilline.

In addition to his legislative position, Lombardi is currently employed as an attorney.

Licensing Board Pay

Councilman wants to strip Providence licensing board of pay.

Majority Leader Seth Yurdin (Ward One) introduced legislation on Thursday that would remove compensation for members of the Board of Licenses.  Yurdin had previously expressed his disappointment with the Board for not revoking the licenses held by the adult entertainment club Cheaters, after it was confirmed that the club had employed a 14-year-old as a dancer. The ordinance will be introduced at Thursday’s Council meeting.

On October 18th, Yurdin called on the Board to reconsider its vote, stating that the Board’s decision to order only a temporary license suspension and a minimal fine was “a dereliction of duty.”

“Unfortunately, the Board of Licenses has taken no steps to remedy their initial decision,” stated Yurdin. “This Board has a responsibility to make decisions in the best interest of the public. By allowing an adult entertainment club with flagrant violations—including the hiring of a 14-year-old girl—to remain open, the Board has failed to serve the city and its residents. It is unclear why taxpayer dollars should be used to compensate a city Board that is unwilling or unable to properly discharge its duties.”

The majority of City boards and commissions are considered volunteer, and their members serve without compensation, but the Board of Licenses is among those that receive compensation. According to the City’s compensation ordinance, licensing board members receive $19,719 annually, while the Chairman receives $26,857 annually.

The new ordinance codifies the organization, power, and duties of the Board, as outlined in the Providence Home Rule Charter, and adds the provision that “members of the board shall serve without compensation.”

Fung Confirms Gov Run

Fung confirms run for governor and makes first official campaign promise.

On Monday, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung formally declared his candidacy for governor of Rhode Island at Taco Industries in Cranston—becoming the second Republican to enter the race following Ken Block’s announcement last Monday.

During his announcement, Fung made his first campaign promise, which is to create 20,000 jobs in his first term as governor. Fung also added that he would freeze the state’s college tuition rates for four years starting in 2015, and reduce the state’s unemployment rate by creating incentive programs for local businesses.

A poll conducted by Brown University earlier this month showed Fung in a strong position against both Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, who formally announced his candidacy last week, and General Treasurer Gina Raimondo, who has yet to officially announce her candidacy, in a potential gubernatorial matchup. In fact, the data showed Fung trailing Taveras 32.9% to 25.6 percent, and Raimondo 37.6% to 35.9%.

The 2014 governor’s race also includes Clay Pell, grandson of six-term Rhode Island senator Claiborne Pell, who GoLocal first reported earlier this month is considering running. Todd Giroux, an Independent candidate for governor in 2010, also recently announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination in 2014.

The son of immigrants from Hong Kong, Fung is the first Asian-American to be elected as a mayor in Rhode Island. Prior to becoming mayor, Fung served as lobbyist for MetLife from 2001-2009, a prosecutor in the RI Department of Attorney General from 1999-2001 and litigation associate with Mandell, Schwartz & Boisclair from 1996-1999.

Loughlin Blasts Sweeney

Former State Rep. Loughlin Slams Fung Campaign Manager.

Earlier this week, former Republican state representative John Loughlin accused Patrick Sweeney, campaign manager for 2014 gubernatorial candidate Allan Fung, of providing false information in a recent interview he did with GoLocal regarding campaign contributions that Fung has made to various Rhode Island Democrats.

GoLocal first reported last week that Fung, the three-term mayor of Cranston and former MetLife lobbyist, has donated money to some of Rhode Island’s most prominent Democrats including David Cicilline, Gordon Fox, Steven Costantino, and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

In the interview, Sweeney told GoLocal that Fung’s campaign contribution to Taveras in 2010 was acceptable because Taveras did not have a Republican opponent that year—a point which Loughlin addressed in a statement made over the weekend.

In his statement, Loughlin accused Sweeney of “spinning” the facts, because Taveras did have a Republican opponent—Dr. Daniel Harrop—when Fung made his donation on June 21, 2010.

Aside from calling out Sweeney, Loughlin has also questioned Fung’s decision to donate $250 to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, and nothing to Republican Brendan Doherty, who ran against David Cicilline for Rhode Island’s 1st congressional seat in 2012.

Interestingly, Sweeney previously served as the deputy director of Loughlin’s unsuccessful 2010 Congressional campaign. Sweeney also once served as a policy analyst for former Governor Don Carcieri.

Loughlin was a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing Portsmouth and Tiverton Dist. 71, from 2005 to 2010.

Following his unsuccessful U.S. Congressional bid in 2010, Loughlin served as the campaign spokesperson for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Barry Hinckley—a position that Loughlin resigned from after releasing a false statement against Hinckley’s opponent Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

Loughlin currently owns Media-Rite LLC, a Providence-based full service marketing, communications, public relations, television, radio and film production company.

Woonsocket Mayoral Recap

Baldelli-Hunt handily defeats incumbent Fontaine.

State Rep. Lisa Baldelli-Hunt defeated incumbent mayor Leo Fontaine by a 2-1 margin in Tuesday’s municipal election.

Baldelli-Hunt, a Democrat in her fourth term in the General Assembly, received 4,372 votes, while Fontaine received 2,128.

Baldelli-Hunt easily beat Fontaine in last month’s primary capturing 2,746 votes to Fontaine’s 881. The October primary also included Dave Fisher and Michael Moniz.

Fontaine, a Republican, has served two terms as mayor of Woonsocket. Prior to becoming mayor, Fontaine served as president of the Woonsocket City Council.

Woonsocket, which has been placed under the oversight of a state-appointed budget commission over its financing troubles, faces a litany of issues including unfunded pension liabilities and deepening deficits.

Providence Bike Plan

Mayor Angel Taveras, Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission unveil new bike plan.

Mayor Angel Taveras, joined by members of the Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, unveiled Bike Providence, the City's bicycling master plan on Tuesday. The plan promotes a bicycle-friendly city culture, sets priorities for bicycling improvements, guides the investment of future funding for the Providence bicycle network, and expands the citywide network.

"The Bike Providence plan reflects our commitment to biking and other forms of alternative transit, and offers a comprehensive blueprint for future investments that will make Providence an even friendlier community for bicycling," said Taveras. "I thank the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission for their efforts. This work is an investment in a healthier community, cleaner air, and a bicycle-friendly culture for all."

The master plan will continue to be evaluated as it is implemented and can be updated periodically as conditions and funding sources evolve. The plan serves as a framework for improving the existing bicycling system, increasing bike use and emphasizing the "five E's" to improve the overall environment and culture of bicycling in the City: Engineering; Education; Encouragement; Enforcement; and Evaluation.

The project was funded by a Planning Challenge Grant from the Rhode Island Division of Planning, and was developed by the City's Department of Planning and Development, the Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, and consultants from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Public input, as well as the review and recommendations of the Commission, helped to shape the plan.

Several bicycling improvements have already been made, including the addition of two striped bike lanes on Pleasant Valley Parkway and shared lane markings on Olney Street and Potters Avenue in coordination with the Providence Road Improvement Project, an effort to repair and rebuild nearly 65 miles of roads.

A full copy of Bike Providence is available at: http://www.providenceri.com/efile/5032

Whitehouse's New Position

Sen. Whitehouse named to Water Infrastructure Bill Conference Committee.

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was appointed as a member of the joint House-Senate conference committee convened to merge the versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2013 passed by the two chambers.  The legislation authorizes and reforms civil works programs and policies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The Senate-passed bill includes an amendment authored by Whitehouse to establish a National Endowment for the Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes.

“As a member of this conference committee, I’ll be working to improve the ability of the Army Corps to carry out its mission in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Whitehouse. “My other priority will be the National Endowment for the Oceans, which passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support.  The Endowment would support ocean and coastal research and restoration projects critical to fisheries, tourism, and recreation – bolstering Rhode Island’s and our nation’s coastal economies and ecosystems.”

The Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Army Corps to assist with flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and navigation and facilitate the flow of commerce.  The bill is expected to support up to 500,000 jobs. 

When funded, the National Endowment for the Oceans would make grants available to coastal and Great Lakes states, local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations.  The grants would support research, restoration, and conservation efforts, including projects to restore habitat, manage fisheries, plan for sustainable coastal development, enhance ocean monitoring and research activities, acquire coastal properties for preservation and recreation, and relocate critical coastal infrastructure.

Other Senate members of the conference committee are Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Max Baucus (D-MT), Thomas Carper (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), David Vitter (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), and James Inhofe (R-OK). The conference committee is expected to begin meeting later this year.

Winter Heat Aid

Sen. Reed announces $20.7 million for RI winter heat aid.

Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Jack Reed announced that the Obama Administration is releasing $2.9 billion in low-income heating assistance funds under the FY 2014 Continuing Resolution (CR).  Under this release, Rhode Island will receive $20.7 million.

 Earlier this year, Senators Reed and Susan Collins (R-ME) worked to include language in the continuing resolution to fund LIHEAP at the higher Fiscal Year 2012 enacted level of $3.47 billion.  Unfortunately, this funding remains subject to automatic, across the board sequestration cuts, which both Senators oppose and support addressing.  Without the Reed-Collins language, LIHEAP would have been subject to even deeper cuts during the cold winter months ahead.

“I am pleased the Obama Administration is releasing this vital heating assistance. LIHEAP helps families in need deal with heating and financial challenges during the cold winter months. With winter approaching it is critical to speed this assistance to seniors and low-income families in time to help with their heating bills,” said Reed, noting that about 34,000 Rhode Islanders depend on LIHEAP to help with their energy bills.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), states will soon receive 90% of their full year allocations under the FY 2014 Continuing Resolution.  This level gives states certainty to plan for their upcoming heating season while allowing Congress flexibility in setting its final funding level for the program in a final 2014 appropriation, as required by the CR.

“LIHEAP funds are now available for folks needing assistance with their energy bills. Residents seeking LIHEAP aid may schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Partnership office to apply. We want to ensure seniors and families stay safe and warm this winter,” added Reed 

Rhode Islanders wishing to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may go to the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources website to get more information and links to an online application.  Or, Rhode Islanders may contact their local Community Action Program (CAP) Agency.

Eligibility guidelines for the 2013-14 LIHEAP season are the same as last year and are set at 60% of the Rhode Island median income.

Quonset Business Park

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee flips the switch at Quonset Business Park on New England’s most powerful solar rooftop array.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee visited Quonset Business Park this week to celebrate the completion of New England’s most powerful solar rooftop array. The size of three and a half football fields,the array encompasses more than 8,500 solar panels and will produce close to 3 million kilowatt-hours of power per year. Developed and built by Nexamp, Inc, a solar independent power producer, the initiative was made possible through several renewable energy laws passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2011.

“This is a great day for Quonset, for the environment, and for Rhode Island–and I am thrilled to be here to officially help ‘flip the switch’ on this worthwhile effort,” Governor Chafee said at the event. “Perhaps most importantly–this project shows how our legislature and Rhode Island can work to support domestic renewable energies, reduce environmental impacts, diversify state energy sources, and stimulate economic activity all at once.”

Quonset Business Park continues to be a key driver of job creation and economic growth in Rhode Island. It is now home to more than 175 companies, with 9,500 full-time and part-time jobs, and its Port of Davisville is one of the Top Ten auto-importers in North America. The solar rooftop is one of several renewable energy initiatives taking place at the Business Park, including one of the largest solar land arrays in the state, a major co-generation energy system being built by Toray Plastics, and the pending arrival of Deepwater Wind–a company spearheading two off-shore wind projects that will utilize Quonset as their main facility for constructing and staging the turbines.

The new solar array sits atop two rooftops in the West Davisville portion of the Business Park, covering more than 400,000 square feet of industrial building space. The owners of the two buildings, Michael and Steven DiCenso, lease the rooftop space to the owner of the solar project, True Green Capital, who then sells the energy produced to National Grid. The
project has the capability to power more than 500 homes in a year, and throughout its lifespan, will produce enough clean energy to offset over 60,000 tons of greenhouse gases.

The project was made possible because of renewable energy legislation passed in 2011 by the General Assembly. Those measures included, among others, the Distributed Generation Standard Contracts program.