Dan McGowan's Voter Guides - Wards 9 and 15 (belated)

Ward 15 
Posted: Aug 10, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 10, 2018 07:49 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Next up: the candidates for the Ward 15 City Council seat.

Councilwoman Sabina Matos is facing a primary challenge against Democrat Oscar Vargas to represent parts of the Olneyville, Valley and Silver Lake neighborhoods. The winner of the Sept. 12 primary will not have an opponent in the general election.

Ward 15 Voter Guide


Ward 9
Posted: Aug 20, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 20, 2018 12:01 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – It's round three for Councilwoman Carmen Castillo and Hector Jose.

Castillo has twice defeated Jose in the past, first in the 2011 special Democratic primary to fill the Ward 9 seat following the death of Miguel Luna, and again in 2014. Now the two will have their first head-to-head matchup in the Sept. 12 primary.

Ward 9 Voter Guide


Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 7
Ward 8
Ward 10
Ward 12
Ward 13

Dan McGowan's Voter Guides - New! Wards 7 and 10

Ward 7
Posted: Aug 17, 2018 12:04 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 17, 2018 08:54 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The chairman of the most powerful City Council committee in Providence is facing a Democratic primary.

Councilman John Igliozzi, who serves as majority leader and chairman of the Finance Committee, is facing a challenge from David Marshall in Ward 7, which includes Silver Lake.

Ward 7 Voter Guide

Ward 10
Posted: Aug 15, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 15, 2018 12:01 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – It’s a rematch in Ward 10.

Providence City Councilman Luis Aponte is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Pedro Espinal, who lost by just 15 votes when the two squared off in 2006. Ward 10 includes the
Washington Park and Lower South Providence neighborhoods.

Ward 10 Voter Guide


Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 8
Ward 12
Ward 13

Dan McGowan's Voter Guide - Ward 4

Ward 4
Posted: Aug 13, 2018 12:03 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 13, 2018 12:03 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Another veteran Providence councilman is facing a challenge from the left.

This time it’s Councilman Nick Narducci, who has a Democratic primary matchup with progressive Jason Roias in Ward 4, which includes the North End. There are no other candidates running in the general election, so the Sept. 12 primary will decide who holds the seat.

Ward 4 Voter Guide

Dan McGowan's Voter Guides - Wards 1, 2, 5, 8, 12 & 13

Ward 1

Posted: Aug 06, 2018 12:02 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 07, 2018 01:38 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – For the first time in 12 years, Providence’s Ward 1 has a competitive City Council race.

Councilman Seth Yurdin is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Justice Gaines in a ward that includes Fox Point, downtown and parts of the Wayland and College Hill neighborhoods.

Ward 1 Voter Guide

Ward 2

Posted: Jul 30, 2018 07:58 AM EDT

Updated: Jul 30, 2018 07:58 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The race to replace outgoing Providence City Councilman Sam Zurier is on.

Three Democrats – Helen Anthony, Ryan Holt and Mark Feinstein – are seeking to represent Ward 2, the East Side district that includes the College Hill, Wayland and Blackstone neighborhoods.

Ward 2 Voter Guide

Ward 5

Posted: Aug 03, 2018 05:56 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 03, 2018 06:22 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – One of the most vote-rich wards in Providence has a competitive City Council race.

First-term Democrat Jo-Ann Ryan is facing a primary challenge from Steven Cianci and Aaron Jaehnig in Ward 5, which includes the Mount Pleasant and Elmhurst neighborhoods. The primary is Sept. 12.

Ward 5 Voter Guide

Ward 8
Posted: Aug 08, 2018 12:02 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 08, 2018 08:51 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – If it’s election season in Providence, you can bet Ward 8 has a hot race.

Two-term Democratic incumbent Wilbur Jennings is facing primary challenges from James Taylor and Deya Garcia. The winner will take on independents Dave Talan and Carlos Diaz in the general election to represent the South Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle, West End neighborhoods that comprise Ward 8.

Ward 8 Voter Guide

Ward 12
Posted: Jul 27, 2018 12:13 PM EDT
Updated: Aug 07, 2018 01:36 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – With no one else on the ballot in the Democratic primary or general election, Katherine Kerwin is all but guaranteed to be the next councilperson in Providence’s Ward 12.

Kerwin will succeed longtime Councilman Terry Hassett, a Democrat who was first elected in 1997. Hassett did not qualify to appear on the ballot.

Ward 12 Voter Guide responses

Ward 13

Posted: Jul 31, 2018 08:01 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 01, 2018 09:07 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Ward 13 has been represented by only two councilors in the last 34 years: Democrats John Lombardi and Bryan Principe.

Now four new Democrats – Cyd McKenna, Rachel Miller, Raymond Berarducci and Leslie Papp – are vying to replace Principe, who announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election to represent the Federal Hill and West End neighborhoods he has served since 2011.

Ward 13 Voter Guide

Dan McGowan's Voter Guides - Wards 2, 5, & 13

Ward 2

Posted: Jul 30, 2018 07:58 AM EDT

Updated: Jul 30, 2018 07:58 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The race to replace outgoing Providence City Councilman Sam Zurier is on.

Three Democrats – Helen Anthony, Ryan Holt and Mark Feinstein – are seeking to represent Ward 2, the East Side district that includes the College Hill, Wayland and Blackstone neighborhoods.

Ward 2 Voter Guide

Ward 5

Posted: Aug 03, 2018 05:56 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 03, 2018 06:22 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – One of the most vote-rich wards in Providence has a competitive City Council race.

First-term Democrat Jo-Ann Ryan is facing a primary challenge from Steven Cianci and Aaron Jaehnig in Ward 5, which includes the Mount Pleasant and Elmhurst neighborhoods. The primary is Sept. 12.

Ward 5 Voter Guide

Ward 13

Posted: Jul 31, 2018 08:01 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 01, 2018 09:07 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Ward 13 has been represented by only two councilors in the last 34 years: Democrats John Lombardi and Bryan Principe.

Now four new Democrats – Cyd McKenna, Rachel Miller, Raymond Berarducci and Leslie Papp – are vying to replace Principe, who announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election to represent the Federal Hill and West End neighborhoods he has served since 2011.

Ward 13 Voter Guide

Dan McGowan's Voter Guides - Wards 2 & 13

Ward 2
Posted: Jul 30, 2018 07:58 AM EDT
Updated: Jul 30, 2018 07:58 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The race to replace outgoing Providence City Councilman Sam Zurier is on.

Three Democrats – Helen Anthony, Ryan Holt and Mark Feinstein – are seeking to represent Ward 2, the East Side district that includes the College Hill, Wayland and Blackstone neighborhoods.

Ward 2 Voter Guide

Ward 13
Posted: Jul 31, 2018 08:01 PM EDT
Updated: Aug 01, 2018 09:07 AM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Ward 13 has been represented by only two councilors in the last 34 years: Democrats John Lombardi and Bryan Principe.

Now four new Democrats – Cyd McKenna, Rachel Miller, Raymond Berarducci and Leslie Papp – are vying to replace Principe, who announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election to represent the Federal Hill and West End neighborhoods he has served since 2011.

Ward 13 Voter Guide

Providence seeks to borrow $160M for school repairs

By: Dan McGowan 
Posted: Jul 19, 2018 02:50 PM EDT
Updated: Jul 19, 2018 03:23 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Providence leaders are racing to add a question to the November ballot that would ask city voters for approval to borrow $160 million for school repairs over the next several years.

The bond question, which didn’t come to light until Thursday, will be introduced at Monday’s City Council meeting. In order to appear on the ballot, it must be approved before Aug. 8, which gives the council just over two weeks to vet the proposal.

Full Story

City Council Ordinance Committee hearing on Fane Tower zoning change 7/18

The City Council Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Fane luxury skyscraper proposal on Wednesday, July 18th at 5:30pm in the City Council Chamber (City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street, Third Floor).

Emily Martineau, City Council Chief of Staff at emartineau@providenceri.gov 

Chair Terrence Hassett at Ward12@providenceri.com.

A Towering Debate
By Dan McGowan
for the Eastside Monthly
Posted June 25, 2018

Excerpt
Fane already has an agreement in place to buy the land from the state for about $3 million, but he needs the City Council’s help. The maximum height for a building allowed in the location he wants to build is 130 feet, well short of the 500 feet he currently envisions. The City Plan Commission has already voted against recommending a zoning change, but the council has the final say. The proposal is currently before the council’s Ordinance Committee.

Full story with history of proposal

Here's the scoop on every Providence City Council race in 2018

By: Dan McGowan 
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)
Posted: Jun 28, 2018 12:11 AM EDT
Updated: Jun 28, 2018 09:44 PM EDT

Forty residents from across the city filed paperwork to run for one of the council's 15 seats, including 13 incumbents who are asking voters in their respective neighborhoods to re-elect them to another four-year term.

There are 33 Democrats and seven independents vying for positions on the council, but no Republicans announced plans to run by Wednesday’s filing deadline. (A member of the GOP hasn’t been elected to the council since 1986.) Candidates need to turn in enough signatures by July 16 to make the ballot.

So who is running and what are the key races to watch? Here’s an overview.

12 things to know about Providence's $749M budget

By: Dan McGowan 
Posted: Jun 18, 2018 10:05 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 19, 2018 05:17 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – If all goes as planned, Providence will have a budget in place for the fiscal year that begins July 1 by the end of the week.

The City Council Finance Committee on Monday gave its blessing to a $749-million tax-and-spending plan that differs only slightly from the proposal Mayor Jorge Elorza put forward in April.

The budget, which is comprised of a package of several ordinances, will be considered by the full council at a special meeting Wednesday night and again Friday night. The council is widely expected to support the proposal.
Full Story

Citywide Conversation at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School

Please join

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza with Councilman Seth Yurdin for a Citywide Conversation

Tuesday, January 30 at 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Vartan Gregorian Elementary School
455 Wickenden St, Providence, Rhode Island 02903


All are welcome to join this open discussion on our City and how we can work together to benefit our neighborhoods and communities.

Interviews with Each of the Providence City Council Ward 3 Democratic Candidates

Sunday, July 09, 2017
GoLocal LIVE

Meet the Democratic candidates for the Providence City Council primary which will be held on July 12. GoLocalProv's News Editor Kate Nagle interviewed each of the three on GoLocal LIVE - see the interviews.

Providence polling place error in Ward 3 special election

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter
Published: July 5, 2017, 9:35 am  Updated: July 5, 2017, 7:34 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The Providence Board of Canvassers has mailed out corrected notices to voters in Ward 3 after some of them received the wrong information about where they’ll be voting in next week’s special City Council primary.

The accurate information was mailed Monday and should arrive by the end of the week, according to Victor Morente, a spokesperson for the city.

Full Article and related stories

Upcoming Election Information
Voter Information Center/Secretary of State

A voters’ guide to the special election in Providence’s Ward 3

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter
Published: June 20, 2017, 12:01 am  Updated: June 20, 2017, 8:14 am

Democrats Mark Santow, Nirva Rebecca LaFortune and Daniel Chaika will compete in the Democratic primary on July 12, with the winner taking on Republican David Lallier Jr. and independent Chris Reynolds in the general election on Aug. 16.

Full Article

Ward 3 Council candidates’ forums

¶ Thursday 15 June
+ 6:30 p.m. - Ward 3 Council candidates’ first forum, sponsored by Summit, Mt Hope & Observatory Neighborhood Associations (Mike Ritz and Angi Ankoma moderating) -- Martin Luther King School, 35 Camp Street between Olney and Doyle (1 block north of Hope High)

¶ Tuesday 27 June
+ 6:30 p.m. - Ward 3 Council candidates’ second forum, sponsored by Summit, Mt Hope & Observatory Neighborhood Associations (Ted Nesi of WPRI moderating) -- Martin Luther King School, 35 Camp St. (see June 15 listing)

Here are the 6 candidates seeking to replace Councilman Jackson in Ward 3

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter
Published: June 5, 2017, 6:47 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Four Democrats, a Republican and an independent candidate have filed to run for the Providence City Council seat that has been vacant since longtime Councilman Kevin Jackson was recalled last month.

Candidates had until Monday at 4 p.m. to declare their intent to run for the Ward 3 seat. They have until June 14 to submit their nomination papers – including 50 signatures from Ward 3 voters – to qualify for the ballot.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for July 12. The general election is Aug. 16.

The deadline for registering to vote in the Primary is June 12. Online Registration

Proposed Fire Department Consolidation

From Councilman Sam Zurier's December 11 Ward Letter

The administration has presented a tentative agreement with the fire fighters for the City Council to review.  It would produce an unprecedented five-year contract.  According to the Internal Auditor, the contract would produce between $9 million and $11 million in savings over its five-year  term, or between 2% and 3%.  The principal source of savings is the removal of two engine companies and one ladder company.  You can learn more about the contract and the financial and service issues at a Web page I have compiled.  The two engine companies designated for removal are currently deployed to serve our neighborhood; therefore, I have asked Stephen Pare, the Public Safety Commissioner and Robin Muksian, the Director of Administration to come to our neighborhood to describe the impacts of the changes.  The meeting will  take place at the Nathan Bishop Middle School Cafeteria on Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m.  The doors will open at 6:00 p.m.  

If time permits, we also will discuss the administration’s plans for improving the City’s infrastructure after the voters’ overwhelming approval of a $40 million bond on Election Day which was rendered invalid by a decision by the City Council majority to withhold approval because they were not allowed individual authority to decide how to spend the bond proceeds.  Please try to attend this meeting so you can ask questions about this proposed change.

WPRI: Audit: Providence City Council has given $171K in grants since ‘07

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter and Walt Buteau
Published: October 11, 2016, 5:42 pm  Updated: October 11, 2016, 7:32 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The Providence City Council has given $171,000 in taxpayer-funded grants to 96 organizations since the 2006-07 fiscal year, according to a report released by the city’s internal auditor last week.

The council passed a resolution asking internal auditor Matt Clarkin to review every grant it has awarded over 10 years following the May arrest of Councilman Kevin Jackson, who prosecutors say embezzled $127,000 from a youth track-and-field team that was partially funded by the city.

Clarkin’s review shows that 96 different organizations received 139 donations during the 10-year period. He said 71% of the organizations responded to his inquiries, while 6% did not respond. Letters to the rest of the organizations were returned due to invalid mailing addresses.

Read: The full audit | See each grant

Full story

Providence Firefighter's Contract

From Councilman Sam Zurier's October 16 Ward Letter:
As the City Council prepares to vet the City’s tentative agreement with the fire fighters, I have prepared a Web page compiling information about the some of the underlying issues I am studying.  The tentative agreement offers savings by reducing the “minimum manning” from 94 to 88.

Elorza’s Firefighter Contract is Deeply Flawed Says Finance Chair Igliozzi
 Friday, October 14, 2016
Kate Nagle, GoLocalProv News Editor

$40-million infrastructure bond question that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot

By Dan McGowan, WPRI.com Reporter
 Published: October 18, 2016, 7:01 pm  |  Updated: October 18, 2016, 7:35 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – In a stunning about-face, Providence City Council leaders on Tuesday withdrew their support for a proposed $40-million infrastructure bond question that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot...

Even if voters do approve the bond question, Muksian-Schutt said the city will not be able to borrow the money because a spending plan is not in place.

Full Story