TRANSCRIPT: This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Luis Hernandez: All right, let’s get into education. I didn’t know this; I learned, it was about 25 years ago when a new consensus emerged on the need to improve Providence schools. And then, of course, five years ago, the state takes control of the […]
Brett Smiley
Posted inEducation, Shoreline Access, The Weekly Catch
Mayor Smiley on his plan for struggling Providence schools, a fight over shoreline access heats up in Weekapaug, and more
There’s a growing anticipation as to when the state of Rhode Island will hand over control of Providence schools back to the district. Mayor Brett Smiley says that the city and the district need at least another year. We’ll ask him what he believes needs to happen before that transfer of power. Also, we hear about one of the state’s most hotly-contested battles over shoreline access – all centered around a tiny patch of coastline in Westerly. Plus, a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a studio session with Providence hot jazz band Paper Moon. That and more on this week’s show.
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for March 15, 2024
It’s just a matter of time until Opening Day. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. I’m taking a pre-spring break, so this column will next appear on March 29. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Brett Smiley wins Providence mayoral primary election
Smiley ran on a campaign to improve quality of life in the city. He pulled ahead with nearly 42% of the vote, triumphing over his two opponents.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For February 21
Question of the Week: What does the near-future hold for the RI House? Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) The grand jury probe into the short-lived audit ordered by Rhode […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For January 10
Question of the Week: Is politics catching up with public opinion on gun issues in Rhode Island? Thanks for stopping by for my first weekly column of 2020. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) With this being an […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Ortiz In As Chief Of Staff For Raimondo; New Roles For Smiley, Connors
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has made a series of changes in her senior staff, with senior adviser David Ortiz taking over as chief of staff and outgoing CoS Brett Smiley moving to become acting director of the state Department of Administration. In addition, former RI Senate majority leader Dan Connors is joining the governor’s […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
RI GOP Asks Ethics Commission To Review Threat Cited By Twin River Exec
A lawyer for the Rhode Island GOP is asking the state Ethics Commission to review an allegation that Gov. Gina Raimondo’s chief of staff threatened an executive for Twin River. In an amendment to a state Republican Party complaint filed in July, former Republican Chairman Brandon Bell said the issue could buttress the GOP’s claim […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Twin River Exec Says Threat Came From Governor’s Chief Of Staff
Twin River Executive Vice President Marc Crisafulli on Wednesday identified Brett Smiley, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s chief of staff, as the person who he asserts threatened Twin River’s business in the state. The Raimondo administration has flatly denied that Twin River was threatened, as alleged in correspondence from the company’s president and CEO. Crisafulli […]