Rhode Island is getting a new housing director, Stefan Pryor, but the state has failed to address the housing crisis for decades. Despite this, Jennifer Hawkins, president/executive director of One Neighborhood Builders, remains optimistic, pointing to moves Gov. Dan McKee and legislative leaders have made to prioritize housing, including $250 million in related funding in the current state budget. However, $177 million is geared for housing production, a vastly insufficient amount to generate the 35,000 new housing units called necessary in 2016. Hawkins suggests focusing on early adopters and communities with access to infrastructure, such as East Providence, Cumberland and Central Falls.
NEW LEADERSHIP
The Providence Police Department is a prime example of how an institution can change for the better, particularly after the tenure of former Col. Hugh Clements. Oscar Perez’s philosophy is to hire the right officers with the right training and life experiences to police the city in a proper, constitutional manner.
REACTION
Perez was praised by Attorney General Peter Neronha and Black Lives Matter RI PAC, who urged him to enforce the Community Safety Act, expand mobile crisis teams, and build a strong relationship with PERA.
STATE HOUSE
Rep. David Morales, a Democratic socialist from Providence, introduced a bill with House GOP Leader Mike Chippendale of Foster to lower prescription drug costs. Chippendale welcomed the opportunity to seek common ground with such leftist lawmakers, even if their beliefs and theirs are dramatically different. Morales expressed his hope that local bipartisan efforts can demonstrate the importance of governing based on policy merits, not political labels.
CRANSTON CONFIDENTIAL
Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung is considering a potential run for mayor of Cranston next year, and City Council President Jessica Marino is seen as a likely candidate.
KICKER
Noelle Crombie broke the story of six Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission officials diverting bourbon for themselves instead of the public.