The East Providence
eporter R
DECEMber 2012 Volume 8, no. 12
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Serving the Community and Businesses of East Providence
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Elections Bring Changes to EP (But Budget Commission Still Boss)
2012 Holiday Guide Turn to page 55
By Bob Rodericks The political dust has settled after East Providence’s November elections with expected new faces and only one upset. But one constant remains obvious - the state budget commission has the real authority over most city matters. The budget commission will remain in effect until it is abolished by the state director of revenue. The biggest remaining hurdle for the commission appears to be how the city funds its’ pension system. Commissioners have stated that the city has not made its’ obligation to properly fund the system for close to 11 years. While a good chunk of the prior deficit has been whittled away, commission members have told city officials that future councils will still have to deal with projected deficits and spending problems. The lone election upset saw incumbent Mayor Bruce Rogers defeated by newcomer Helder J. Cunha in a Ward 2 race. Cunha received 1770 votes to 1475 for Rogers. Rogers had worked hard and won a decisive primary victory in June but lost handily in the November election. Rogers had support from fellow councilman Thomas Rose but did not enjoy support from some key East Providence legislators. In Ward 3, Rose easily defeated Candace Seel with 2050 votes to Seels’1491 count. In a fairly active Ward 1 clash, James A. Briden defeated Edward Lynch by a close 2434 to 2055 margin. The campaign featured lots of action and Briden may have benefitted from his constant involvement at city meetings opposing the controversial pond view company. Ward 4 has a new face also as outgoing school committee member Chrissy Rossi ran unopposed for the Ward 4 city council seat. Another newcomer was Tracy Adams Capobianco who trounced former school committee member Steve Santos with 9423 votes to Santos 5423 votes for the citywide at large seat. continued on page...
Happy Holidays! Dennis and Nancy Carrier of Riverside have been spreading Christmas cheer in their neighborhood for 15 years. From Thanksgiving Eve thru New Year's Eve, the bright decorations can been seen at 20 Adams Avenue from 5-9 each night. Dennis says, he "does it to make people smile." See more photos of their display on page 10...