Editorials | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Editorial: Let the light shine

Government works best in the light. When its actions are open, seen and transparent, they can be measured. They can be scrutinized. They can be questioned. They can be challenged. more

3/14/24

Editorial: Parents deserve rebates for distance learning

Parents are integral to the success of Rhode Island’s distance learning programs, and they too should be recognized, and compensated, for their significant contributions. Consider the … more

4/3/20

Editorial: Dreams of fields in Barrington

Three years ago, the Barrington town manager floated a proposal to more than double the fee for 6-year-olds to chase a soccer ball across a bumpy patch of grass, or smack a T-ball through a scratchy … more

9/22/21

Editorial: The drinking culture in Barrington

There was a time when Barrington was cartoonishly hypocritical. For many years, it was Rhode Island’s only “dry” town, meaning you could not buy booze here in town. Of course, … more

6/21/23

Editorial: A path for change on school discipline

It’s not surprising to see the newest leader of the Bristol Warren Regional School District stepping in to make substantive changes in policy and procedure. Thats to be expected, as change … more

2/11/22

Geese wandered the Dziedzic family’s property on Sowams Road.

Editorial: Following the Dziedzics’ lead

The Dziedzic family understands the value of preserving open space in a community like Barrington, where houses and sheds feel like they are beginning to outnumber trees. We only wish our town … more

10/4/23

Editorial: Vaccination rate hangs over Homecoming dance

Nestled in our story about the rogue high school Halloween dance is a figure deserving of more attention. According to Mt. Hope High School Principal Deborah DiBiase, the school has confirmed … more

10/14/21

The “proposed concept plan” shows 36 units (22 cottage units and 14 single-family units) on less than five acres of land.

Editorial: Imperfect proposals in Barrington

It fails the eyeball test. One look at the development plans proposed for the former Carmelite monastery property tells you plenty — too many houses on not enough land. The … more

3/30/23

Editorial: Mask policy deserves public hearing

Throughout Rhode Island, school committees have been gathering to discuss what their indoor mask policies will be after Gov. Dan McKee’s executive order expires this Friday. It appears that … more

3/2/22

Editorial: Bristol-Warren's hiring fast-track

The Bristol Warren Regional School District has a new (permanent) superintendent, and most people will not be surprised to see it’s the guy who’s been at the forefront of district … more

11/14/19

Editorial: A virtual solution for school committee mask mess

First, give credit where credit is due. After being questioned, criticized and scorned for not enforcing a mask mandate during meetings, leadership and members of the Bristol Warren Regional School … more

12/17/21

Editorial: Keep meetings open

The benefits of more people accessing, following and interacting with their government far exceed the negative, or potential negative, impacts. Government is best when it not only represents citizens, but involves them. more

3/24/22

Editorial: End the cap on private school scholarships

In many cases where demand exceeds supply, forces realign and come into balance. Unless something like the Rhode Island General Assembly stands in the way. Through a little-known program created … more

9/21/22

Editorial: Focus should be a new Barrington High School

The school department is deep into the process of redesigning and possibly rebuilding schools. That process has been happening for more than two years, has continued through two versions of the … more

7/20/23

Editorial: Twice charged officer leaves in style

The way it all sorted out in the matter of Town of Tiverton vs. police Sergeant William Munroe, it’s difficult to tell who is being punished — town taxpayers or the man accused of … more

5/9/20

Editorial: Pandemic brings out the best in Bristol

Bristol residents are in good hands these days — which is noteworthy, since “these days” are some of the worst days in anyone’s lifetime. The pandemic is approaching its … more

3/4/21

Editorial: APRA fight has government protecting government

Committees in both the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Rhode Island Senate have listened to testimony on a bill that would update and improve the state’s public records law. … more

4/4/24

Editorial: From flags to philosophies, Barrington council is in new space

Now that the Town of Barrington has made public symbolism one of its core principles, residents can expect a fair amount of their government’s time to be devoted to the cause — causes, … more

3/4/21

Editorial: The public has a right to speak, good or bad

Public bodies can meet behind closed doors if they’re discussing someone’s job performance or negotiating terms of a contract. They can add things to their agenda if a majority agree to … more

5/27/21

Editorial: Fast-track rental regulations in Westport

Not all short term rentals are bad, or disruptive of neighbors, or a nuisance. While it’s clear that the Spinnaker Way rental was truly a nuisance, the zoning board’s recent … more

8/29/23