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

Letter: The Town’s right to govern itself has not been infringed

Recent experience in Warren has shown that the Planning Board has performed this task in a thorough and professional manner. The ability of the town to “govern itself” has not been compromised. more

1/31/24

The busted bridge continues to invite both follies and frustration

STORY OF THE WEEK: Last week, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and RIDOT Director Peter Alviti offered a glimmer of hope for frustrated drivers. A plan developed with the Federal Highway Administration … more

By Ian Donnis | 2/26/24

‘Tragedy of the Commons’ being acted out in Portsmouth

To the editor: “The Tragedy of the Commons.” This is the economic and public policy situation when an individual’s actions taken in their best interest and using entirely legal … more

4/15/24

Letter: Texting and driving is illegal, but who knows the law?

To the editor: I am writing you with the hope you can answer a question for me in your weekly paper. I am a resident of Bristol, but my business is located in Portsmouth. Our so-called … more

11/6/19

Letter: Senior Center staff keep rising to the occasion

We would like to express our extreme appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Bristol Senior Center staff. The past eight months have been hard on everyone, but trying to keep our … more

12/3/20

Letter: DOT needs to repair bike path bridges immediately

Experienced and inexperienced bicyclists are all welcome on the East Bay Bike Path. It is one of Rhode Island’s popular calling cards for tourism. The two bicycle bridges in Warren and … more

4/29/21

Letter: It’s time to restore music, plus more

More than 600 Rhode Island students from grades 7 to 12 were featured in the 2021 RIMEA (Rhode Island Music Education Association) All-State Music Festival Concert, premiering on YouTube on May 2, … more

5/26/21

Letter: Trust and faith in our elected officials is important

To the editor: My son recently told me about a multiple choice question on an American Government test. The question was (paraphrased): Elected officials are supposed to serve in the … more

10/21/22

Letter: Light shined does not have to cast pessimism

To the editor: Barrington has one-fifth the statewide rate of positive COVID-19 tests. We're fortunate that we have many office workers able to work from home. We have few apartment buildings, … more

5/13/20

Arlene Violet: Self-inflicted wounds by some educators

Why is it that some educational leaders seem hell-bent on casting such a noble profession in such a poor light? First, we had the spectacle of the union honchos in the National Education Association … more

By Arlene Violet | 4/8/21

Letter: School Committee needs to follow their own rules

At the Bristol Warren Region School Committee meeting held on May 27, I had planned on speaking during public comment to share my opinions on school committee member Carly Reich’s sexist and … more

5/27/21

Arlene Violet: All good things must come to an end

I really don’t remember when I started writing Poli-ticks, a weekly column. I think it was about 20 years ago. I surely am going to remember, however, when it ended since it is now. I have … more

By Arlene Violet | 9/9/21

Latest fertility ruling – yes, yes, no, no!

Three couples sued the Center for Reproductive Medicine, a fertility clinic in Alabama, for inadvertently destroying their embryos. An interloper got into the storage facility, opened up a … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 2/26/24

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

Letter: Racism is not a one-way street

I’m writing in response to frequent letter-writer Michael Proto and his recurring commentary on racism . How can anyone tell who is a racist and who is not? Can you see into a person’s … more

5/27/21

Letter: How, exactly, does Bowen oyster plan restrict public access?

To The editor: In response to the ongoing discussion of aquaculture on the Sakonnet River, I would like to add my observations. My family has lived on the Sakonnet River in Little Compton for … more

3/2/22

Letter: Rep Knight is a friend to small business and veterans

To the editor: After reading recent letters, I felt compelled to share an experience with Representative Knight of District 67. I moved my family to RI 23 years ago and to Barrington … more

10/22/22

Letter: This councilor’s advisory opinion is against cables in river

To the editor: Several Portsmouth residents, who had previously requested to speak with the Town Council about the SouthCoast Wind (SCW) project, finally got their chance to voice their … more

6/13/23

Letter: Vote 'Yes' on override — the alternative is much worse

A positive vote on July 25 to allow Westport to adopt a budget override will restore balance to the town’s fiscal affairs. The Westport Fiscal Stability Group’s report (posted on the … more

6/22/23

Op-Ed: A lifeline for those battling substance use disorder

There is a resource available in hundreds of languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that provides immediate help for those experiencing substance use disorder, thoughts of suicide, mental health crises, and emotional distress – the 988 Lifeline. more

By Tom Joyce | 9/25/23

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

Letter: Bristol does care, and America is not systemically racist

The letter in last week’s Phoenix entitled “ Bristol has shown it does not care about systemic racism ” was written with great passion, but grossly mischaracterizes our … more

5/27/21

Letter: There's a cost advantage to retaining transfer station

To the editor, The Oct. 11 meeting of the Portsmouth Council addressed the future of the transfer station. Despite numerous opening denials that the intent was to close the facility, it was a … more

10/18/22

The AG is getting vocal about issues today and in the future

STORY OF THE WEEK: In recent weeks, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has used Twitter to amplify the fight for continued access to mifepristone, cite the need for those with power to … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/25/23

Letter: Questions unasked at the CNN Town Hall

The moderator of the recent CNN Trump Town Hall tried valiantly to ask pertinent, newsworthy questions to a declared presidential candidate, now convicted and under other legal duress. He … more

5/17/23