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

Letter: Portsmouth Democrats don't support taxpayers’ interests

To the editor: During the last 30 years of my residency in Portsmouth, my taxes have gone up every year but one. That year, a Republican council majority existed. What is it about … more

6/20/22

Letter: Thanks for help replacing historic signs in Portsmouth

To the editor: A few years ago, I started a project to replace the unreadable, scratched-up historic signs at Lehigh Park and Heritage Park. I raised money from the citizens of Portsmouth, some … more

6/17/22

Big spending and big relief in a very big budget

STORY OF THE WEEK: Failure is an orphan, and victory has many fathers, as the saying goes. That helps explain why Gov. Dan McKee gathered with House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/14/22

Commentary: Senate needs to act on shoreline access

The Rhode Island General Assembly has a singular opportunity in this session to end years of chaos and confusion regarding where Rhode Islanders can exercise their constitutionally-protected rights … more

By Thomas J. Gibson, Jr. | 6/13/22

Letter: Courage comes by making change, not slinging an AR-15

Special kudos to Republican senators! They have instilled courage into every student in America. You see, as astute people know, there is no courage without vulnerability. And because the GOP is so … more

6/10/22

Letter: Pass bill that bans sale of new fur products

To the editor: This is a plea to Rhode Island state senators to take quick action in passing S2646, the bill to ban the sale of new fur products throughout the state. This bill … more

6/10/22

Rhode Island must address PFAS

By Reps. Terri Cortvriend and June Speakman They are in the coating of your nonstick frying pan. The wrapper of your favorite burger. The stain-resistant upholstery of your couch, and even the … more

6/10/22

Gun debate looms large in General Assembly’s final days

The Senate Judiciary Committee is the key battleground for contentious legislation in Rhode Island. So what happens when the majority of support on the committee for gun … more

By Ian Donnis | 6/7/22

Letter: Little martyrs, over and over again

The priests, sheriffs, and politicians all gathered in prayer Practiced in the art of condolence, assuring survivors they care Goodbye to the children, … more

6/3/22

Not another moment of silence

I’m sick to death of observing another moment of silence when children have been murdered, particularly in a school setting. Since 2018 there have been 119 school shootings. The most recent … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 6/3/22

Editorial: Pass new gun laws now

Rhode Island has enacted a handful of smart gun laws in the past decade, but it is not enough. At least five common-sense gun regulation bills sit stagnant in the Rhode Island General Assembly, where … more

6/2/22

Letter: What religious freedom on abortion actually means

To the editor: Our legislators must pass H7442/S2549, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act, out of committee in the name of religious freedom. In listening to the testimonies provided to the … more

5/26/22

Letters: Internal combustion engines aren’t the problem

To the editor: If Mr. Voutes (“Blown away by gas-powered lawn equipment” letter, May 19) seeks solitude and improved health by the elimination of internal combustion engines (ICE) he's … more

5/24/22

Op-ed: How will children grade us?

One in four households with children in Rhode Island are food insecure, meaning they struggle to afford adequate food. more

By Andrew Schiff | 5/20/22

Ashley Kalus’ media buy is a knockout

Since she is an unknown candidate in the gubernatorial race, Republican Ashley Kalus has commenced a media buy in order to get name recognition. One campaign ad shows her as a boxer (with … more

By Arlene Violet | 5/13/22

Letter: Opposed to taxpayer funding for abortion on demand

I am writing in strong opposition to taxpayer funding for abortion on demand in Rhode Island. There is a bill in the state legislature (S2549 and H7442) which will allocate your tax … more

5/13/22

Letter: Patience! Spring, and life, is returning

To the editor: It was such a long wet winter that the fields couldn’t be mowed until a few weeks ago. This did not please my beautiful pheasant and he fled next door where there was a nice … more

5/13/22

Letter: Portsmouth should freeze spending, property taxes

To the editor: This letter is addressed to Portsmouth town government, with an urgent request to freeze spending and property taxes for the next two fiscal years due to hyper-inflation, upcoming … more

5/10/22

Letter: Where did Justice Alito get it wrong on the Constitution?

To the editor: As the usual political actors ratchet up their rhetoric after the leak of the first draft of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, we need to true up what they are … more

5/8/22

May baskets — our forgotten Rite of Spring

By Jenny O'Neill Westport’s old-timers have fond memories of a now forgotten tradition of May baskets. These hand-made paper or cardboard baskets, filled with small treats and trinkets, … more

5/6/22

Letter: America, imploding from within

To the editor: Ka-Boom! Could our democratic society implode from internal causes? Tragically, this is becoming thinkable and even likely. Many Americans seem clueless or … more

5/6/22

Letter: Why won’t council address issues with pension plan?

To the editor: The Portsmouth Town Council has decided to slam the door on further discussion of the Portsmouth pension plan. The Portsmouth Concerned Citizens request for an agenda item about the … more

5/3/22

Letter: Pay attention to the real threats to our liberty

To the editor: Liberty, in common usage, means “freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control.” Thankfully, because of our constitution, we have a system of laws to … more

4/29/22

Commentary: On Mother’s Day, don’t forget moms who struggle

Mother’s Day is the day when we celebrate our moms and the other women in our lives who have given us love, guidance, inspiration, and support.What we don’t often do on Mother’s … more

By Diane LeValley | 4/29/22

Nearly two dozen Marines from the Naval Justice School helped out during the cleanup at the Portsmouth Dog Park on Saturday.

Letter: Thanks Marines, others for cleaning up dog park

To the editor: The Portsmouth Dog Park celebrated Earth Day last Saturday in its own inimitable fashion. All hands and paws were on deck for a very productive, delightfully chaotic spring … more

4/26/22