DaSilva inaugurated as East Providence’s first mayor

City Council, School Committee take oaths; new council seats appointees

By Mike Rego
Posted 1/9/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — Hundreds filled the Elmasian Auditorium in East Providence High School Tuesday evening, Jan. 8, to witness history as Roberto L. “Bob” DaSilva formally became the city’s …

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DaSilva inaugurated as East Providence’s first mayor

City Council, School Committee take oaths; new council seats appointees

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — Hundreds filled the Elmasian Auditorium in East Providence High School Tuesday evening, Jan. 8, to witness history as Roberto L. “Bob” DaSilva formally became the city’s first elected mayor during inauguration ceremonies for all those chosen to serve by voters last November.

Mr. DaSilva, a former state representative from the city and now a retired Pawtucket Police officer, took his oath of office surrounded by his wife Karina, two sons Donovan and Dorian and his parents. East Providence native and Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice William P. Robinson III presided over the ceremonies.

Joining Mayor DaSilva in swearing their oaths were City Council members and incumbents Robert Britto and Anna M. Sousa along with newly electeds Nathan W. Cahoon, Ricardo D. Mourato and Robert P. Rodericks. Incumbent School Committee members Charles S. Tsonos, Anthony J. Ferreira, Jessica Beauchaine and Joel Monteiro, likewise, swore their oaths along with the lone newcomer to the board, Karen Jean Oliveira.

As well, in its first acts of the new session, the council appointed Samantha Burnett as the new city clerk in replacement of Kim Casci-Palangio, the long time holder of the position whom the body opted not to bring back.

In addition, the council approved the following appointments of Mayor DaSilva: City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello; Assistant City Solicitor, Dylan Conley; Probate Court Judge, Maria Ferro-Deaton; Associate Probate Court Judge, Christine Engustian; and Municipal Court Judge, Lisette Gomes.

The theme of Mayor DaSilva’s inaugural address centered on togetherness, a desire to work with other city officials in the public’s interest, with a particular focus on transparency of government.

“In many ways, this past election was about change,” Mayor DaSilva said. “We enter 2019 with a new form of government, and I am honored to serve as your first elected mayor. The people have elected a very knowledgeable and experienced City Council and School Committee. Working together, we can overcome any challenge. together, we can accomplish every goal we set for our city. We are here with a mandate by the people of East Providence to get our city back on track.”

At the end of his opening statement, after thanking his supporters and making special mention of East Providence Police Chief Christopher Parella’s recent tenure as acting city manager, Mayor DaSilva said, “I wish to thank the people of East Providence for placing their faith in me to lead our city. The words upon our city seal read ‘Pro Bono Publico,’ for the public good. That is why we are all here tonight. Each person on this stage and in this auditorium; whether elected or appointed; volunteer or spectator; life-long Townie or new member of our city; we are all here as one community because we care about this great city. It will be by working together with you that we will achieve success.”

The mayor pointed to the upcoming start to construction of a new East Providence High School, the funding for which was approved on last November’s ballot as well, as a significant aspect of the city’s potential growth in the near future. He also stated his desire to improve the city’s arts and recreational scenes.

“A city is not only defined by its economic success," the mayor said. "I believe a city should offer people a place to live, work and play. This is why I put together a group of people on our transition team who focused specifically on the arts and recreational opportunities for our city. I envision an expansion of the arts in our community so as to draw visitors to our city from around the region. I also have not lost sight of the fact that on two separate occasions, East Providence voters approved the building of a new recreation center for our children and seniors. I intend to follow through on voters’ wishes."

Mayor DaSilva said he wanted residents and potential investors, alike, to know East Providence was “open for business.” Besides the continuing development of the waterfront district, the mayor said he will aim to revitalize Taunton Avenue and Riverside Square “so that those areas can become the economic engines that reflect their historical importance to our city and state.”

“Under this administration, the message to those interested in investing in our community is that we are open for business. We are here to serve you," Mayor DaSilva said. "Our employees are here to help you start your business, help you build your home and help you receive the city services you deserve.

“Customer service will be first and foremost when dealing with our residents, businesses and visitors. As a matter of fact, if you are thinking of starting a business, I want you to give us a chance to convince you that East Providence is the place in which to start your business."

The mayor then returned to notion of the city's motto to conclude his remarks," “In the midst of these changes though, it is important not to forget about the individual people that make up our community; because at the end of the day, those of us on this stage tonight, are here to serve the public; to serve you. And those words, 'Pro Bono Publico,' that are on our city seal; that hang above the Council Chamber in City Hall are there for a reason. Those words are there to remind us all that we are here; to do the public good.

"And with that, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work."

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.