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

For Democrats, it's not too early to start thinking about midterm elections

1. STORY OF THE WEEK: The mid-term elections of 2026 are almost 20 months away -- and that’s an eternity in politics. But after months of soul-searching after the Democrats’ devastating … more

By Ian Donnis | 4/7/25

Letter: Please think about visiting the senior center

To the editor: To the senior citizens of Barrington (men and women), I am a member of the Barrington Peck Center for Adult Enrichment (Senior Center). Years ago I lost my husband, … more

4/3/25

Letter: Loss of funding would create significant challenges

To the editor: The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) would significantly affect the Barrington Public Library’s programs and services to several … more

4/3/25

Letter: ACT course offers attractive alternative to the SAT

To the editor: It is highly commendable that several years ago, the Rhode Island legislature decided to offer all public school juniors the ability to take the SAT exam in April free of charge, … more

4/3/25

Letter: Number of poop bags littering field is shocking

To the editor: St. Andrew's Field with its walking trails is a tranquil treasure right in the middle of our town full of nesting birds, wildlife, and rare plant species for all to enjoy. Its … more

4/3/25

Editorial: There’s no need for speed (cameras)

The federal government has spent the past two and a half months chasing flies with sledgehammers. The drive to install speed cameras in Barrington school zones feels like a sledgehammer. Claims … more

4/3/25

Editorial: Bristol has no choice but to reject Fourth petitions

When the Bristol Town Council considers two citizen-driven petitions regarding the town’s storied Fourth of July celebration, it has only once choice to make. It must reject both petitions. … more

4/3/25

Letter: No need to rush into Commons plan

Whoa! What's the hurry to alter our historic buildings and take away meeting places for our community? I suggest voting against the options proposed by the council, options one and two, and give … more

4/3/25

Letter: A call to action this Saturday

This Saturday, April 5, there will be a nationwide peaceful protest and rally against the Trump regime and Elon Musk. The 50501 Movement, HandsOff, and The Women’s March are collaborating … more

4/2/25

Letter: Instead of moving the concert series, maybe change it?

I am sorry to hear of the abuse directed at the volunteers of the Fourth of July Committee after the announcement that the concerts were being moved from Independence Park. The members of the … more

4/2/25

Questions about the homeless pallets are spot-on

Amazon has a small house for sale, 20’ by 40’, which is larger than the pallets now housing the homeless, with three bedrooms (or choice, like a living room or den if one bedroom is … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 4/2/25

Letter: Councilor voted against town’s best interests

To the editor: Portsmouth voters should be paying close attention to the actions of our newly elected Town Council member, Mary McDowell. With virtually no experience in or real knowledge of our … more

4/2/25

Letter: Why Shana Teas has our vote next Tuesday

We write to support Shana Teas to be re-elected to the Westport Select Board on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Shana has proven herself to be an incredible asset to the Town of Westport. She is smart, … more

4/2/25

Westport Community Schools superintendent Tom Aubin advocates for schools at a past Town Meeting.

Letter: Thomas Aubin will be hard to replace

Westport is losing a giant. Superintendent Tom Aubin will leave big shoes to fill in our schools. He has been an unrelenting champion for our kids, determined that each student should get the best … more

4/2/25

Letter: Apologies to all I offended

There has been a miscommunication and poor choice of some words in my letter from the March 26th Sakonnet Times, to which I “regret” publishing. To many of you who work, volunteer, … more

4/2/25

Letter: I love my Tesla — it's not about the car

When I worked my first election in 2016 at my local polling station in a local elementary school, I was fully expecting Clinton to win, and didn’t realize that she was clearly losing until I … more

4/2/25

Letter: Competitive hiring no silver bullet for every vacancy

To the editor: I’m writing to express my sincere appreciation for Brian Woodhead’s many contributions to the Town of Portsmouth over his career with our Department of Public Works. … more

4/2/25

Letter: Get involved in Saturday’s peaceful protest and rally

To the editor: This Saturday, April 5, there will be a nationwide peaceful protest and rally against the Trump regime and Elon Musk. The 50501 Movement, HandsOff, and The Women’s March are … more

4/2/25

Still waiting for the state's professional cannabis regs

1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Almost three years have passed since Gov. Dan McKee signed adult-use cannabis legalization into law , and the state has yet to open the application process for handing out … more

By Ian Donnis | 3/31/25

Letter: Please attend April 5 Islanders for Democracy rally

To the editor: I am writing this letter on behalf of a recently organized group, Islanders for Democracy. We are area citizens who are alarmed at the actions being taken at the federal level. … more

3/31/25

Letter: Protecting public lands toward state climate goals

Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, establishes the public’s right to a clean environment and protects public lands designated for conservation, natural resources, … more

3/26/25

Letter: Who else stands to benefit from Commons senior housing?

Our seniors are hoping that the director of the Little Compton Community Center, working on trying to solve the problems of our towns buildings, does not have self-interest in place. Our seniors want … more

3/26/25

Letter: Preserve Little Compton — save the Commons!

The Commons is a unique and treasured setting, and it must be protected, preserved and cherished by all who call Little Compton home. It is the heart of our town, a place that belongs to every single … more

3/26/25

Letter: Firearms ban will put your life in danger

To the editor: Rhode Island’s legislature is set to pass a law that puts you and your family in danger. The bill — the “Assault Weapons Ban of 2025” … more

3/26/25

Letter: Town shouldn’t raid reserve to pay current obligation

To the editor: Full disclosure: I ran for re-election last fall and was defeated. I do feel obliged, particularly because the current council has only one member with what I would call real … more

3/26/25