Commentary: We've come a long way E.P., let’s keep it going

By Nate Cahoon
Posted 10/14/21

This past Saturday Mr. Will Morgan, architecture critic, published a critique of the new East Providence High School in "Go Local Prov." It suffices to say that the article was overwhelmingly …

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Commentary: We've come a long way E.P., let’s keep it going

Posted

This past Saturday Mr. Will Morgan, architecture critic, published a critique of the new East Providence High School in "Go Local Prov." It suffices to say that the article was overwhelmingly positive, and reflects great credit upon the women and men who volunteered thousands of hours of their time and expertise to make that dream a reality.

But the article is more than an architecture critique. Rather it marks a watershed moment for East Providence; it means that we've roared back from the brink of receivership to critical acclaim in just under a decade...that has to be some sort of world record.

To wit, from the article:
1. "The new high school on Pawtucket Avenue is another example of how the city across the Seekonk is quietly embracing the future."
2. "Compare this accomplishment with Providence, where the school system has been under siege and under state control."
3. "The legend that East Providence is the best-run city in Rhode Island might just be true."

While I'm proud of said effort for obvious reasons, there's a larger point here. The school is emblematic of the renaissance taking place in East Providence. Decades of neglect, political shenanigans, and poor financial decisions are gradually being undone and addressed. I grew up in East Providence, I've lived here for 28 of my 46 years, and I've raised my children here. I've never seen us in a better position, and that claim is substantiated by just about every stat that matters (bond ratings, property values, crime rate, etc.)

We are where we are today because the voters demanded change. We are where we are today because of consistent, responsible and accountable leadership. Gone are the days of the Budget Commission; school department budget deficits; the revolving door of chief executives; and city leaders seeking to bend the charter to suit their own whims (remember the two-year, four-year term nonsense?).

But know this, as we begin to head once more into the political silly season: those terrible old days are always just a single election away. There will always be those for whom personal ambition is more important than the collective good. There will always be those who try to convince you that we are in crisis, and only they can save the day. We - the voters of EP - hold our own fates in our own hands and we must think, act and vote accordingly.

Let's continue the momentum. Just think about how you feel when you read these words: East Providence is "...quietly embracing the future;" and "...the legend that East Providence is the best-run city in Rhode Island might just be true." Then reflect on everything that you did to help make it so...and how you plan to keep it that way.

— Cahoon in the Ward 3 member of the City Council.

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