To the editor:

As the Clements’ Marketplace lawsuit against the town and RIDOT retreats from the front page, this gives us time to reflect on RIDOT’s history with the town and our government’s reaction to RIDOT’s performance or lack thereof. 

The first Sakonnet Bridge lasted about 50 years because of (RIDOT told us) lack of maintenance. The Mount Hope Bridge is 95 years old. In 1975, RIDOT in a presentation at the Portsmouth Middle School auditorium outlining plans to widen East Main Road. The work was to begin in two years. We are still waiting. 

About 20 years ago RIDOT (at a Town Council meeting) outlined plans for the Town Center. This was to be in the neighborhood of Quaker Hill and Cozy Corner. This envisioned three roundabouts and a divided highway. Work was to begin in two years. Senator Reed came up with almost $1 million of engineering money. 

Ten-plus years ago, RIDOT lobbied our legislature for tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. The legislature drank this cool aid with gusto. The toll revenue would repair our deferred maintenance state wide. The natives got pretty restless on this one. The legislators feared the next election. RIDOT finally held a public hearing. Someone tried to burn some of the toll infrastructure down. RIDOT got the message and the tolls went away. 

Given this track record, one would think RIDOT would speak to us in the matter of the roundabout. What are they afraid of? Are we some variety of the great unwashed? They certainly know to put the best face possible on their incompetence. Read Washington Bridge. 

According to a recent letter to the editor, RIDOT “deposited the engineering plans with the town … with the understanding that the plans would not be shared outside town government proper.” In fact, a copy of the plans was on deposit at the Portsmouth Water and Fire District with no restriction. Word, failure to get. The plans were available to the public and read with gusto. 

In the recent Portsmouth Times, there is a commentary from two legislators about open government. Portsmouth government has a long history of obfuscation in this area. They still haven’t learned the price of the coverup.

Philip Driscoll

169 Immokolee Drive

Portsmouth