City Council Establishes a Special Commission on Veterans Affairs and Approves Other Appointments

Providence, RI – Tonight, City Councilors established a nine-member Special Commission on Veterans Affairs to help coordinate and manage VA activity in the city. Rhode Island is home to more than 54,000 veterans, representing 6.4% of the state’s adult population. Rhode Island is intrinsically linked to the armed services as home to the U.S. Naval War College, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Quonset Point Air National Guard Base, the Rhode Island Army National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard Station Point Judith.

Council Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo sponsored the resolution to create the commission. Pichardo served in the RI Air National Guard for 22 years and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. “Veterans who have served our country deserve the utmost respect and honor,” said Pro Tempore Pichardo. “The Providence City Council recognizes their sacrifices preserving our freedoms and are committed to providing culturally integrated compassionate services for our veterans. This new commission can direct much-needed attention to veterans seeking compassionate care, housing, emotional and medical support to live a successful life.”

Members may include:

·        The Mayor or his designee

·        2 City Council members

·        A representative from the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs

·        A representative from the American Legion -Lts. Armstrong-Gladding

·        A representative from Operation Stand Down Rhode Island

·        A representative from the Hispanic / Latino American Veterans Association

·        A representative from Women Veterans of RI

·        A representative from Asian American Veterans

Council Honors Late Civil Rights Activist with Street Re-Naming in Ward 12

Councilors passed a resolution establishing the “Cesar Chavez Memorial Way” ceremonial designation along Raymond Street on Smith Hill. The legislation was sponsored by Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12) and co-sponsored by 13 additional councilors. An official celebration will take place on Saturday, April 15, at 2 pm at Davis Park.

Council Approved Appointments Made by Council President Rachel Miller

Kevin Essington – a member of the Sustainability Commission for a term to expire on April 6, 2029

Councilman Oscar Vargas – a member of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority for a term to expire on April, 6 2027

Council Approved Appointments Made by Mayor Brett Smiley

Matthew Shumate – as the mayor’s designee on the Dexter Donation Commission

Leandro Castro – a member of the Sustainability Commission for a term to expire on April 6, 2029

Justin Holland – as a member of the Board of Park Commissioners for a term to expire on January 31, 2027

Joseph Mulligan III – appointed to the position of Director of the Department of Planning and Development

Maria Deaton, Esq. – appointed to Associate Justice of the Providence Housing Court for a term to expire on January 2, 2026