July 2, 2010
Dear friends and neighbors,
I write to let you know that after long and serious consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Providence City Council in order to spend time with family and pursue other professional opportunities.
I am very proud of what I accomplished in office, for my constituents and for the city as a whole, on issues ranging from public safety to public education, and I am deeply indebted to so many of you for your support and service to the community. Working together we passed quality-of-life legislation such as the “Don’t Block The Box” ordinance and a motorcycle parking ordinance on Thayer Street to improve the pedestrian experience and to help with motorcycle noise on College Hill.
We brought neighbors together to combat graffiti and created bicycle lanes on Blackstone Boulevard that calmed traffic and made the city just a little more bike-friendly. It was my distinct pleasure to support and assist the Friends of Brown Street Park as they renewed and redefined that public space for the neighborhood and for visitors from across the city and state.
Working with environmental advocates I worked to pass a resolution to reduce diesel emissions from construction machinery, making it easier for children to breathe in Providence as we rebuild our neighborhoods. Working with peace activists I promoted a resolution to create a national Department of Peace and Nonviolence.
In concert with parents and advocates I pursued improvements in public education, including lobbying the Statehouse for a public school funding formula and rehabilitating and reprogramming the new Nathan Bishop Middle School, which was by far the most gratifying accomplishment during my tenure. We saved a historic building and created a model for a successful middle school in Providence. I could not think of a better example of people working together for the public good in their own community.
Amongst these efforts the one regret I have was not convincing my colleagues that the Providence City Council should create seats for “at-large,” or citywide, council members to give some of the council the explicit charge of taking on citywide issues. As a private citizen I will continue to advocate for this change in city government.
My commitment to public service remains, and in the coming months I’ll be working to elect Angel Taveras as our next mayor (www.angelforprovidence.com), and to elect Sam Zurier as our next city council member (Sam’s email: sdz@om-rilaw.com). I endorse Sam fully and strongly encourage your support for his candidacy. Sam’s intelligence and commitment to civic life, especially in the area of public education, will represent us well at City Hall.
It has been an honor to represent all of you and, of course, I am committed to representing and working with all of you through the rest of my term. Please do not hesitate to be in touch.
Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, to make Providence a wonderful place.
Happy Independence Day!
Yours sincerely,
Cliff