PRESS RELEASES

EAST PROVIDENCE

REPUBLICAN CITY COMMITTEE

City of East Providence, Rhode Island

PRESS RELEASES

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Katherine Savage, Secretary
437-0466

EAST PROVIDENCE REPUBLICANS ELECT

January 26, 2007 - Robert Carlin of Merritt Road has been elected Chairman of the East Providence Republican City Committee. Mr. Carlin, who is also chair of the Ward Three Republican Committee, replaces Kathy Santos who stepped down after four years in that position. Mrs. Santos, wife of newly elected School Committeeman Steve Santos, was elected to the position of Vice Chair of the City Committee and Chairwoman of the Ward Four Committee. Other City Committee officers elected were William Ricci who remains as Treasurer, and Kathy Savage Secretary.

In other Business, Bill Simpson was elected Chairman of the Ward One Republican Committee and Michael Robinson holds the same position on the Ward Two Republican Committee.

Elected as voting delegates to the State GOP Committee are: William Ricci, William Simpson, Kathy Santos, Fran Brelsford, and Steven Santos. Alternates are Alicia Monroe, Daniel Rowe, John Baxter, Michael Robinson, and Richard Croke.

If you are interested in joining the Republican City Committee or just want to be kept informed about the many Republican ward activities check out the East Providence Republican Party Web Site, (www.epgop.org) or call 437-0466.

PRESS RELEASE: Do for us, not to us

10.27.05 - When has it become acceptable for school and city officials, as well as city workers, to name-call the taxpayers? The people who spoke at the budget meetings were intelligent, well meaning, and certainly didn't need any coaching on what to say.
The common thread that binds us together, whether or not we have a political affiliation, is that the taxpayers of East Providence are tired of having their pockets picked yearly by those who are supposed to do for us, not to us.

Kathy Santos
Chair, East Providence Republican City Committee

PRESS RELEASE: Democrats on another misdirected attack

10.27.05 - Let's address the fact that Mayor Larisa had a letter read at the outset of a city council meeting opining on possible future tax increases. John Conley states it was sent in by one of his "cronies." Did that letter have any direct effect on city affairs? How many people even heard it? Did it have as much of an effect as the decades-old stranglehold of the Democrats and their "cronies" on our city government? I think not. To merely state what our elected officials have done would hardly be called an attack. Yes, the school committee members Millie Morris, Helio Mello, Antone Gouveia, Peter Barilla and Edna Snow negotiated a horrible contract that is detrimental to this city. That is fact. Also fact is one side is not much better than the other, with the city-side having 86 percent of every dollar going to salaries and benefits, and the school-side having 87 percent of every dollar going to salaries and benefits.
     As far as politics in this city and nonpartisan elections go, we all know what party endorses the so-called "nonpartisan" candidates. We all know who sits on all the commissions and boards, who put them there, and who outnumbers who. If anyone should be throwing the word "crony" around, it shouldn't be John Conley. For too long, he and his party have worshipped the Holy Trinity of Special Interests, Higher Taxes, and Mindless Spending. Maybe finally too many people have had enough.
     At the past few budget presentations, many people got up and spoke. I think the number of Republicans there, at least that I know of, numbered eight at the most. The majority [there] were teachers, city officials, and union members. In the past few years, the meetings have always been jammed with union members. The schools send letters and e-mails home to parents to show up and support higher school budgets that never have the children's needs at issue.
     Once again, when they have no defense, they have no solution, they have no means of addressing future budget problems, the Democrats go on the attack claiming that the budget meetings were staged political rallies. As a member of the East Providence Republican Party (EPGOP), I can state that we numbered all of about eight people sitting in the audience. I can assure you, the overwhelming majority of speakers against higher taxes were taxpayers who have had enough of elected officials who are not representing them. I don't know any of them. They are not members of the EPGOP, but they are welcome to join [us] at www.EPGOP.org.

Fran Brelsford
Vice-Chair, East Providence Republican City Committee

PRESS RELEASE: A True Public Forum

10.27.05 - I write to thank the taxpayers of East Providence for sharing their views the the council over several budget hearings and through phone calls, letters and e-mails. When we were confronted with a potential 8.9 percent property tax increase, the people let their voice be heard. With health care, gas, oil, and electricity costs already increasing by double digits, we needed to give EP taxpayers a break - especially after the disastrous tax hikes from the last council. That's why we capped the increase at 3.5 percent, and pledged to get it below percent before the tax bills go out next year.
     This achievement would not have occurred unless EP residents exercised their First Amendment right to be heard at council meetings (on all sides of the issue) - many appearing for the first time. That is why it is so troubling that John Conley, Chairman of the Democratic City Committee, sees fit to attack the public hearings as somehow my "partisan political rally." First, he criticizes me for allowing a letter from a constituent who could not be there to be read at a meeting at her request. The motion to read the letter came from Councilman Miranda, and was correctly supported by the entire council. Moreover, the very next speaker was Mr. Conley himself, who exercised his right to disagree with her comments.
     Next, Mr. Conley complains that the council let people speak at the first budget presentation on Sept. 15. He calls it a "political rally."
     First, it was a unanimous city council, not the mayor, that let anyone who wanted to speak at the meeting.
     Second, again Mr. Conley himself spoke at the meeting, too.
     Third, since when is listening to angry taxpayers or proponents of the school budget a partisan issue? I hope Mr. Conley does not really believe that it is only Republicans who are fighting for lower taxes, health insurance co-pays and control of spiraling school budgets. While Mr. Conley may call these notions "a political parade of deceit," most taxpayers - regardless of party - would disagree. The Democrats on the council, as well as in public, who are fighting for fiscal sanity surely would be surprised at that notion.
     What is truly regrettable is that Mr. Conley wishes to stop certain members of the public from speaking their mind at council meetings. What he calls "grandstanding, insults, and mudslinging," are to others the exercise of their First Amendment rights. Any member of the council has the right to call a point of order for any truly personal attack, but no one on this council (Democrats included) has tried to censor any resident. E.P. is not a dictatorship. That is why everyone wishing to speak - from Mr. Conley and the School Committee chair and teachers' union president to the leaders of the taxpayers' association - all get to state their case.
     The prior council was roundly (and correctly) criticized for stifling dissent from the public. This council will have no part of that. I would urge Mr. Conley to continue to attend the council meetings and speak his mind on issues of importance to EP, just as he has for years. But please, Mr. Conley, do not contest the right of others to speak their mind - regardless of their message - just like you do. That's the American Way.

Joseph Larisa
Mayor of East Providence

2004 Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: Bipartisan group sues E.P. Board of Canvassers

10/22/04 - Candidates for office join together to challenge accuracy of city's registered voters' list - A group of General Assembly candidates have filed a lawsuit in Rhode Island Superior Court, charging that the East Providence Board of Canvassers with certifying a flawed voter list last week. The bipartisan group, led by Republican senatorial candidate LLOYD MONROE (District #18), accused the board of approving a list that contains voters who do not live in East Providence.
   "The lack of responsibility on the part of officials is unacceptable, and so we have turned towards the courts," Mr. Monroe said. "It's a statewide problem."
   The lawsuit asks the Superior Court to block the City of East Providence from using its current voter list in the November 2 general election, citing hundreds of returned mail items that candidates received while campaigning, from addresses that are listed on the certified voting list. The group wants East Providence to begin using the COMPUTERIZED VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM (CVRS), a program that checks voter registrations against current U.S. Postal Service addresses. The program - developed after the 2000 presidential election - is FREE for cities to implement, but the East Providence Canvassing Authority said that their own computerized system is "adequate."
   "We have no intention of disenfranchising any voters. We we want is to prevent some voters from diminishing and diluting the weight of each legitimate vote given," said attorney MICHAEL ROBINSON, Republican House candidate (District #64), who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the bipartisan group.
   Mr. Monroe has accused the Board of Canvassers of being uncooperative with the group's previous attempts to challenge the eligibility of certain voters. He said that the board blocked his attempts to compare the [hundreds of pieces of] returned mail with a copy of the final voter registration list.
   "The board is hung up on procedure. There are people who moved away years ago who are voting," said Republican House candidate ROBERT CUSACK (District #63), a plaintiff in the suit. "Hopefully, we will be able to point the spotlight at whatever is happening in East Providence."
   Mr. Robinson said that the group will go back to court if the problem has not been resolved by this week. "It's an issue of critical time importance. We have to move as quickly as possible," he said. "If we can resolve the issue at a hearing, then great."

PRESS RELEASE: Lloyd Monroe seeks Damiani debates

09/30/04 - In an open letter mailed to his supporters and posted on his campaign website (http://www.monroe4senate.org), Lloyd Monroe, Republican candidate in Senate District 18, announced that he has accepted the invitation to attend two October debates against the incumbent Democrat Sen. Michael J. Damiani.
   "I have invited Sen. Damiani to join me in a debate on at least three prior occasions," Monroe said. "I have publicly challenged him during two separate appearances on the Arlene Violet radio show, and once during my last appearance on the Dan Yorke radio show," Monroe added, "but so far, from Sen. Damiani, we've heard nothing but silence."
   Monroe, a former organized crime prosecutor, who is Executive Director of the Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations, said that he has accepted the invitation of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - RI Chapter, and the East Providence Minority Caucus, to debate Sen. Damiani at a candidates' forum scheduled for 7:00pm on Monday, October 4 at the East Providence City Council Chambers, City Hall. Monroe has also accepted the invitation of the East Providence Coalition to participate in its semi-annual candidate debate at 6:30pm on Tuesday, October 12 at the Newman Congregational Church.
   "I am grateful to these important community organizations for providing forums where candidates can speak to issues of concern to East Providence and the State of Rhode Island," Monroe said. "I believe that the people of the 18th District deserve responsive, responsible, professional leadership," Monroe added, "real leaders answer constituent calls and letters, and appear in public forums to explain their votes and where they stand on issues.
   Monroe, who was born in Kansas City, Missouri, holds a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in History from Brown University, and a Law Degree from Indiana University. He resides at 22 Haliburton Road, with his wife of 31 years, Alicia, and his youngest daughter Cara.
   Lloyd can be reached at: lmonroe@cox.net or (401) 435-3917.

PRESS RELEASE: Representative John Savage gets Sierra Club backing

09/30/04 - The Rhode Island Chapter of the Sierra Club has endorsed Rep. John A. Savage, Republican - East Providence, for reelection to the Rhode Island General Assembly. Representative Savage has been a strong proponent for the environment, especially Narragansett Bay, since first being elected to the legislature in 1999, the organization said.
   Rep. Savage is member of the House Committee on the environment and Natural Resources. He has been involved with such local issues as preventing mercury pollution, open space protection, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
   Savage is also a member of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Board of Commissioners. As a commissioner, he has involved himself with community recycling efforts and solid waste reduction.
   Rep. Savage said that he was honored to receive the endorsement of this prestigious group and looks forward to "working with the Sierra Club to help make Rhode Island a safe, healthy, and beautiful place to live."
   Rep. Savage can be reached at: savage@rilin.state.ri.us or (401) 437-0466.

PRESS RELEASE: East Providence GOP endorses Bob Enos

08/26/04 - At the August 3rd meeting of the East Providence Republican City Committee, School Committee candidate Robert Enos was unanimously endorsed.
   Enos is vying for the at-large position on the School Committee currently held by Mildred Morris. Enos is a graduate of the East Providence school system, attended URI College of Pharmacy and also Johnson & Wales University. His involvement in community activities has been as President of the Brightridge, Kent Heights, and Martin PTAs.
   Bob has also been involved in Little League, both on the executive board and coaching, and also with Mohawks football and St. Martha's CYO basketball.
   Working in the private sector, the committee said that Bob has no political ties, nor any conflicts of interest in having any past relationship with the school department or any family members employed within the school department.
   Enos believes that fiscal responsibility, improving our schools, and providing a decent education so graduates can compete in the 21st century workplace is important to the future prosperity of our city and state, the committee added.
   Bob can be reached at: cleansweep13@verizon.net or (401) 434-7785.

PRESS RELEASE: Croke endorses Lloyd Monroe for State Senate

08/12/04 - Richard G. Croke, Jr., an East Providence businessman who withdrew last week as the only challenger to Sen. Michael J. Damiani, has sent a letter to his supporters stating that he now endorses the candidacy of Republican challenger Lloyd Monroe in the race for Senate District 18 in East Providence.
   Croke, an owner of the Wood and Wire Fence Co., in Pawtucket, said that his decision to pull from the Democratic primary with Senator Damiani was motivated by concern for his fencing company's staff and employees.
   Monroe said, "I am grateful for Richard Croke's support. He has promised to be actively involved in electing a new Senator to represent East Providence," said Monroe, a former organized crime prosecutor who is Executive Director of the Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. "Richard and I both believe that the people of the 18th District deserve responsive, responsible, professional leadership," Monroe added.
   Monroe has served as Executive Director of the Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations during the past four years. Recently, he was an integral part of diversity recruitment drives with both the Rhode Island State Police and the Providence Police Department. He assisted the Providence Police in redesigning their oral review process, and was the first non-police officer to participate in the department's oral review board.
   Monroe is a former federal strike force attorney who successfully prosecuted Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee mob bosses. He was also part of the special team with the Justice Department's Organized Crime and Racketeering Section that effectively ended Mafia control over the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union, its Central States Pension Fund, and four racketeer-influenced Las Vegas Casinos.
   Lloyd can be reached at: lmonroe@cox.net or (401) 435-3917.

PRESS RELEASE: Senator Chafee and Governor Carcieri show their support for State Senate Candidate Lloyd Monroe

07/30/04 - U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee and Governor Donald L. Carcieri were in attendance at a July 27 reception held in honor of Lloyd Monroe, Republican candidate for Senate in District 18. The reception was held at the River Farms Club House in West Warwick, RI.
   "I am honored that two such distinguished public servants, such as Senator Chafee and Governor Carcieri would take time from their busy schedules to join me on this occasion," Monroe told a crowd of gathered supporters.
Monroe, 51, has served as Executive Director of the Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations during the past four years. Recently, Monroe was an integral part of diversity recruitment drives with both the Rhode Island State Police and the Providence Police Department. He assisted the Providence Police in redesigning their oral review process, and was the first non-police officer to participate in the department's oral review board.
   Monroe is a former federal strike force attorney who successfully prosecuted Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee mob bosses. He was also part of a special team with the Justice Department's Organized Crime and Racketeering Section that effectively ended Mafia control over the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union, its Central States Pension Fund, and four racketeer-influenced Las Vegas casinos.
   Monroe, who was born in Kansas City, Missouri, holds a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in History from Brown University, and a Law Degree from Indiana University. He resides at 22 Haliburton Road, with his wife of 31 years, Alicia, and his youngest daughter Cara.
   Lloyd can be reached at: lmonroe@cox.net or (401) 435-3917.

PRESS RELEASE: Reception for Lloyd Monroe in West Warwick 7/27

07/19/04 - You are cordially invited to attend a Reception for Lloyd Monroe, Candidate for State Senate (District 18) on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. It will be held at the River Farms Club House at 100 River Farms Drive in West Warwick, RI. For more information about attending this event, please call 354-8861.

PRESS RELEASE: Robert E. Cusack announces candidacy for House seat in District 63

07/1/04 - Robert E. Cusack, of 150 Greenwood Avenue in Rumford, has announced that he will seek election to the House of Representatives seat now held by Henry C. Rose. Cusack is an investment advisor with offices in Providence and Boston.
"As the recent budget battle at the State House shows, Rhode Island is in desperate need of a balance of power. The one-party domination of the General Assembly has brought us financial stress, ethical scandals, and a dubious economic future. Rhode Islanders face a simple choice: we can allow it to continue or we can change it."
Cusack is a former municipal finance investment banker in New York City, and currently heads Preferred Asset Management, LLC, an investment advisory and consulting firm. He serves on the state's Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission and the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation.
Cusack has served on board committees at the Gordon School, East Providence, on the advisory board of the Randall Children's Museum, San Francisco, and is a member of several private preservation organizations. He is a graduate of Fordham University and attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. His wife Deb is a teacher and they have two sons.
Robert can be reached at: rcusack@pamadvisor.com.

PRESS RELEASE: Lloyd Monroe elected as Delegate to Republican National Convention in NYC

06/17/04 - Lloyd Monroe, Candidate for Senate District 18, of Rumford, was elected as a Delegate to the Republican National Convention, at the Rhode Island Republican Party Biennial Convention on June 10. He will represent Rhode Island at the Convention, to be held in New York City from August 30 to September 2, 2004. Lloyd can be reached at lmonroe@cox.net or (401) 435-3917.

Friends of Lloyd Monroe
c/o 4 Thurston Street
East Providence, RI 02915

PRESS RELEASE: Michael P. Robinson for State Representative House District 64 Fundraiser

06/12/04 - A fundraiser for House District 64 candidate Mike Robinson will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2004 from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Knights of Columbus, 3200 Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence. Suggested contribution is $30.00 per person. Invited guest speakers will be United States Senator Lincoln Chafee and Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey. Tickets will be available at the door. Mike can be reached at mrobinson@smrobinsonlaw.com. To mail contributions to Mike at anytime, please mail your personal check to:

Friends of Mike Robinson
40 Brown Street
East Providence, RI 02914

PRESS RELEASE: Lloyd Monroe announces candidacy for State Senate District 18 seat at EPGOP "Fishing for Candidates" fundraiser

04/15/04 - Lloyd Monroe, who currently serves as the Executive Director of the RI Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations, formally announced his candidacy for State Senate District 18 to an enthusiastic group of supporters, including Governor Carcieri, U.S. Senator Chafee, and Cranston Mayor Laffey, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Riverside.
Lloyd shared his vision for the future and outlined some of the themes that he intends to stress in his campaign, such as improving public education, promoting economic development, addressing health care issues, and restoring the public's confidence in its elected officials. He stated, "Parents of public school students in East Providence and in other towns and cities of Rhode Island need to know that they are getting the best value for the dollars they spend for education." Monroe added, "Rhode Islanders deserve ethical and honest legislators who will find real solutions to the health care systems crisis, who will protect the interests of individuals, small business owners, health care providers, as well as insurers. Otherwise, our heath and economic security will be at risk and our economic development and revitalization will be jeopardized."
Lloyd is planning to mount an aggressive campaign and will be holding several fundraisers in the coming months. If you would like to volunteer or make a contribution, Lloyd can be reached at lmonroe@cox.net or (401) 435-3917.

Friends of Lloyd Monroe
4 Thurston Street
East Providence, RI 02915