August 2011 The Reporter Meanwhile, elected officials finally figured out that the last Council, utilizing sound budgeting practices in this dreadful economy, used a very conservative estimate of City tax revenue in the present balanced City budget. Low and behold, revenue is coming in at up to $1 million ahead of projections. That money was supposed to be used to provide hard-hit EP car owners with a tax break from the draconian increase in your auto tax bill that the last Governor and General Assembly forced upon car owners. Instead, this Council has continued to spend like drunken sailors (as detailed in prior columns) and has never even mentioned any car tax relief. If the last Council and School Committee didn’t save millions and millions of dollars with their courageous stand against unaffordable school and police contracts, the City would be under state control or in bankruptcy right now. Yet, not one member of either of the new bodies supported the tough decisions that were made then, to set the City right now. So when you hear about the City deficit, remember, it is far less than half of what it would have been if the present elected officials were in office. It was also going to be solved without any hit on City taxpayers. The clock is ticking on this Council and the inevitable big tax increase they are forcing this October. * Joe Larisa served four terms as Mayor of East Providence, a position elected by the Council from among its members. His latest term ended on December 1, 2010. He also served as councilman at large for the City from 1992-2002 and 2004-06 and 2008-10. Questions or comments? Email Joe at mayorlarisa@verizon.net.
Big Sisters of Rhode Island Announces Name Change The Board of Directors of Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BSRI) announces it has received approval from its parent organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, to change its name to one that more accurately reflects the diverse mentoring services provided by the Rhode Island organization. This fall, BSRI will begin using the name Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS). This name change was prompted by the 2010 expansion of the Cranston‐based nonprofit organization’s services to include mentoring boys as well as girls. Currently, BSRI is serving 80 boys throughout Rhode Island, in addition to the approximately 330 girls enrolled in the mentoring programs. “The name Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State reflects the inclusion of male volunteers and their male mentees,” states Annette Cerilli, board chair. “With the increasing need for mentoring relationships among at risk children, BBBSOS has extended its reach to include all boys and girls. In addition, the words ‘Ocean State’ continue to communicate our mission of providing our services to the entire state of Rhode Island, which we have been doing since 1966.” The mission of BBBSOS is to provide all children facing adversity the opportunity for strong, enduring, one-on-one relationships with a positive adult role model.
www. .com
Internal Medicine & Preventative Care Welcome to Our New Location Conveniently Located on Route 44 (Winthrop St) Taunton
We Offer Asthetic Laser Services: • Laser Hair Removal • Sun Damage and Age Spot Removal • Leg and Facial Vein Treatments • Skin Tightening • Wrinkle Reduction • Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion • And Much More...
Priti A. Patel, M.D. is now accepting new patients for medical practice Early Morning and Evening Appointments Available We Accept All Major Insurance
233 Winthrop Street, Taunton MA • 508.880.0070
17