RI News For You: Leadership resignations at State Police and EOHHS, Unvaxxed Providence employees, RIPTA news…

News media folk know what Fridays feel like – the waking up and wondering what “news dump” will happen as the week exits to the weekend, and follow-ups are hard to do – statements often stand as they are given. But the week would start this way in Rhode Island – by noon on Monday, we had three breaking stories – any one of which would have consumed the news cycle, but are now agitating with each other for prominence. Later in the day we learn of at least one more. While long press releases are often issued, not everything deserves a stand alone story – so, we begin “RI News for you” – an occasional quick summary of happenings when they happen – to keep you more informed in a busy day, and a busy news cycle.

Story #1 – Providence city employees who are not vaccinated will not be fired – they will need to show two negative tests a week. From Mayor Elorza: “Mayor Jorge O. Elorza has announced the City of Providence is updating its COVID-19 policies based on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels, a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. According to the CDC, levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by assessing the number of hospital beds in use, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Providence County is currently at a low level. Effective March 8, the City of Providence is updating its COVID-19 vaccination policy to include a requirement that would allow employees who are not fully vaccinated against the virus, as defined by the CDC, to submit two negative covid-19 tests weekly. In addition, face masks will no longer be required in City buildings, though both City employees and visitors are welcome to continue wearing masks if they so choose. City employees and visitors to City buildings are encouraged to continue practicing COVID-19 safety measures like social distancing, and plexiglass barriers and separate entrances and exits at each building will remain in place. Residents are encouraged to continue using remote and online city services when possible.

Providence Police Union President Imondi notes this impacts 22 officers – “everybody gets to keep their jobs and citizens of Providence benefit the most as the officers stay on the streets”.

Story #2 – RI Health & Human Services Secretary Womazetta Jones “resigns” to go to Chicago for family reasons:

According to a press release issued by Gov. Dan McKee, Executive Office of Health & Human Services Secretary Womazetta Jones will be leaving state service. “I want to thank Governor McKee for his leadership. The Governor and his Administration have been a tremendous support to EOHHS and our work,” said Secretary Jones. “It was an honor to lead EOHHS, and the health and human services agencies under our umbrella, using our three guiding principles – choice, race equity and community engagement. Within the first six months of my arrival to Rhode Island, the COVID-19 pandemic began and my focus over the last year and a half has been keeping government running and ensuring that our communities are safe. While there has been positive transformation in our state’s healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and social service systems that underpin the health and well-being of every resident in Rhode Island, more work is needed. I would have loved to continue serving as EOHHS Secretary, to see these transformations through, but I have family needs that require me to return home to Chicago.”  Secretary Jones’ last day of state service will be May 1 – an interim will be named by that date. Secretary Jones will work closely with the Administration to ensure a successful transition. 

Story #3 – Col Manni, head of the RI State Police set to resign. Sources say that Colonel Manni will resign to become the South Kingstown Town Manager. Gov. McKee said yesterday that more information would be coming from his office – at publication time, this had not been released. Col. Manni had no comment yesterday.

Story #4 – Scott Avedisian, head of RIPTA and former Mayor of Warwick, got into a one car accident, flipping it and sustaining “non-life-threatening injuries”. The accident happened on Warwick Neck Avenue hear Rocky Point Avenue. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital.

Story #5 – Bus transit center – public input: RIPTA and RIDOT will hold public meetings virtually and in person for the public to submit their input on the development of a new transit facility. Passengers are invited to view the proposed changes at RIPTA.com/TransitCenter and submit their feedback.

Virtual Meeting Schedule 
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 • Time: 12pm 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6bDdbytiTP2ZFg9AI90Vdw 
or join by phone: 1 301 715 8592 / Webinar ID: 850 6448 1972

Tuesday, March 8, 2022 • Time: 6pm 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0AjiXt-URSG-csdhnlUNeA 
or join by phone: 1 301 715 8592 / Webinar ID: 817 3272 1959

In Person Meeting Schedule 
Monday, March 21, 2022 • Time: 6:30pm 
Cambridge Innovation Center, 225 Dyer Street, Providence