Dee DeQuattro: Pulse on Politics - Another 'Bar' for Fox

Dee DeQuattro

Gordon Fox loses again this week or does he? In light of his federal charges and his future stay at the gated federal country club, the Rhode Island Supreme Court voted to disbar him from the practice of law. Don’t worry though, if you are a Fox fan all hope is not lost. After all John Cicilline was restored to the bar after serving 18 months in federal prison after being convicted of shaking down his clients.

Certainly Fox has enough friends in the Rhode Island Old Boys network that after he serves his sentence and is out for a few years, if he apologizes he will be restored to the bar. After all, it is all about who you know in Rhode Island. Even if he doesn’t want to return to the bar, he could write a book about the on- goings at that State House and corruption of Rhode Island politics. Who knows, maybe he will land a gig as a Radio Host afterwards. Eventually, Buddy Cianci will have to retire and they could always replace him with another convicted felon political insider. Although Fox may not have the same charm as everyone’s favorite mayo

Addressing the city's violence

Just in time for the warm weather, the violence is starting to pick up in Providence -- with two young women murdered within two days. Both murders remain unsolved. If the violence is already picking up with fifty degree weather the Providence police are going to have a real problem on their hands as the gang bangers shut off their xbox’s and venture outside in the warmer weather. By the time the thermometer reaches 90 in July there could be some real issues. And Mayor Jorge Elorza will be put to the test. Taveras took a lot of criticism for not having the appropriate staffing levels at the police department and for the uptick in violence in the city. Can Elorza make a difference?

Elorza to the rescue?

So far, he says he is going to make more recreational opportunities for city youth to cut back on the violence. One of the biggest problems is much more widespread than that. When you grow up in a culture of gangs and violence, you become a part of it. Even if you can join a youth sports program or some community club it is not going to take you out of the culture that surrounds you. It’s not going to change how you were brought up. The problem is this culture is becoming more prominent in the poorer areas of the city and the housing projects. The kids that can get themselves out of the culture are unfortunately the exception not the rule. The city really needs to focus on taking on gang activities, ramp up the detective and gang divisions and consider by doing more undercover work. While youth opportunities are nice it is not going to detract from the fact that Providence needs more police and more staffing especially over the summer.

Speaking of Mayor Elorza he has announced a street sweeping program that begins on all days, Easter. First off maybe I am a religious sap, or just like to watch little kids find eggs but that seems like a silly day to start the program and secondly shouldn’t we take care of the potholes first. Unless the plan is to sweep the sand into the potholes in a hope to fill them inexpensively. Doubtful that would work but maybe it would be a little better. After this winter the city of Providence looks like a war zone but don’t worry it won’t look like a desert warzone any more once the streets are swept.

Good Friday? Any day I don't have to work is a Great Friday!

The Easter Bunny came early for one Cranston School, Western Hills Middle School was closed on Good Friday due to staffing issues. How is it that Cranston is the only school in the state that had an issue with staffing on Good Friday and Passover. Here is the situation: teachers who are religious are allowed to take the day off in religious observance along with students and they are not penalized and do not have to take vacation days. So there is no shock then when over 250 teachers announced they would be taking the day off to observe the day. Heck, if giving that option many people would probably find God instead of having to go to work. The school department sent a notice to parents noting that it is possible schools might be canceled on Friday and the determination would be made Friday morning. This just looks and sounds ridiculous. If you want to cancel school then do it, don’t leave everyone waiting to find out what is going on. 

Doesn’t it always seem like Cranston schools have some ridiculous issue? No bake sales, no prayer banners, no school on Good Friday, extra canceled days due to threats, no school because they can’t clear snow, no music program… ect… ect… Someone needs to take a good hard look what is going on there with the school committee and the school department because it seems like Cranston Schools are always making the news and not for the right reasons. Scrambling because your staff has suddenly repented and found God or adopted a new religion when faced with the choice of a free day off or having to work seems ridiculous. Time to stop running around in circles Cranston and get your S*%! Together.

That’s all for this week. Have a Happy Easter or Pass Over or just a nice Spring Day…

 See you next week.