Angel Taveras

Political Roundtable: What's Next for the Superman Building?

Ian Donnis — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Roger Williams University Law School professor Jorge Elorza, a housing court judge in Providence and prospective mayoral candidate, joins the Roundtable this week. We talk about what's next for the Superman Building, growing interest in the 2012 race for treasurer, and debate over investing the state pension fund in hedge funds.

Beacon Atop Superman Building Won't Go Out

Flo Jonic — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:23:06 +0000

The beacon light atop the tallest building in Rhode Island will remain on for the time being. But the owner of the so-called “Superman Building” says that could change if state leaders don’t approve a $39 million package of tax credits. State leaders are decidedly lukewarm to the idea.

Council President Mike Solomon serious about mayoral run

Scott MacKay — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:03:58 +0000

If Providence City Council President Mike Solomon doesn’t win an expected Democratic primary for mayor in 2014, it won’t be for lack of trying.

Solomon has worked in synch with Mayor Angel Taveras, who is widely expected to run for the Democratic nomination for governor. Solomon, has arguably been the most effective council president since Elmwood's Nick Easton, who held the post under Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr., in the mid-1980s.

Brett Smiley Exploring A Run for Mayor of Providence

Ian Donnis — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:43:33 +0000

Fundraising specialist and lobbyist Brett Smiley is joining those looking at a run for mayor of Providence if Angel Taveras moves on next year.

"I am seriously exploring a race for mayor in 2014," Smiley tells RIPR. He says he has started meeting with people to talk about a possible run and plans to make a decision this summer about whether to move forward.

Speaker Fox Pours Cold Water on Superman Building Owner's Quest for 39M in State Help

Ian Donnis — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:45:04 +0000

HR&A Advisors of New York is out with its economic-impact report on the now-vacant Superman Building, which was prepared for Cornish Associates.

TGIF: 12 Things to Know About Rhode Island Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:29:53 +0000

With the aftermath of this week's Boston Marathon attack remaining in the forefront of headlines, we're keeping the focus on politics in my Friday column. Thanks for stopping by; as always, your tips and thoughts are welcome at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org.

Bonus Q+A: Fung Explains Why He's a Republican

Ian Donnis — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung joins Bonus Q+A to talk about why he's a Republican, his potential race for governor next year, and what Rhode Island should do to improve its economy, among other issues.

TGIF: 12 Things to Know About Rhode Island Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:40:22 +0000

Happy Friday and welcome back. Your tips and thoughts are always appreciated in my inbox at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org. Let's dive in.

Providence pension deal gets final approval; challenges remain

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:02:36 +0000

In what Providence Mayor Angel Taveras calls a historic day, Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft-Carter gave final approval Friday for a deal that will reduce the capital city's $900 million+ unfunded pension liability by $178 million. The agreement followed negotiations between the city and police and fire unions and municipal retirees.

"Today is the end of a long, long road that we've traveled," Taveras said in an interview. "I feel a lot of relief and gratitude to all the employees and retirees especially who have agreed to help the city."

Taveras Emphasizes Jobs, Collaboration in Economic Plan

Ian Donnis — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:24:34 +0000

Providence Mayor Angel Taveras released a 20-point plan Wednesday intended to bring more jobs to the capital city.

Taveras also previewed part of a message for a potential run for governor next year.

The five priority actions in the mayor’s plan include creating online permits, making Kennedy Plaza more pedestrian-friendly, and freezing the city’s commercial real estate tax for seven years. Taveras also wants to use tax incentives to redevelop vacant lots and remove barriers to new development. The mayor says there’s a common theme to his proposals.