Editorials | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Editorial: Yes and no to e-bikes on bike paths

Rhode Island needs to pass a law regulating electric bicycles and their use on bike paths. A bill before the General Assembly would do that, but the current version is flawed and potentially … more

5/10/23

Editorial: The process is flawed when the public has no voice

It seems a private group will be consuming the entire footprint of the Barrington government center grounds, enveloping the Town Hall, library and senior center. It will be serving and selling … more

7/28/21

Editorial: Still waiting for ‘why’ on Barrington school plan

Great schools, led by outstanding teachers, filled with high-performing students, have been the heart of this community for several generations. So why is the topic of “schools” so … more

9/2/22

Editorial: Washington Bridge 'accountability' starts at the top

Recently ConsumerAffairs, a consumer-focused news outlet, rated Rhode Island’s roads as the worst in the country in their 2024 report. The “All That” state slipped from … more

3/20/24

Editorial: Is this the best time of the year?

Best month of the year in New England? While July gets a lot of love, and September is a favorite for many, October should be in everyone’s top-three. Consider the opportunities in the … more

10/6/21

Editorial: Join the conversation on Barrington fields and fieldhouse

The silent majority of residents who believe Barrington deserves a better recreational infrastructure need to speak up and join the conversation. Now is their time. Town Councilor Rob Humm … more

1/13/23

Editorial: Town needs a better plan for South Lake

Most folks in town know South Lake Drive, and many will remember the first time they discovered it. Lightly marked and somewhat hidden, it feels almost mysterious, and a new driver might wonder if … more

11/21/20

Editorial: There is no mandate for the monastery property

The Town of Barrington has no obligation, legal or otherwise, to develop senior or affordable housing on the former Carmelite Monastery property on Watson Avenue in the Nayatt neighborhood. It is … more

4/26/23

Editorial: A win-win for fields in Barrington

It was both exciting and frustrating to hear the Barrington school administration announce that it needs and wants an artificial turf field at Barrington High School — exciting because some … more

4/18/24

Editorial: A new vision for the monastery property

The Town of Barrington can put all the consternation about the future of the Carmelite Monastery property behind it and making a lasting positive impact on this community. By converting the Watson … more

4/26/23

Editorial: In defense of legal notices

An array of bills before the Rhode Island General Assembly would chip away at both newspapers and transparency in government. They seek to alter numerous state laws that require governments, both … more

4/19/23

Editorial: It’s just common sense — even in a pandemic

Emotions run high these days, with most people quarantining at home, many worrying about loved ones, far too many wondering how they will pay their bills, and no one knowing when and how there will … more

4/23/20

Editorial: The virus masks the best education possible

A few weeks ago we shared our opinions about mandatory masking in schools. Based on some reactions , you might think we advocated for citizen revolt against both the government and the medical … more

8/26/21

Editorial: Missteps and marathon meetings in Barrington

It’s been quite a week for the Town of Barrington, beginning with the stumbling missteps of the Covid-19 vaccination rollout and ending with a six-hour-plus Town Council meeting so unwieldy it … more

2/3/21

Editorial: Good riddance to outdated toll system

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority’s move to fully automated toll collection this week is welcome and long overdue. Starting Feb. 14, the bridge authority will launch a … more

2/12/21

Editorial: In this case, 'easier to find' is less likely to be found

Legislation before the Rhode Island General Assembly would take a swipe at both newspapers and transparency in government — two things that are intrinsically linked. House Bill 6375 and Senate … more

6/10/21

Editorial: Relief for the fields in Barrington

The Barrington Town Council should be applauded for finally making a decision to improve athletic facilities in town. By adding portable restrooms at the town’s sports complexes, it took a baby … more

8/3/22

Editorial: Should Barrington create a gas-powered monopoly?

One would hope that any request for the Barrington Town Council to ban a type of business other than a strip club, casino or asphalt plant would be received and filed, no action taken. But this is … more

8/4/22

Crews from the Barrington Department of Public Works, RI DOT, and various tree contractors were busy cleaning up after a fast-moving storm swept through Barrington on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The storm knocked out power to thousands of residents and blocked roadways with downed trees and limbs. Pictured, Rhode Island Department of Transportation backhoe operator Tony Calci and his assistant lift a large section of fallen tree that had been blocking Sowams Road.

Editorial: A good response to a bad storm

We have been quick to criticize National Grid's response to power outages during prior storms. So it is only fair that we praise the company's effort last week. The tropical storm — it had … more

8/14/20

Editorial: Goodbye, Bristol County water supply

The Providence Water Supply Board wants to raise water rates 20 percent. The Bristol County Water Authority wants to end a century-old contract for water. Are they related? Yes. Does anyone care? Not … more

9/17/20

Editorial: No more snow days :(

Cursed 2020 has taken so much already (freedoms, joy, travel, livelihoods, not to mention precious lives) … did it need to take away the beloved snow day, too? When Rhode Island acted … more

12/17/20

Editorial: If not turf, what?

If a majority of the Barrington Town Council would never, under any circumstances, consider installing an artificial turf playing surface anywhere in Barrington, maybe they should have shared that … more

3/29/24

Editorial: Too many candidates chose not to debate

A frustrating new trend emerged this election season, as a disturbing number of candidates declined, refused or were unavailable to take part in public campaign forums with their opponents. … more

11/3/22

Editorial: Less detail, less open

Following a somewhat familiar theme, the Barrington town government has again announced it is reducing a service to taxpayers (tax bills, of course, remain the same). The latest announcement … more

11/26/19

Editorial: Town's fields need a wide-angle lens

It may take a decade to overhaul the playing fields in Barrington. Many of the people who draw up plans today will have moved out of town, their children grown past youth sports, before plans come to … more

1/12/22