EAST PROVIDENCE — Mayor Bob DaSilva last week took two executive actions in what he said was an attempt “to bring varying racial and ethnic backgrounds with differing views together” as the city, state and responds to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis, Minn., police officers.

The mayor created a Community Advisory Board, which will be made of volunteers from throughout the city, and the position of Municipal Integrity Officer (MIO), which he immediately filled with the appointment of East Providence’s Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer Elmer Pina.

According to a release issued by Mayor DaSilva, “the board was created to promote communication between communities within the city and the administration, to reduce systemic racism and bigotry and to promote the values of diversity and inclusivity within the city.”

The board will include 15 East Providence residents from a diverse background within the community and is expected to meet on a monthly basis.

Residents who are interested in joining the Community Advisory Board should contact Mr. Pina at epina@eastprovidenceri.gov or apply at https://onboard.eastprovidence.com/apply.

The release also stated Mr. Pina, in his role as MIO, will be a point of contact for any complaints from city residents of social injustice, systemic racism within the community and any other complaints regarding city operations.

The MIO will be tasked with the intake and investigation of complaints from those in the community who feel they have been mistreated and will serve as a liaison in connecting members of the community with state and/or federal organizations who may further address any issues.

“I am extremely excited to be appointed by Mayor DaSilva as the Municipal Integrity Officer for the City of East Providence,” Mr. Pina said. “During these challenging and unprecedented times, the City of East Providence has continued to rise and be a leader in the state. I look forward to assisting and addressing issues of inequality.”

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