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

Editorial: Access for all at the Bristol docks

A local nonprofit’s request to install a lift for wheelchair-bound boat passengers at the town’s public marina is reasonable on its merits. Like offering transient slips, a pumpout … more

12/5/24

Editorial: Too many boards or too few volunteers?

What is happening with town boards and commissions? Are there fewer people volunteering these days or has the town created too many commissions? On Tuesday morning, the Town Clerk’s office … more

12/4/24

Editorial: State needs to iron out recount wrinkle

The recent Barrington Town Council race exposed a flaw in the state’s election system. Election law states that only a candidate who is trailing in a race can request a recount. Most times that … more

12/4/24

Editorial: Explore Bristol! Then go home

As it makes life better for its residents, Bristol should be wary of making life difficult for its visitors. In recent weeks, the local government has passed two new ordinances aimed at outsiders. … more

11/27/24

Editorial: A high school sports system built for inequity

When we first learned that the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) had adopted a new system for rating the strength of Rhode Island high school sports teams, we were dubious. Now that it took … more

11/13/24

Editorial: Hope for the future — post-election

Regardless of who wins next Tuesday, the sun will rise next Wednesday. The Earth will keep spinning. Schools will welcome their students. Businesses will open their doors. Life will be much the same … more

10/30/24

Editorial: Locally, we say yes

Early voters have already seen, and Nov. 5 voters will soon see, five Local Questions on their 2024 ballot. We support all five. They are officially Questions 6 to 10 on the ballot, following a … more

10/29/24

Editorial: Cemetery gates are (unfortunately) necessary

St. Mary’s Church is doing the right thing by installing gates at its cemetery on Chestnut Street . In the past, this might not have been necessary. Most folks would never have considered … more

10/25/24

Editorial: A wonderful Walkabout in Warren

It all starts with the weather. If the organizers of Warren Walkabout could coerce Mother Nature into their planning meetings, they would demand a day like this past Sunday. A warm, sunny, … more

10/24/24

Editorial: The courage to silence phones in school

The Bristol Warren Regional School District is showing the courage to do what few other districts have been willing to – restricting student cell phone use during the school day. At its … more

10/24/24

Editorial: Bravo, to the League

The League of Women Voters of Rhode Island is providing a fantastic public service throughout the month leading up to Election Day. League volunteers, led by a group more robust and active than we … more

10/3/24

Title IX Correction

An article in this week’s edition of the Sakonnet Times contained a misquote of Little Compton school superintendent Dr. Laurie Dias-Mitchell. Asked about the district’s policy that … more

9/19/24

Editorial: Great news for the East Bay Bike Path

It’s easy to live with disruption. Most folks do it every day. They drive to work with brakes that squeak slightly. They stop thinking about the ache in their back. They eventually learn to … more

8/23/24

Editorial: Creative solutions to Barrington's beach parking jam

There are no easy solutions to the parking and access problems at Barrington Town Beach. Had town leaders developed a long-range vision a generation ago, they might have acquired a nearby lot or two … more

7/25/24

Editorial: A safer bike path for all

Among the flurry of bills being passed out of the Rhode Island General Assembly is a new law with big impact for the communities along the East Bay Bike Path. The “e-bikes bill” creates a … more

6/14/24

Editorial: An overdue opportunity to support recreation in Barrington

Barrington Financial Town Meeting voters will face another important decision when they are asked to authorize up to $5 million in long-term borrowing, the bulk of it to create an artificial turf … more

5/15/24

Editorial: Why Barrington voters should reject the monastery development plan

In the three years since the Town of Barrington purchased a seven-acre property on Watson Avenue, its plans have ebbed and flowed considerably, as have public opinions. Some want the land surrounding … more

5/15/24

Editorial: Chilling acts of violence in Barrington

A video posted and shared through teenage social media channels shows a disturbing scene that occurred last week just outside the boundaries of Barrington High School. Last Wednesday, an 18-year-old … more

5/1/24

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: APRA fight has government protecting government

Committees in both the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Rhode Island Senate have listened to testimony on a bill that would update and improve the state’s public records law. … more

4/4/24

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: 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: Let the light shine

Government works best in the light. When its actions are open, seen and transparent, they can be measured. They can be scrutinized. They can be questioned. They can be challenged. more

3/14/24

Commentary: Why Westport needs Route 6 project

Westport citizens will have the opportunity to vote for clean water at that ballot box on Tuesday, April 9. There will be a ballot question to allow for a debt exclusion of approximately … more

By James Whitin | 3/12/24

Editorial: Barrington dropped the ball with new drive-through

For a town that wants to promote walkability, the Barrington Shopping Center is a glaring failure, and the new Starbucks drive-through lane only amplifies that. The Barrington Shopping … more

3/1/24