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

Letter: Letter reminded me of Joyce Kilmer poem

To the editor: I enjoyed George Voutes’s letter regarding trees (“Trees for the people and the planet,” The Portsmouth Times, April 4). It reminded me of a poem I … more

4/15/24

Good vibes and good times for the leaders of the House

STORY OF THE WEEK: Rhode Island House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski has a bit more gray hair these days, but his status as the heir-apparent to House Speaker Joe Shekarchi remains … more

By Ian Donnis | 5/15/24

Letter: The state legislature’s plan to ruin the East Bay Bike Path

To the editor: It’s ludicrous that the state legislature can deem a motor not a motor, as in the pending e-bike legislation (covered in these pages last week) that deems e-bikes – … more

5/17/23

Letter: Article eloquently captured Owen Cameron’s spirit

To the editor: I was moved by Jim McGaw’s excellently written article (“He was a light,” Portsmouth Times, April 4) about Owen Cameron, whom I never met. I am … more

4/15/24

Letter: Suicide prevention barriers on bridges save lives

To the editor: As a lifelong East Bay resident, I have always enjoyed the beauty of Narragansett Bay. But behind this cozy New England life, the beauty is often marred by the sound of helicopters … more

11/14/19

Letter: Thanks to Cortvriend, Seveney for PFAS ban

To the editor, I want to thank State Rep. Terri Cortvriend (District 72-Portsmouth, Middletown) and State Sen. Jim Seveney (District 11-Bristol, Portsmouth, Tiverton), for sponsoring legislation … more

6/27/22

Letter: Rebuild Stone Bridge, take control of Teddy’s Beach

To the editor: It is time for 02871 to step up and rebuild the Stone Bridge abutment in Island Park. It is time for 02871 to step up and take control of Teddy’s Beach in Island Park. … more

8/31/21

Letter: Transfer station decision is about residents’ choice

To the editor: The transfer station decision impacts all residents’ choices and pocketbooks. Both curbside users and transfer station users need to collaborate on this effort as it’s … more

9/26/23

Letter: Levesque responds to critics of Town Council

To the editor: I reference letters that appeared in this paper recently, one from Mr. Fitzmorris and the other from Mr. Grieb, both of whom I believe are familiar to your readers. Each … more

4/16/24

Letter: Taxpayer-funded abortion hearing was Kabuki theater

To the editor: The well-scripted and choreographed Kabuki theater at the House Judiciary Committee hearing March 6 for House Bills 5006, 5047, and 5228 was disheartening. Repetitious, … more

3/13/23

Editorial: Keep meetings open

The benefits of more people accessing, following and interacting with their government far exceed the negative, or potential negative, impacts. Government is best when it not only represents citizens, but involves them. more

3/24/22

Letter: Why be cautious on Mayflower? Old Mill Lane

To the editor: I am writing in response to your Aug. 11 article regarding the Mayflower Wind Project and I must applaud all the residents who expressed their concerns about the project. … more

8/22/22

Will the Fung-Magaziner outcome reflect a national trend?

The out-of-town frame on the CD2 race is mainly about how a potential win by GOP candidate Allan Fung in a Democrat-leaning Rhode Island reflects a tough national outlook for President Biden’s … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/2/22

All eyes are on the Speaker as Congressional race takes shape

STORY OF THE WEEK: With Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos having announced a run in CD1, the race to succeed U.S. Rep. David Cicilline is approaching a more active phase. All eyes are on House Speaker Joe … more

By Ian Donnis | 3/13/23

Editorial: End the cap on private school scholarships

In many cases where demand exceeds supply, forces realign and come into balance. Unless something like the Rhode Island General Assembly stands in the way. Through a little-known program created … more

9/21/22

Letter: How many more will die with lack of bridge barriers?

To the editor: The Portsmouth Times of (Aug. 18) announced the timeline for the study of anti-suicide fences on our island’s bridges. The study will be complete in 18 months. … more

8/22/22

The gubernatorial candidates are getting aggressive

The fight for governor between Republican Ashley Kalus and Democrat Dan McKee has seemingly shifted into a new gear, with both campaigns aggressively going at each other amid an occasional misstep. … more

By Ian Donnis | 10/6/22

Never a day in the U.S. where slavery is not legal

As Rhode Islanders go to the polls to vote, at least the abolition of slavery will not be on the ballot. Elsewhere in five states, Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennesee and Vermont, voters will decide … more

By Arlene Violet | 11/2/22

Letter: Let’s keep shoreline access open to everybody

To the editor: It was a bit ironic that the front-page article on the June 22 edition of the Times applauded the expanded shoreline access law recently passed by the State of Rhode Island … more

7/3/23

Accountability and leadership in the I-195 crisis

STORY OF THE WEEK: The emergency closing of the westbound part of the Washington Bridge put Gov. Dan McKee — and how he performs during a crisis — under a microscope. McKee was … more

By Ian Donnis | 12/19/23

Governor Dan McKee recently initiated a new mandate regarding mask wearing and showing proof of vaccination for small and large businesses and venues.

Poll: Are you in favor of the new mask mandate?

Governor Dan McKee recently initiated a new, temporary indoor mask mandate and proof of vaccine requirements. Do you agree with his decision? more

12/20/21

McKee shows another side of himself

My parents always taught us to be gracious in victory as well as in defeat. One event that should be a source of gratitude to others and respect for a vanguished opponent is a stunning victory in a … more

10/6/22

The busted bridge continues to invite both follies and frustration

STORY OF THE WEEK: Last week, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and RIDOT Director Peter Alviti offered a glimmer of hope for frustrated drivers. A plan developed with the Federal Highway Administration … more

By Ian Donnis | 2/26/24

‘Tragedy of the Commons’ being acted out in Portsmouth

To the editor: “The Tragedy of the Commons.” This is the economic and public policy situation when an individual’s actions taken in their best interest and using entirely legal … more

4/15/24

Letter: Texting and driving is illegal, but who knows the law?

To the editor: I am writing you with the hope you can answer a question for me in your weekly paper. I am a resident of Bristol, but my business is located in Portsmouth. Our so-called … more

11/6/19