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

Letter: Discourse falls aside as name-calling and polarity reigns

September of 2016 was when Hilary Clinton famously said that half of Trump’s supporters was a basket of deplorables. True or not, it's certainly not a phrase likely to endear one to … more

11/30/22

Letter: A close enough call with a Fisher Cat

Although Fisher Cats are considered crepuscular animals (dawn and twilight feeders along with red fox, opossums and many others) one wasn’t paying any attention to that when a visitor in the … more

11/30/22

Letter: Thank you for supporting League candidate forums

To the editor: The League of Women Voters of Rhode Island would like to thank the candidates who participated and citizens who sent in questions for our forums in Bristol, Warren, Barrington and … more

11/23/22

Letter: East Bay area needs its own hospital

To the editor: Thomas Paine, the often quoted colonial newsman, once wrote, "If you are afraid to offend, you can't be honest.” Hospitals across the river and the Washington Bridge … more

11/23/22

Witness a shifting of the tectonic plates in R.I. politics

STORY OF THE WEEK: Every now and then, the tectonic plates of Rhode Island politics shift, as campaign season fades and a fresh batch of leaders takes on new roles. We’re seeing that to some … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/22/22

The author (second from left) and others caught this 11-foot thresher shark southeast of Newport, within sight of land, back in September. Anglers are seeing obvious changes in the local fishery, with cold-water fish like lobster and winter flounder migrating north, and warm-water bait fish like squid and mackerel moving in, attracting more sharks and tuna than ever before.

Op-Ed: We need climate-ready fisheries now

In Rhode Island, fisheries play a huge role in our economy and our way of life, but lately, we are seeing some concerning trends in our local fisheries. Anglers are experiencing climate impacts on … more

By Greg Vespe | 11/21/22

The stories of the election: Magaziner, McKee and the Dems

STORY OF THE WEEK: Allan Fung was visibly deflated when he walked into Twin Oaks last week to hug supporters and concede defeat in a campaign that many people expected him to win. Two elements made … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/15/22

Commentary: The horseless carriage is a necessity, but a simple stroll will do, too

We drove east — and south and north? — from East Providence to pay a late autumn visit to the Cape…”Cod," of course. We took over a beach dwelling, like the literary … more

By Mike Fink | 11/14/22

Letter: I took part in a candidates forum

To the editor: The letter from Jill Kassis and Christine Keyser in the Bristol Phoenix was misleading. I am a Republican candidate for Senate District 11 and I did participate in a forum sponsored by … more

11/3/22

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

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

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

Megan Wordell (middle) and others hug during a rally held in Little Compton Sunday afternoon. The rally was organized by Love Wins as a counterpoint to an incendiary mailer sent out late last week to Little Compton residents, which criticized progressive politics and Democrats, and called out council and school committee members for their stances on sex education, the flying of the Pride flag, and other issues.

Love Wins rallies in response to Little Compton mailer

This statement was released Saturday, following Friday's release of a 'hate-filled' political mailer sent to residents by the Little Compton Taxpayers' Association. Love Wins held a rally at the … more

11/1/22

Letter: GOP's response amounts to tacit support of Little Compton mailer

With regard to the hate-laced mail from the Little Compton Tax Payers Association, Mike Rocha state’s, as Chair of LC Republicans that "our reason for being is to promote candidates and … more

11/1/22

Letter: Vote now, or autocracy or civil war is almost inevitable

In what alternate universe is Nancy Pelosi more of a threat to democracy than Donald Trump? Is it Nancy Pelosi’s gender, political affiliation or commitment to civil rights, the working … more

11/1/22

Letter: Vote 'No' on Tiverton Question 5, Personnel Board

The Tiverton Town Council is proposing a Charter amendment that eliminates the Personnel Board from the process of hiring for seasonal, temporary and appointed persons, and gives this hiring process … more

11/1/22

Letter: Fight political hatred with fair play, humility and common sense

In much of the country, as we move through Fall and anticipate the Winter, we tweak and outfit our vehicles to avoid getting stuck in the mud or snow. A bit of care normally sees us … more

11/1/22

Letter: Shame on the Little Compton Taxpayers Association

Early Friday morning I learned that an attacker had brutally assaulted Paul Pelosi, husband of Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House and second in line to the presidency. The reports are that … more

11/1/22

Letter: Vote no on Tiverton Question 6

For years the Tiverton Taxpayers Association has warned that opponents of the Financial Town Referendum (FTR) have been trying their best to weaken voter and taxpayer protections granted through that … more

11/1/22

Letter: Welcome to Q-Anon Country

There once was a time living in Little Compton that you could speak proudly to out-of-towners and they would reply, "Ah, you live in God’s country." Now what will be the response ? "Ohh, … more

11/1/22

Letter: What's the plan for 'keeping Little Compton little'?

“Keep Little Compton little.” I have been hearing this slogan for years, but this year I heard it as a campaign suggestion of the Republicans in this year’s election. I would really … more

10/25/22

Letter: We can’t afford to approve state bond proposals

To the editor, The level of state debt in Rhode Island has reached a crises level. The Portsmouth Concerned Citizens has been recommending a “no” vote on all state bond proposals for … more

10/25/22

Letter: Disappointed in Little Compton Republicans

I’m a registered unaffiliated voter. I take pride in my independence when it comes to voting, caring more about policy and character than political parties when I step into the voting booth. So … more

10/25/22

Letter: Puzzled at Republicans' decision to ignore public forum

How lucky we are that The Sakonnet Times is holding a forum for our Town Council and School Committee to air the views of the Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, so that we in Little Compton … more

10/25/22

Letter: Sakonnet Times mis-handled dog issue with front page story

I’m going to assume that you would make the argument that since one of the participants in the neighborhood wrangle is an elected official, that this is reason enough to have placed an article … more

10/25/22