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

Keeping close watch on the on-again, off-again tariffs

STORY OF THE WEEK: Tariffs “will always tend to crush the spirit of enterprise and cripple the productive energies of a country.” If that sounds like a gripe from Canadian Prime Minister … more

By Ian Donnis | 3/10/25

Letter: Most all of us are descendants of immigrants

To the editor: It’s a wonderful month — “Irish Heritage Month,” and like many of you I am a descendent of Irish immigrants. My grandparents left Ireland in … more

3/9/25

Letter: Trump’s wrongs are too many to be listed

To the editor: Mr. Trump is right about a few things. First, the long-standing dispute between Israel and the Palestinians can be resolved by asserting that Palestinians don’t matter. … more

3/7/25

Letter: USAID’s destruction will impact all of us

Most Americans a month ago had zero awareness of the US Aid Program — what it did; who it benefitted; what it cost. But since Trump and Musk tried to cut off funding for these programs, we have … more

3/5/25

Letter: The truth about whales, acoustics, and the cost of windpower

Robert Rand, an acoustical engineer from Brunswick, Maine, [Rand Acoustics] spoke during a presentation at a meeting in Dartmouth on October 23, 2024 at the Stackhouse Club. Robert has developed … more

3/3/25

Letter: More questions after wind reps come to town

Representatives from Vineyard Offshore, parent company of Vineyard Wind I and II, spoke in Westport at the Offshore Wind Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, February 20. Approximately … more

2/25/25

Letter: Why I'm stepping aside from select board race

After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my nomination papers for Select Board in order to remain on the Westport School Committee. While I sincerely appreciate the encouragement … more

2/19/25

I pledge allegiance to Trump

Nobody would argue that government is not corpulent and needs a diet, which the President is doing. While scholars are focused on whether much of President Donald Trump’s purge of programs and … more

By Arlene Violet, Esq. | 2/18/25

Letter: Our democracy is worthy of a champion

Democracy is messy because everyone has an opinion. Governing in a democracy is hard because finding common ground among swirling opinions is often exceedingly contentious. This dilemma can … more

2/5/25

Impacted by opioids? Westport wants your input

Members of the Westport Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee (OSFAC) will hold a focus group next Monday, Feb. 10, in the Westport Library’s north room. It runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. … more

2/4/25

Letter: Worried about election consequences? There is help locally

We 33 members of the Westport Democratic Town Committee watched with great interest the inauguration of Donald Trump as our nation’s 47th president. His life embodies, his campaign espoused, … more

1/27/25

Letter: Feasibility study will help Westport plan its future

I am pleased to share an update regarding the future of Westport’s municipal buildings. This week, the Westport Select Board is set to approve a contract with RGB Architects, Inc. for a … more

1/8/25

Letter: Westport is rising to the offshore wind challenge

Westport's newly formed Offshore Wind Advisory Committee (OSWAC) met for the second time this past Thursday, Dec. 12. It will convene again on Jan. 16, 2025, at 5:30pm in Westport Town Hall. At its … more

12/18/24

A Great Horned Owl surveys its territory from a native cherry tree perch in the East Bay. Great Horned Owls are widespread across the U.S. but bird count surveys have shown a significant decreasing trend in the eastern region. Photo courtesy of Butch Lombardi.

The symbiotic relationships between owls and woodpeckers

Head outside on a clear winter night in the East Bay and you might just be greeted by the deep, soft hoots of Great Horned Owls advertising their territories and calling to their mates. Listen more … more

By Cindy and Ed Moura | 12/12/24

Dr. Patrick T. Conley, chairman of the U.S. Constitution Council, delivers an address to dignitaries at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on Dec. 15, 1991, to mark the Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights. U.S. Chief Justice Warren Burger delivered a similar address on that day in Richmond, Virginia.

In praise and recognition of America’s Bill of Rights

December 15 is the anniversary of our Bill of Rights. On that date in 1791, Virginia’s ratification of Articles I through X of our Constitution incorporated them permanently into our … more

By Patrick T. Conley | 12/4/24

Message of Hope: Westport forms Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee

Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH). The goal is to share information with our community about local issues and projects, public health alerts, … more

By Donna Amaral, RN | 12/4/24

Letter: Thanks, from 8th Bristol District candidate Thrasher

Today, this chapter of our campaign for the 8th Bristol Representative comes to a close. I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, express my heartfelt … more

11/26/24

ILO Group report shined a bright spotlight on the governor

STORY OF THE WEEK: About three years after Attorney General Peter Neronha ’s probe into the ILO Group became public, the story hit a dramatic apex. On Tuesday, Neronha released his findings via … more

By Ian Donnis | 11/6/24

Letter: Why doesn’t the paper print letters on national politics?

Beginning in May of this year, this newspaper has refused to publish letters to the editor about national politics, stating that such letters must focus on local issues and news only. Citizen … more

11/5/24

Letter: Monday's power outage had major impacts

On Monday, an announcement was sent describing a brief power outage , which was corrected by generators at the Westport High School during school hours. The message did not begin to … more

10/31/24

Editor’s note: The signs may be disturbing to some, but they are not owned by, nor were they installed by, the orchard’s owners. The owners hung this sign at their stand to let customers know they aren’t responsible for them.

Letter: Orchard is great, the vulgar signs not so much

I appreciate the publication of the Westport Shorelines. I read with interest the Westport Shorelines October 24 Westport Farming Profile of the Noquochoke Orchards by Deanna Levanti. Like all … more

10/30/24

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

Letter: ‘Conflict’ story didn’t tell the real story

The article titled “Town moderator targets possible conflicts of interest” mischaracterizes the issue it seeks to address making it sound personal despite the best efforts of all … more

10/29/24

Letter: Westport Winter Market starts soon

The Westport Summer Farmers Market ended a great 2024 run on Saturday, Oct. 12, after 19 consecutive and successful markets. The good news is that a Westport Winter Market will open soon. The … more

10/23/24

Letter: I suggest picking a party over a candidate

To the editor: In a few weeks I will fill bubbles. First bubble on the list will be for president and vice-president. Six candidates are running for president/vice president in Rhode Island … more

10/22/24