WARWICK A resident , frustrated with unsuccessful efforts to have several monster potholes fixed near his house , bought the necessary equipment and filled them himself .
EAST GREENWICH The town has collected more than $ 250,000 in unpaid car tax bills dating back to 2010 , leaving 3,496 remaining delinquent accounts totaling $ 942,000 .
BURRILLVILLE The town council voted to declare Burrillville a “ First Amendment Sanctuary Town ” in response to the governor ’ s orders regarding social distancing and other COVID-related measures . The requirements imposed “ substantial harm to the emotional , spiritual and financial well-being ” of residents , they said .
SCITUATE A resident asked a federal judge to allow him to keep the vanity plate on his Tesla that reads “ FKGAS .”
RHODE ISLAND A rookie Providence police officer , who was on probation when he crashed into a state police SUV on Route 95 , was charged with DUI and possession of fentanyl , among others . The Providence police department said he would not be hired .
�Quotables
“ The public has this Armageddon scenario that ’ s going to happen , and they don ’ t want to rely on government .”
The state Police Chiefs Association executive director explaining why Rhode Islanders have applied for background checks in record numbers , a required step before buying a gun .
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4 Reasons
WHY WE LOVE OUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS !
They appreciate the environment ! Former General Assembly member Laufton Ascencao was charged with embezzling $ 16,379 from the local Sierra Club chapter where he was treasurer .
They think for themselves ! Narragansett Town Council President Matthew Mannix tried to strike against the governor ’ s coronavirus orders , and told police not to issue fines against restaurants and places of worship defying the rules . He later withdrew his resolution .
They ’ re transparent about their work ! House and Senate leaders ordered $ 166,000 in plexiglass dividers that encased members ’ chamber desks on three sides . According to opposition member Blake Filippi , the state “ way overpaid .”
They ’ re flexible ! Linc Chafee , former Republican turned Independent governor , then Democratic presidential candidate in 2016 , dropped his run for president as a Libertarian . �
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JANUARY 2021 43