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By IAN DONNIS | September 5, 2007
BRAYTON TAPPED AT CITY HALL:
The office of Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline released a statement Friday indicating that Christopher Bizzacco, his wunderkind chief of staff, is being replaced by Operations chief Deb Brayton. Bizzaco, who is preparing to pursue an advanced degree, takes on a new title as senior adviser. With the possibility that Linc Chafee might run for mayor in 2010, some have speculated that the City Hall presence of Brayton, a Chafee veteran, is designed to help smooth the way for this . . . .
HEADHUNTING:
It’s episodes like last week’s Joba Chamberlain-Kevin Youkilis incident, in which the Yankees’ new relief stud twice threw over Youk’s head, that make baseball purists wish the American League didn’t have the designated hitter . . . .
EXIT GINAITT:
Departing state Representative Peter Ginaitt of Warwick, who has attracted bipartisan plaudits, shared an interesting anecdote prior to a taping last Friday of WPRI/WNAC-TV’s Newsmakers. After being elected during a special election in 1992, he put the usual legislative license plate on a family car. Since sore feelings remained from the state credit union crisis, one unhappy Rhode Islander focused his ire on Ginaitt’s wife, spitting at the car while she was in it with their two young children. The episode led Ginaitt to take the legislative plate off the car. After 16 years on Smith Hill, Ginaitt suggests it’s the relative small number of ethically challenged lawmakers who give the General Assembly a bad name . . . .
PROBING MATTERS:
Speaking of dubious behavior in public office, things have been quite quiet, at least on the surface, with Operation Dollar Bill, the federal probe of legislative influence-peddling. After striking a high profile with this investigation, US Attorney Robert Clark Corrente still needs to deliver . . . .
VIOLENCE SPIKES IN PROVIDENCE:
Back in May, I wrote: “In contrast to the simplistic rhetoric of tough-on-crime politics, Providence is demonstrating how complex solutions can help to ameliorate complex problems” (“Providence: safer than you think?” News, May 24). “Now, the big question is whether the city can sustain its success in having reduced violence — and for how long.”
We now know the answer. As Bill Malinowski wrote August 30 in the ProJo, Providence has been marked by a burst of shootings, predominantly in the poor neighborhoods most affected by the illegal drug trade: “In terms of violence, the Providence police say August has been the worst month in at least five years,” Malinowski wrote, with at least 26 shootings reported to the police, 20 people shot, and two people killed.
Unfortunately, none of this is particularly surprising. The best efforts of police and their allies can only do so much in squelching violence. The situation speaks mostly to how we as Americans collectively tolerate things in poor neighborhoods that would never fly in more affluent ones.
Related:
Recent items from Not for Nothing, Just the facts, Linc sets himself free, More 
- Recent items from Not for Nothing
You didn’t have to be a genius to realize that the publication of Steve Laffey’s new book would mark his formal reemergence on Rhode Island’s political stage.
- Just the facts
Phillipe + Jorge wake up frightened by a bizarre new concept in the literary world: a book by a politician that actually tells the truth.
- Linc sets himself free
We offer our kudos and congrats to former senator Linc Chafee.
- Chafee bolts; Gudrais departs; GOP reaches out
Despite his characteristic candor, Linc Chafee remains a somewhat enigmatic figure.
- Chafee protects his liberal flank
US Senator Linc Chafee — in the ideological hot seat, as always — had to make another tough strategic decision, deciding to vote against confirming Judge Samuel Alito.
- A vote is a terrible thing to waste
Yes, in a display of self-aggrandizement that would make Tom Cruise gasp, it is time for the mighty Phillipe & Jorge to make our endorsements.
- Last Republican standing
Last year, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian made a very smart decision by standing pat.
- Losing a Brown basketball legend
On the sadness front, while P+J missed our chance to say the sporting old boys hereabouts were grieved to learn of the passing of former Brown basketball star Eddie Morris on March 5.
- Chafee for governor?
For now, Lincoln Chafee has the luxury of discussing his political future as a riddle wrapped up in an enigma.
- Tortured logic
Back in 1993, US Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York wrote a famous essay, entitled “Defining Deviancy Down,” for the American Scholar .
- Campaign follies
You can always learn something from watching television commercials.
- Less
Topics:
This Just In
, Elections and Voting, Politics, Baseball, More
, Elections and Voting, Politics, Baseball, Sports, AL East Division, American League (Baseball), Major League Baseball, Professional Baseball, Illegal Drugs, New York Yankees, Less
