EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to bring varying racial and ethnic backgrounds with differing views together, Mayor Bob DaSilva has created the Mayor’s Community Advisory Board.
The board was created to promote communication between communities within the city and the administration, to reduce systemic racism and bigotry and to promote the values of diversity and inclusivity within the city.
“The creation of this group will help to further the dialogue between the various racial and ethnic groups of our city,” Mayor DaSilva said. “East Providence is a diverse community, and this board will allow our various communities to express their concerns, offer suggestions and create meaningful conversations with each other and the administration.”
The board, which will meet on a monthly basis, will include 15 East Providence residents from a diverse background within the community.
Mayor DaSilva has also named East Providence Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer Elmer Pina, as the City’s new municipal integrity officer. In his role as MIO, Pina will be a point of contact for any complaints from city residents of social injustice, systemic racism within the community and any other complaints regarding city operations.
The MIO will be tasked with the intake and investigation of complaints from those in the community who feel they have been mistreated and will serve as a liaison in connecting members of the community with state and/or federal organizations who may further address any issues.
“I am extremely excited to be appointed by Mayor DaSilva as the Municipal Integrity Officer for the City of East Providence,” Pina said. “During these challenging and unprecedented times, the City of East Providence has continued to rise and be a leader in the state.
“I look forward to assisting and addressing issues of inequality,” Pina added.
Residents who are interested in joining the Community Advisory Board should contact Elmer Pina at epina@eastprovidenceri.gov or apply here: https://onboard.eastprovidence.com/apply/
Executive Order 2020-031
June 2, 2020
Mayor’s Community Advisory Board
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, George Perry Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in a wanton act of violence, which has shaken our nation to its core; and
WHEREAS, this is only one of many tragic events in recent history where systemic racism has contributed to gross injustice by law enforcement; and?
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence wishes to reaffirm the commitment of its administration, including its public safety officers and officials, to the service of its residents; and
WHEREAS, in order to reaffirm this commitment, the administration wishes to bring together groups of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds that may have differing views in order to promote inclusivity for the betterment of the entire city.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of East Providence, pursuant to the Home Rule Charter of the City of East Providence and Chapter 2 Article III Sec. 2-41 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of East Providence, do hereby order and direct the following:?
Section 1: Establishment and Composition of Mayor’s Community Advisory Board:
- There is hereby established a Mayor’s Community Advisory Board in the City of East Providence, herein after referred to as the Board.
- The Board shall consist of 15 residents of the City of East Providence who reflect the diversity of the various communities within the city, and shall meet on a monthly basis.
- Each member of the Board shall serve for a term of one (1) year, but shall remain on the Board until a successor is appointed.
Section 2: Duties of Mayor’s Community Advisory Board:
- The Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to consult the Mayor and other members of the administration, pursuant to Sec. 2-41 of the Revised Code of Ordinances, on ways.
- The Board is empowered to work with and through the office of the Mayor and Municipal Integrity Officer in order to accomplish any work deemed necessary.
This Order shall take effect on June 2, 2020 and remain in full force and effect for the remainder of my term. So Ordered: