Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we talk with neighbors across the Ward, we consistently hear a desire for leaders that can actually get things done. We agree. We are tired of seeing elected officials fight and grandstand - and who don't know how to work in coalitions, and make big promises they don't know how to fulfill.
Sue literally has art hanging in her office - bought from a local artist - that says "Get Shit Done". We know Sue will deliver on her promises because she has a track record of successfully getting shit done wherever she goes.
In her current day job, Sue is an active environmental policy advocate. Just this last legislative session, she successfully worked with state Rep. Rebecca Kislak to pass the first updates to the state's pesticide laws in over a decade -- restricting the use of a class of pesticides harmful to people and pollinators. She worked in coalitions to pass nation-leading clean energy laws requiring our utility to procure 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2033.
As chair of Providence's Sustainability Commission, Sue worked with Councilwoman Anthony, then-Director of Sustainability Leah Bamberger, and the Racial & Environmental Justice Committee to pass an ordinance in 2021 that codified the Office of Sustainability as its own Department, required the Department to meet the goals of the Climate Justice Plan, and updated the membership requirements of her Commission to ensure it represented the diversity of the City's population. Throughout 2020 and early 2021, Sue worked with advocates - including grassroots advocates at Climate Action RI - to innovate new advocacy techniques on Zoom, and also delivered over 100 letters of support for this ordinance - signed by the Mayor in summer 2021.
Sue is the leader that will get things done in and for Ward 3.
Other Campaign Updates:
Endorsements:
We are so pleased to share that we have received endorsements from both Climate Action Rhode Island and the Sierra Club of Rhode Island.
We also continue to receive endorsements from community leaders across the Ward. We are so proud to have received the support of former State Senator Rhoda Perry, who represented the East Side for decades and lives in Ward 3.
Sue on the Campaign Trail:
Sue is working hard to connect with voters in every corner of the Ward to hear their concerns and hopes for Providence and Ward 3 -- and to share her vision. This week, she had some company and was out knocking doors with State Rep. Edie Ajello. She also appeared on the Jim Vincent Show - Jim is the leader of the NAACP Providence Branch and is a fellow Dartmouth alum.
Upcoming Events:
There are two candidate forums scheduled for Ward 3 City Council.
The Summit Neighborhood Association is hosting a forum on Thursday, August 11th at 6pm at the Rochambeau Library.
The Ward 3 Democratic Committee and the Mt Hope Community Center are partnering to host a second forum on August 29th at 6:30pm at the Martin Luther King School on Camp St.
Follow us on Social Media:
Sue provides regular updates and community resources on her campaign Facebook account and also her personal Twitter. Follow along on both!
Providence News:
City Charter Updates: The City Council recently approved 10 changes to the City's Charter stemming from this past year's Charter Review Commission process. These changes would include a partly elected-partly appointed school board, changes to procurement thresholds, and several others. While there are some improvements, there are also some concerning proposals that require more nuance and vetting -- including the changes to the school board. Mayor Elorza vetoed the proposed changes, and Council will reconvene next week to discuss next steps.
Comprehensive Plan Updates: The City's Comprehensive Plan is an incredibly important planning document that guides the city's zoning and other decisions for up to 20 years. It affects everything from housing density issues stemming from zoning to what can be sited at the Port of Providence. The Planning Department is about to kick off their once-per-decade update process to the Comp Plan. It's one of the most important process at the City and can fly under the radar. Follow the Planning Department's social media for updates on how to weigh in - and I will share updates here!
Record High Temperatures: We have been experiencing an extended heat wave and extreme drough conditions. Check out the City's public water parks, pools, and cooling centers and encourage your friends and neighbors to head over there as well.
Important Election Dates: The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is August 23rd. Early Voting Starts on August 24th (at City Hall). The election is on September 13th. For more information, check out the Secretary of State's website at vote.sos.ri.gov.
Thank you all! Please reach out to #TeamSue if you have any questions or want to be involved in any way. Five more weeks to make Sue the Democratic candidate for Council - let's do this!