Politics & Policies
Fogarty and Fung Talk About Taxing the Howard Center
7 Questions for Cranston’s Mayoral Candidates
Recently I contacted Allan Fung and Cindy Fogarty, Cranston’s mayoral candidates, and asked if they would answer a short list of Cranston Style questions. There are already plenty of political blogs in Rhode Island’s blogosphere – covering the races and doing it well. But I felt it’d be irresponsible not to address Cranston’s politics – on some level. Thanks to both candidates for taking the time to answer the questions. The first question I asked was kind of a yawner. It was my attempt at substance over style.
Question 1What’s your stance on a tax treaty with the State of Rhode Island for their use of the Pastore Center?
Cindy Fogarty: I assume you are aware that the City of Cranston does indeed already receive some tax dollars for state owned property and usage. We received funds or payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) money FYE 2008. What I need to ensure that Cranston is getting its fair share, is data that is either unavailable to the general public or is not being gathered in a helpful manner. For example, how many police and/or fire calls does Cranston make to the complex, what services did those runs provide, how long was the city’s time and manpower. With that detail of information, we can then evaluate that data with our known per call cost and compare those numbers to what we have been receiving and advocate for additional funds if necessary.
Allan Fung: Cranston currently receives PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) monies from the State for the state properties. Unfortunately, it is not equal to what we would receive if it were tax revenue. While it will be difficult in these tough financial times, I will continue to push for additonal monies from the state as our city does provide significant services to the state institutions.
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Monday April 18, 2011
Cranston: Kate Middleton's Dress Designer
As reported in Vogue, Elle UK, The Telegraph and dozens of other news sites and blogs, Cranston was recently selected as Kate Middleton’s wedding gown designer. A city of 80,000 people located just south of Providence, Rhode Island, Cranston has long been known for its printed fabrics industry, making it a... more
Tuesday November 30, 2010
Heed The Stop Sign Herd
The news of Cranston’s undocumented stop signs found a wider audience today. To the relief of local street sign paperwork investigators, RIDOT has claimed responsibility for about a third of the signs. The other 400 stop signs remain somewhat of a mystery. However, a Federal Highway Administration official assured Cranston... more
Monday November 1, 2010
All Things Votey
The Office of the Secretary of State maintains a website where you can find your polling place, registration information, and your sample ballot. It’s time to pick up that squeeky, dry black pen, make some tough choices, and shove it back into place. From the Office: To avoid delays on Nov.... more
Wednesday October 20, 2010
Palumbo and Jacquard Fare Poorly On Environmental Report Card
State representatives Peter Palumbo and Robert Jacquard slacked on environmental issues, according to a report card from the Environment Council of Rhode Island. The Council, a collection of diverse environmental groups including Save the Bay and the Sierra Club, issued their 2010 Green Report Cards for the General Assembly. Grades... more
Tuesday September 21, 2010
The Amazing Trash Race
The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation recently issued cash rebates to 36 Rhode Island cities and towns based on their recycling rates. Of the total $681,014, Cranston received $59,492. In spite of the No Bin No Barrel policy enacted a year ago, Cranston’s recycling rate has increased by less than... more
Josh,
Are you going to post all 7 answers?
— Rachel McNally · Oct 4, 06:52 PM · #
I plan to post one every four days or so. Posting them all in one story seemed a little overwhelming.
— Josh · Oct 5, 06:34 PM · #
It would be best to space the answers as you plan. Too many too quickly would dimish its impact. Nicely done Josh !
Jim Carr
City Council
Ward 6
Candidate
— Jim Carr · Oct 13, 04:47 PM · #