Serving the Residents of Ward 4

The month of June marks the end of my first 7 months as the Council representative from Ward 4. I am proud of the many accomplishments that myself and the Council have achieved in our first 7 months. I would like to highlight a few of the accomplishments which directly affect the residents of Ward 4.

As a longtime resident of Riverside, I was acutely aware of the odor issues emanating from the sewer plant. Like everyone I was unsure which aspect of the sewer plant needed repair to remedy the situation. Through discussions and a tour of the facility with the employees it was quickly identified that the smell was mainly due to sewage arriving from Barrington that was inadequately treated at the source and gasses leaking from that sewage upon arrival in Riverside. I'm happy to report that after addressing the issue with Barrington the main source of the smell has been resolved.

In addition to working on the sewer odor issues in December, I co sponsored an ordinance allowing for a 14 grace period on property tax payments so that residents would not get charged a fee if they were a day or two late on making their property tax payment.

In March, I sponsored a resolution requesting the RI house and senate delegation to obtain grants and projects to assist with the restoration and reclamation of our city's beautiful shoreline. This also directly assists residents living along the water.

In May, I sponsored a resolution for the sewer tie in loan fund (STILF) which will provide up to $150,000 in loans to homeowners from the RI Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) assisting those living near the water in Riverside to tie into the sewer line through grant funded loans.

In May, I sponsored an ordinance which creates a safe but business friendly door to door solicitors license which requires police approval and a license badge to be worn by those canvassing from house to house.

One of the greatest services I can provide to the residents, is to provide good constituent services. All too often, getting answers to a question or receiving assistance on an issue can be a daunting task and it's my strong desire to assist residents in this process and help make their interaction with their elected representative as easy as contacting a neighbor or friend.

I look forward to the next 7 months of service continuing to represent the residents of Ward 4.

Sincerely
Councilman Faria