To the Editor:
Roger Williams called our city’s founder Samuel Gorton a “turbulent troublemaker.”
Last Thursday, I had the honor and privilege of attending a celebration at Gorton Junior …
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To the Editor:
Roger Williams called our city’s founder Samuel Gorton a “turbulent troublemaker.”
Last Thursday, I had the honor and privilege of attending a celebration at Gorton Junior High, which has never been a stranger to fighting the good fight. The event, which included an honor guard, had all the trappings of a PBS special performance. Led by a talented string orchestra directed by Michelle Devine, the ceremony revolved around a musical repertoire reflecting our nation’s history paralleling that of the school’s. The select chorus added a nostalgic touch, performing a profound rendition of the former high school’s alma mater.
Guests were welcomed to the cry of “Extra, Extra!” by period costumed students distributing programs copied from the Providence Journal’s 1939 headline, “New School Opens in Warwick.” Student News Anchors Chase Rogers and Ryan Vuz captured each moment of the changing times providing historical background as the music was presented.
The ceremony concluded with an emotional rendition of composer Roger Cichy’s original, commissioned piece, “Standing Tall with Changing Times.” The words, “Farewell, dear Alma Mater, may God ‘er with you go,” will never ring truer.
Stephen Andolfo
Warwick
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richardcorrente
Dear Stephen,
I was also at the Gorton Junior High performance last Thursday and I agree, Michelle Devine did a spectacular job.
I also have a deep respect for our city's founder, Samual Gorton but I didn't know he was called a "turbulent troublemaker". Some of my ideas have been referred to as turbulent; and to those who benefit from the political kick-back jobs Avedisian has given away at the extreme expense of the taxpayers, I guess you could also call me a bit of a troublemaker. I represent the 80,000 taxpayers that are paying the salaries, benefits, and lifetime pensions of these employees. I met one city employee at the Gaspee Day Parade. I asked him if he felt that 16 years of annual tax increases was too much and he said "No! Whenever there is a tax increase, I get a raise." Well, Steve, maybe I don't represent that guy but I do represent the 80,000 taxpayers that are paying the tab for him (and others). That tab includes salaries, benefits and lifetime pensions. Everybody knows someone who is a "tax recipient". We just have to remember who is paying for that "tax recipient". Avedisian has bought a lot of votes with political kick-back jobs. He had 4 Chiefs-of-Staff in only a 14 month period. I don't think it's fair that we taxpayers should pay for the salaries, benefits, and lifetime pensions for all those people. Do you?
Enjoy your Summer.
Richard Corrente
Democrat for Mayor
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Report this
JohnStark
Mr. Corrente: You may have some valid points, but your venue for addressing them is entirely misplaced. Don't turn a letter about a splendid school production into your personal diatribe about pensions. Keep up your recalcitrance. Just use a different page.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 Report this