WPRO News
PROVIDENCE –Mayors, Town Managers and municipal leaders from across Rhode Island assembled at the State House Monday to strongly oppose legislation that would allow the automatic continuation of employment contracts for municipal employees and teachers.
The municipal leaders say that the bill, known as the ‘Evergreen Contracts’ bill,’ already passed out of the House Labor Committee, will drive rising personnel, healthcare and retirement costs increasing the burden on local taxpayers.
LISTEN TO STEVE KLAMKIN’S REPORT:
Listen to “Cities and towns oppose guaranteed lifetime ‘Evergreen’ contracts” on Spreaker.
Two local mayors joined Dan Yorke on WPRO Monday to explain their opposition to the bill. Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena told Yorke that “This is a lifetime contract bill. If it becomes law, this is going to end any and all ability to negotiate on behalf of the taxpayer. This will clearly handcuff the mayors, the town administrators, and the town managers ability to negotiate. It will put us at a clear disadvantage, and it will absolutely, positively, unequivocally raise property taxes.”
Listen to Yorke’s full conversations with Mayors Lombardi and Polisena below
“Automatic contract extensions will financially burden municipalities and taxpayers for years to come. We urge our Representatives at the State House to oppose this bill when it comes to the floor,” said Brian Daniels, Executive Director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. “Neither the General Assembly or the State would agree to a contract that would go on indefinitely. The State shouldn’t mandate that for cities and towns either.”
North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi also joined Yorke Monday and said, “To me, this is an insult to the mayors, managers, administrators, and ultimately the taxpayers. We’ll have no leverage. There will be no incentive to negotiate in good faith, because those unions will no longer be bound by a contract.
The following municipal officials attended the press conference at the State House: Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza; Cranston Mayor Allan Fung; Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena; North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi; Barrington Town Manager James Cunha; Lincoln Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond; Jamestown Town Administrator Andrew Nota; Charlestown Town Administrator Mark Stankiewicz; North Smithfield Town Administrator Gary Ezovski; Burrillville Town Manager Michael Wood; and South Kingstown Town Manager Robert Zarnetske.
Listen to “Mayor Charles Lombardi : Evergreen Contract legislation” on Spreaker.
Listen to “Mayor Joe Polisena : Lifetime Contract legislation” on Spreaker.
Listen to “Vin Ragosta – Lifetime Contracts” on Spreaker.
