Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Bankruptcy Filing for Central Coventry Fire District

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today that a state-appointed lawyer, Robert Flanders, and the Receiver for the Central Coventry Fire District, Steven Hartford, filed a petition in the United States Federal Bankruptcy Court to start Chapter 9 restructuring proceedings in regards to the fire district.

Governor Chafee continued: “This is an unfortunate step. Short of an agreement with the Firefighters Union and restructuring the district’s other debts, bankruptcy is the only tool left to us to finally set the fiscal ship of the Central Coventry Fire District on the right course. I fully expect the district to emerge from the bankruptcy with a reorganized and downsized operation that can pay back its debts and maintain a proper fire and rescue service, as well as assure tax stabilization for the residents.

“For about a year and a half, we have brought both sides – the Central Coventry Fire District and firefighting staff members – together to reconcile their differences. My administration has offered assistance, initiated back-and-forth discussion, and suggested and requested options. I have instructed members of my administration to continue the negotiations in hopes of working toward a resolution. The cost of the fire district has risen beyond the willingness of the taxpayers to pay, and now bankruptcy is the only means available to restructure the district's operations and obligations to restore it to fiscal solvency and stability for the future. While we are unable to predict how long the bankruptcy will take, our objective is to conclude it as soon as possible and obtain a confirmed plan to provide the district with a balanced budget for the next five to six years.

“Throughout my career as a mayor, senator and governor, I have been sensitive to striking the balance between the voice of the local taxpayers and the employees who work in our cities and towns."

Governor Chafee Orders Rhode Island Flags to Half-Staff to Honor the Memory of former R.I. Senator Lila M. Sapinsley

To honor the memory of Former Rhode Island Senator Lila M. Sapinsley, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today has ordered all Rhode Island flags across the State to half-staff on Friday (December 12) from sunrise to sunset.

Governor Chafee’s order applies to State flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Statement from Governor Chafee on the passing of Lila Sapinsley

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said: “I was very saddened to learn of the passing of a dear family friend, Lila Sapinsley. She was a courageous and intelligent public servant who cared deeply for many Rhode Island causes, particularly issues that had an effect on women. In the 1960s, she was a key early supporter of my father. Lila also became my political mentor when she chaired our committee for the 1986 Constitutional Convention. She was the epitome of grace. It was a pleasure to serve with her. Today, Rhode Island lost a woman who dedicated many decades to making our State a better place to live and work.”

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding an Evaluation of a Traveler from West Africa at Landmark Medical Center

At the request of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), a Rhode Islander returning from West Africa 17 days ago was evaluated at Landmark for mild symptoms. The evaluation suggested no presence of any significant disease. Yesterday, after the evaluation, the patient was sent home. The patient was part of the routine monitoring program set up by the Centers for Disease Control and administered by HEALTH.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said, “On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, we appreciate the professionalism and service of the staff at Landmark. They were organized and effective. We are pleased that Landmark continues to actively participate in providing health care to our citizens, and that we are seeing collaboration among our hospitals, health-care professionals, first responders, and Rhode Island’s Health Department and Emergency Management Agency.”

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff During National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

In honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7, 2014, President Barack Obama has today requested the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff until sunset on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control.

Accordingly, Governor Chafee has directed that, in addition to the flag of the United States, the Rhode Island flag fly at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state on Sunday, December 7, until sunset.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Today’s Decision for a Jury Trial in the Pension Lawsuit

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said, “I am pleased with Judge Taft-Carter’s decision to grant the State’s request for a jury trial in the pension cases. Nevertheless, I continue to hope that settlement discussions will be revisited when the General Assembly returns in January.”

Statement from Governor Chafee and Governor-Elect Raimondo

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and Governor-elect Gina Raimondo met this afternoon at the State House to discuss plans for a seamless transition.

Governor Chafee said: “I was pleased to personally congratulate Governor-elect Raimondo. I look forward to working with the Governor-elect over the next two months to ensure she has everything necessary to prepare her for a successful start of her administration.”


Governor-elect Raimondo said: “I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Governor Chafee today to ensure a smooth transition. Over the next two months, we will be working hard and assembling a topnotch team ready to hit the ground running on day one.”