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.”

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of Legendary U.S. Congressman Fernand J. St Germain

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: “We mourn the loss of former United States Congressman Fernand J. St Germain, who left a lasting impression on Rhode Island. He was a life-long Democrat who fiercely fought for the rights of the working and middle classes. From 1961 to 1989, he served Rhode Island’s First Congressional District in the U.S. Congress, and one of his accomplishments was a stint as the Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs. Before representing Rhode Island in Washington, he was a valuable member of Rhode Island’s General Assembly where he became a respected and revered politician. On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, I send condolences to his family.”

Statement from Director Licht of the Department of Administration Regarding the Relocation of the Providence Office of Probation and Parole

Richard A. Licht, Director of the Department of Administration, said today, “Out of respect for the concerns raised by the downtown business community, the Department of Administration (DOA) has decided to again seek proposals for space for the Providence Office of Probation and Parole. The DOA previously had conducted an open competitive bid process during the summer of 2013 and only received one response from the Urban League, which is the existing landlord. Recently, the Urban League has entered into an agreement to sell its property, and the facility is no longer available. Due to the lack of bids, the DOA and the Department of Corrections proposed to relocate these offices in an existing building that houses other State of Rhode Island functions.

“I want to mention the misconception that the rent was ‘tripling.’ The Fountain Street location would have provided much needed additional office space, and the rent was only $707 per year more than the Urban League Proposal. Additionally, the Division of Probation and Parole has nine other offices in the State of Rhode Island, two of which are located in downtown Providence. The police in Pawtucket, Providence, Cranston and Woonsocket have indicated that probation and parole offices do not pose any concerns for public safety.

“In addition, Director Wall and I will meet with Providence business leaders and elected officials to discuss this matter and enlist their support in locating this essential core function of government to a viable location."