Mayor Calls for Return of State Oversight of Personnel

At the request of Mayor James Briden, the state budget review commission has agreed to restore its oversight of city personnel matters, which the state group had handed back to the city in March.

Reached by phone Thursday night, Briden said he requested the return of state control because "I believe it is in the best interest of the city."

Briden declined to comment on whether his request had anything to do with City Manager City Manager Peter Graczykowski's decision to place Police Chief Joseph Tavares on administrative leave earlier this week.

"I gave this a lot of thought and consideration," Briden explained. "I think the city is doing well — a lot of good has been done, and the city is in a good position, and it's important that we adhere to the multiyear budget plan" put together with the state commission.

Asked for specific examples of how he believes the budget commission's oversight of personnel matters has helped the city, Briden said: "Some of the changes they've made in East Providence have resulted in more centralized management, which is important in municipalities," including the relocation of school department offices to City Hall.

"By having the superintendent and city manager in the same building, we've moved toward a more centralized model," Briden added. "What's unfortunate is [cities and towns] don't implement these changes when the economy is good, and we actually cause more pain when we do this in bad economic times."

What do you think? Should the state return to overseeing the city's personnel issues? Have your say in the comments below.