The Dan Yorke Show

• The Proposal: Mayor Charles Lombardi has proposed a 7% tax increase, significantly exceeding Rhode Island’s state-mandated 4% municipal tax cap.
• The "Why": * New Schools: The primary driver is an $8.5 million debt service payment following a voter-approved $125 million bond for all-new elementary schools.
• Hospital Revenue Loss: A $3.3 million shortfall caused by the sale and status change of Fatima Hospital.
• The "Cap" Hurdle: Because the increase is 7%, the Town Council must seek special authorization from the Rhode Island General Assembly to override the 4% limit.
• Mayor’s Defense: Lombardi highlights that the town had no tax increases for 10 of the last 12 years and frames this as a necessary cost for infrastructure the public voted for.

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Guest: Joe Paolino Jr., Former Providence Mayor & Managing Partner of Paolino PropertiesTopic: The Future of Providence Place Mall and Rhode Island’s Political Landscape

Executive SummaryDan Yorke welcomes former Mayor Joe Paolino Jr. to the WPRO studios for a deep dive into the blockbuster $133 million acquisition of the Providence Place Mall. Paolino discusses his vision for transforming the struggling landmark, his thoughts on the current housing crisis, and how the "political ecosystem" in Rhode Island is shifting ahead of the next election cycle.

Key Discussion Points1. The Providence Place Mall Acquisition

• The Full Circle Moment: Paolino reflects on his role in the mall’s original development in the 90s and why he felt compelled to step in now.
• The Bid Process: Insight into why his group’s $133 million bid was selected by the court-appointed receiver over higher cash offers from out-of-state firms.
• A New Vision: * The "long shot" goal of bringing a supermarket (possibly Costco or Wegmans) to downtown.
• Focusing on safety and security to restore consumer confidence.
• Addressing the departure of major anchors like Macy's and the strategy for new mixed-use elements.

2. Housing Policy & Development

• Rent Stabilization: Paolino shares his perspective on recent Providence rent control debates and why he believes production, not regulation, is the answer.
• Urban Revitalization: How the mall’s "repositioning" fits into the broader need for downtown housing and infrastructure.

3. The Changing Political Ecosystem

• Local Leadership: Assessing Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration and the city's current trajectory.
• The Business Climate: Why Paolino believes "local skin in the game" is necessary to combat the influence of national investment firms that don't understand the Rhode Island market.

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Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) shares insights into the legislative process behind the Providence Rent Stabilization Act. As a key voice in the council discussions, Roais touches on the months of public testimony and the amendments intended to balance tenant protection with landlord sustainability.

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State Representative and mayoral challenger David Morales joins the program to react to the Mayor’s veto. Morales argues that the veto prioritizes corporate landlords over the working families of Providence and calls for a council override.

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Providence Mayor Brett Smiley discusses his decision to veto the City Council’s proposed rent stabilization ordinance. Following a narrow 9-6 council vote, the Mayor outlines his concerns regarding the long-term financial impact on the city’s tax base and the potential for administrative overreach.

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BRIAN WYNNE, PRESIDENT, OPINION DIAGNOSTICS, JOINS THE SHOW TO DISCUSS THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND HIS RECENT RI GUBERNATORIAL POLL THAT SHOWS THE RACE TO BE COMPETATIVE BETWEEN GOVERNOR MCKEE, HELENA FOULKES AND KEN BLOCK.

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Michael J. Yelnosky became a member of the founding faculty at Roger Williams University School of Law in 1993. He served as associate dean for academic affairs from 2004 to 2008, and as the fifth dean of RWU Law from 2014 to 2020.  He has spent thirty years working to help establish and grow Rhode Island’s only law school.  

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United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins Dan Yorke to discuss the latest on the War in Iran.

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