A year and a half ago I set out to hire the best police chief in America for the people of Providence. After a nationwide search, I found that person in Dean Esserman. Since then, the results have spoken for themselves. Under Chief Esserman's leadership the men and women of the Providence Police Department have established a successful community-policing program, which has already resulted in a double-digit drop in crime. Furthermore, historic partnerships have been forged with community and religious leaders to make our neighborhoods safer. What's more, the once demoralized police department, plagued by corruption, has been restored to a department of which the residents of this city and the fine officers can be proud.

Recently, the Providence City Council has questioned my authority, as Mayor and acting Public Safety Director, to enter into an employment agreement with Chief Esserman. Based on the City Solicitor's expert legal opinion, however, there is no question that I have the full executive and administrative authority to enter into this employment contract. It is clear that existing municipal law supports the legal opinion issued by the City Solicitor.

It is important that we not lose sight of our priorities. The most important contract we have, as elected officials, is with the people of Providence and it's my hope that the City Council will join me in focusing on the critical issues facing our city, such as quality public education, safe streets, strong neighborhoods and good economic development. - DNC