On 06/12/2020 Providence Councilman James Taylor of Ward 8 has made an independent move to install lights and security cameras around the Providence Columbus statue to "protect" it. While this construction is under place, the statue has been boarded up. Councilman Taylor purposefully used language to suggest that boxing the statue would protect it from "nearby construction" insinuating construction in the general area. This is not random construction, it's the installation of the lights and other "protective measures" for the statue itself. Yet news publicans ran with the insinuation as I'm sure he was anticipating they would.

Interesting how much work it takes to even suggest that the statue be moved to a more appropriate location like a museum where folks can choose whether to be exposed to it, and it's displayed in the context of Columbus's genocidal atrocities. Yet one rogue councilman can decide to put up lights, security cameras, and post police officers to watch it every single night.

Yesterday on 06/13/2020 three people threw paint in protest at the boarded up statue, but were apprehended by the police who apparently have nothing better to do than guard a hunk of metal. They have been arrested. I'll provide more information as this develops.

What makes councilman James Taylor's aggressive public stance so odd, is that not only did Taylor vote in favor of establishing the special Committee for the Review of Commemorative Works, he sponsored the ordinance. This is an example of the extreme disconnect and lack of transparency to the public on the bureaucratic process of addressing the public's concerns.

Contact councilman James Taylor of ward 8 and let him know what you think of his move.

Email: Ward8@providenceri.com

Number for city council office: (401)521-7477

Facebook group for Ward 8 run by councilman Taylor:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/951235635019805/?ref=share

Councilman Taylor's personal Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/james.taulor.16