“Change is never easy for people, particularly Rhode Islanders,” “I think we’re more resistant to change then others.”

These were the words of Mayor Brett Smiley had the nerve to say when asked about the outpour of negativity toward his proposed changes to PVDFest this year.

He could not be more wrong. 

Our state was founded on religious freedom, Roger Williams was so unafraid of change he split from the church and settled here, and all that came with him, were also unafraid of change. That spirit, lives in Rhode Islanders still today, we embrace change.

Not long ago, we voted to change the official state name, dropping the Providence Plantations, and the negative connotations it brought with it. Embracing change, thinking forward, together as a state.

We have always been an incredibly progressive, open minded state, that's welcomed change, and for him to say those things, shows how much he is not from here, and how much he has no idea what we want as Rhode Islanders, or who we are!

We are asking you to comment on the petition today, something you would love to see Mayor Smiley change in Providence, instead of changing things we love, and don't want changed like PVDFest. We encourage you to write passionately, and let the Mayor know what he could REALLY be doing if he actually cared about change in Providence. These comments will be printed, organized, and dropped off in person to his office by myself. 

If you would like, you can also message me on Instagram at @DaveyFTrout with any write ups of things you'd like him to change, and they will be included.

Let your voices be heard!

COMMUNITY ALWAYS WINS!