'Miscommunication' Behind East Providence Mayor's Media Confusion

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A spokesperson for East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said Monday that a "miscommunication" caused police to direct all media inquiries to the mayor's office.

"The police department incorrectly directed members of the press to contact the Mayor’s Office. It was a misunderstanding," said Patricia Resende, executive assistant to the mayor and former reporter at WJAR, said in an email. "There is no new media inquiry policy. We agree it is important to share timely information, and this is why there has been no change in policy from the Mayor’s Office. Any conclusion otherwise, is not consistent with the facts. We will continue to provide the press and public with timely and accurate information as it becomes available."

On Tuesday morning, the executive assistant to Acting East Providence Police Chief William Nebus said on the phone Tuesday that the chief was not available for comment, and all media inquiries must go through Mayor Bob DaSilva's office.

The issue came to light Monday evening when police said they were unable to release information regarding an incident where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in East Providence. Police have been unable to release information about the still-unidentified suspect, who faces DUI charges.
DaSilva told WPRI that he is not looking to withhold information, rather that he and his office wish to be made aware of incidents before hearing about them on the news.

There has been no further explanation of the reported miscommunication, or if there are plans to amend the city's media policy.

DaSilva is East Providence's first directly elected mayor. He won the November 6, 2018 election with 52 percent of the vote, defeating opponent James Russo by 832 votes.

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