The Providence community recently took to another thrashing against Providence Council member Jo-Ann Ryan. Spurred by a Reddit poster alleging the councilwoman had continually ignored them, other members of the Reddit online forum joined in, citing similar claims and experiences they’ve had. Historically, the claims and sentiments made throughout the discussion align with how she has acted in the past years, showcasing a history of controversial actions during her tenure.
Elected in 2014, Councilwoman Ryan has gained notoriety due to a voting record characterized by personal interests, NIMBYism, suburban living, and privilege. Despite often being outvoted by her more progressive and community-oriented colleagues, her lone vote has yielded significant consequences. This has led to non-unanimous decisions, which has given leverage to corporations and the wealthy and has allowed the mayor to veto the progressive Council majority.
Ryan exemplifies why most constituents don’t bother with politics: the perception that many politicians prioritize self-interest. Her actions and the numerous accusations constitute what some may describe as a long, dirty laundry list, leading to the question: How did she get the support to become a Council member despite such a public record?
Social and Community
- Accused of racism when she supposedly stated, “I don’t like the type of people it attracts,” regarding a carnival at George West Park.
- Accused by a constituent of making anti-LGBTQ remarks when they supported another candidate. Ryan was accused of saying “… the person running against her was a homosexual and that that person only moved into the neighborhood to cause her harm.”
- Opposed the principles and proposals associated with the ‘defunding the police’ movement.
- Voted against granting a liquor license to a small business because it was near a church.
- Didn’t support free school breakfast and lunch.
Environmental and Infrastructure
- Supported ordinances that expanded and funded the environmental catastrophe of ProvPort, ignoring overwhelming opposition from community members.
- Sponsored a bill to halt and limit Providence’s Great Streets Plan (the plan calls for mobility and accommodation improvements, including for those for walk, bike, and bus).
- Tore up a newly constructed bike lane in her neighborhood.
- Opposed a bike lane on Mount Pleasant Ave, home of one of the largest inner-city public schools around, after pressure primarily from older, wealthier, white residents.
- Refused to support an ordinance against the removal of a popular bike lane on South Water Street, leading to its removal.
Education and Public Health
- Supported giving $1 rent to charters at shuttered public school locations.
- Opposed extending COVID-19 emergency measures during the height of the epidemic.
Political and Legal Actions
- Voted against a resolution to support a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Opposed the city hiring an attorney to sue a powerful developer over allegedly lost tax revenue.
- Accused of grossly lying by another candidate in campaign materials.
- Accused by Rhode Island Housing of conducting city business during work hours, leading to her termination.
Due to term limits, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan’s term expires in 2026. This will offer Providence a chance for progress.