News Summary
Councilwoman Helen Anthony has resigned from her position on the Providence City Council effective September 1, 2023, to prioritize her health after a serious accident. The resignation follows medical advice for her recovery, which began after being struck by a vehicle in June 2023. A special election will be held to fill her seat, with the timeline still to be confirmed. Anthony’s tenure included advocacy for transparency in budget decisions, and her colleagues expressed gratitude for her service.
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – Councilwoman Helen Anthony has announced her decision to resign from her position on the Providence City Council in order to focus on her health following an accident that left her with serious injuries. Anthony, who represents Ward 2, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Blackstone, Wayland, and parts of College Hill, will officially step down on September 1, 2023. This move comes as she continues to recover from being struck by a van in June 2023 while walking in California.
The decision to resign follows the advice of her neurologist, who recommended that Anthony devote her energy towards her recovery process. In the aftermath of the accident, the councilwoman experienced significant health challenges, spending 18 days in intensive care and undergoing multiple surgeries both in California and upon her return to Rhode Island. Despite her arduous recovery, she managed to return to the City Council in October 2023, four months after the incident.
During her tenure on the council, which began in 2018 and is currently in her second term set to end in 2026, Anthony has been active in financial oversight as the chair of the Finance Committee since January 2023. Throughout her time in office, she has been known for advocating for transparency and public input in budget decisions, often serving as the lone dissenting vote during committee meetings when she felt public engagement was lacking. To enhance involvement from her constituents, she successfully added a second public hearing to the budget schedule.
With Anthony’s resignation coming before the conclusion of her term, a special election will be necessary to fill her council seat. This election will take place within 90 days after the vacancy is officially declared in September. The specific date of the election has not yet been determined, and with the City Council currently on recess for the month of August, further announcements regarding the election timeline are anticipated once the council reconvenes.
The accident that led to Anthony’s injuries involved an 82-year-old driver who mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while operating a maintenance vehicle at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The incident emphasized a growing concern over pedestrian safety and prompted discussions regarding improvement measures in city infrastructure to prevent similar accidents in the future.
In response to the news of her resignation, Council President Rachel Miller expressed gratitude for Anthony’s service and acknowledged her resilience and dedication to the community. Miller’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among colleagues regarding Anthony’s contributions to the city and her unwavering commitment to serving the residents of Providence.
As Ward 2 begins to anticipate a transition in representation, the focus shifts towards the special election process that will determine Anthony’s successor. During this interim period, residents will likely be keenly aware of announcements surrounding the nominations or candidates who will step forward to serve the ward in the coming months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- GoLocalProv: Councilwoman Anthony Announces Resignation
- Wikipedia: Helen Anthony
- Rhode Island Current: Councilor Helen Anthony to Step Down
- Google Search: Helen Anthony Providence City Council Resignation
- Providence Journal: Helen Anthony to Resign
- Google News: Providence City Council Resignation
