Politics & Government

Rep. Phillips To Co-Chair Joint Commission on Shared Municipal Services

Representative faces tough challenge in aligning municipal interests.

 

Rep. Robert D. Phillips (D – Dist. 51, Woonsocket, Cumberland) has been appointed to the position of co-chairman of the Joint Commission on Shared Municipal Services.

“This is a really great opportunity for me to dive into a subject that cities and towns across the state have been waiting to learn more about,” Representative Phillips said.

Find out what's happening in Woonsocketwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

His work is cut out for him, according to RINPR's Scott McKay, who notes steep challenges to consolidating services in the state, where details bedevil best intentions.  

“Communities have been debating the pros and cons of shared municipal services for some time now, and it’s especially important to have these discussions when almost every municipality in this state is struggling to find economic relief and more efficient ways to run government, Phillips said, "I am deeply honored to be chosen to chair this commission alongside Senator DiPalma, and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to find better solutions for Rhode Island.”

Find out what's happening in Woonsocketwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D – Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) has been named the other co-chairman of the commission. The permanent panel was established as the result of a special commission – led by Senator DiPalma in 2011 – that studied the sharing of services among Rhode Island municipalities.


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