Woonsocket Radio News Room

Office of the Mayor

WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

 

Michael Debroisse Appointed as

Interim Director of Planning & Development

 

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt announced today that she has named Michael Debroisse as Interim Director of Planning & Development. Debroisse has been an employee of the City for 32 years, and has served most recently as Superintendent of Solid Waste and Engineering. During his tenure at the City, Debroisse has been involved with many projects including designing and implementing the City’s current Solid Waste and Recycling Program, overseeing renovations to City parks, and monitoring the City’s hydroelectric plant. He has documented and implemented City Community Development Block Grants and co-authored the Permit Manual for the Department of Public Works. As Interim Director, Debroisse will be responsible for managing the City’s Planning, Building Inspection, Zoning and Minimum Housing Departments.

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt stated, "We are fortunate to have someone with Michael’s experience and energy to be our Interim Director. He is a positive thinker with a clear commitment to bringing success to Woonsocket, and he has a long track record of executing complex projects." The Mayor added, "We have highly skilled individuals in the departments that Michael will be overseeing, and he is a great match to bring everyone together to help meet our immediate and longer-term planning objectives."

Michael Debroisse offered, "I am honored and excited to be named Interim Director of Planning & Development. I feel that we have a great team here at City Hall and I am looking forward to tackling the important projects that we have in the City, so that we can make things better for our residents and businesses."

 

 

Travelers are dealing with delays and cancellations at airports across the country due to the government shutdown. Already today there have been more than one-thousand flights canceled and nearly five-thousand delayed. The Secretary of Transportation says he's putting safety first as air traffic controllers are forced to work while not getting paid. The FAA announced cuts at 40 big airports impacting four-percent of all scheduled flights and that percentage will increase every day until it hits ten-percent next week.        The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare.        President Trump's claims of Thanksgiving dinner bought at Walmart being this year are being challenged. Trump has touted his efforts towards "affordability," using WalMart's advertised price of under 40-bucks, down from last year's price of about 55-dollars. The President was asked today at the White House about WalMart noting this year's Thanksgiving basket of food contains fewer items than last year. Trump accused the reporter of "fake news."        Colder temperatures will be felt by millions next week. It's due to an area low of pressure that's forecast to move down from Canada and impact the eastern part of the country starting on Sunday. Those in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota could wake up to single digit wind chills.        The 2026 edition of the Farmer's Almanac will be the last. The Almanac is known for long-term weather predictions, gardening guides, fishing and moon phases. In a statement, editor Sandi Duncan and Editor Emeritus Peter Geiger said they are incredibly proud of the legacy they leave behind and are filled with gratitude.        This Sunday's game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders will be attended by President Trump. The Commanders said they are honored to welcome the president to help celebrate veterans and active-duty service members. Trump will reportedly sit with Commanders owner Josh Harris in his private box.       

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