2021 -- H 5661

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LC001090

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING SONIA GRACE ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AS CITY

CLERK FOR THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS

     Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, McLaughlin, Barros, and Vella-Wilkinson

     Date Introduced: February 23, 2021

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Sonia Grace has deep ties to the City of Central Falls. She is a resident of

the City, and she and her husband, Tim, are raising their five children there. Her parents were

originally from Portugal. The family moved to the United States when she was fifteen and

eventually made their home in Central Falls; and

     WHEREAS, In 2013, when James Diossa was elected Mayor of Central Falls, he asked

Mrs. Grace to serve as his Chief of Staff. At the time, the City was in turmoil, government fraud

and mismanagement had sent the City into bankruptcy proceedings and a state takeover; and

     WHEREAS, A 1998 Brown University graduate, Mrs. Grace is also fluent in Portuguese

and Spanish, which enabled her to connect with the many diverse communities that comprise the

City of Central Falls; and

     WHEREAS, To shake up day-to-day operations, Mayor Diossa subsequently named Mrs.

Grace to the position of City Clerk. In addition, she is Vice Chairwoman of The Central Falls

School District Board of Trustees; and

     WHEREAS, Sonia Grace's commitment and unflagging optimism for moving the City of

Central Falls forward has had a positive impact on the lives of those who live in the "Come-Back

City" and she is deserving of our emulation and acknowledgement; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes and thanks Sonia Grace for her dedication and service to the people of the City of

Central Falls and the State; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Sonia Grace.

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LC001090

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