Exclusive: Glavin Out at City Hall
Friday, January 28, 2011
Longtime former Providence Councilman Thomas M. Glavin will no longer serve as Chief of Staff for the City Council, GoLocalProv has learned. A replacement for the well-respected Glavin has not been named, but the transition is expected to take one month.
Glavin was named Chief of Staff in 2006 under then-Council President John Lombardi after serving 18 months as interim Administrative Coordinator for the Council. The veteran political insider represented Ward 12 for 21 years and served as Council Majority Leader from 1982-1994.
Councilman Nick Narducci (Ward 4) confirmed Glavin would be leaving the Council.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Tom is a great man,” Narducci said. “It’s unfortunate to see him go, but the Council President thinks we need to move on and sometimes this happens with new leadership. I would like to personally thank Mr. Glavin for his years of service to the city of Providence.”
Council President Mike Solomon (Ward 5) did not return multiple phone calls asking for comment. Glavin also could not be reached.
The news of Glavin’s departure comes as a surprise to many on the Council, particularly the seven newly elected members. Several freshman Councilmen said the Chief of Staff was a valuable resource who was helping them adjust to life in City Hall.
“I find this to be an unfortunate move,” Councilman Bryan Principe (Ward 13) said. “I think we could use a little bit of stability. [Glavin] has a wealth of knowledge and an energy and willingness to help. I truly am surprised.”
Three-term Councilman Miguel Luna (Ward 9) said it will be difficult to find a replacement for Glavin.
“I’m shocked to hear about his departure,” Luna said. “Tom Glavin has served everyone equally without getting involved in the politics. I think the question is not who’s leaving, but who’s coming in. You cannot put just anybody in that position. It takes someone with specific talents.”
