Press Release from Rep. Ackerman - 12/10/12

Rep. Ackerman asks RIDOT to open Manville Hill Road Bridge on limited basis

STATE HOUSE – Representative Mia Ackerman (D – Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) sent a letter to Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Michael Lewis today, requesting that he open one lane of the Manville Hill Road Bridge to automobile traffic only.

“I understand the bridge needs some immediate repairs,” she wrote. “However, I’m concerned about the traffic issues that have ensued since the Rhode Island Department of Transportation shut down the bridge. As you already know, the Manville Hill Road Bridge is a heavily traveled connecting route. I am asking you to consider leaving one lane open for automobile traffic only while we wait for reconstruction. I believe this would alleviate any traffic problems that have developed in Albion and southern Cumberland.”

After an inspection of the bridge last week, RIDOT engineers discovered its steel and bridge beams had signs of significant deterioration and required immediate repairs. Officials closed the bridge on Dec. 7 after discovering the deficiencies earlier in the day. Rehabilitation of the bridge is under design and RIDOT is slated to address additional repair work through an upcoming construction contract scheduled to begin in Summer 2013. According to the department, the 233-foot long bridge carries about 4,300 vehicles per day.

 “Currently, the bridge is the only connection between Manville and Cumberland,” she wrote. “Forcing residents to endure a detour that will take them several miles out of their way is proving to be both very confusing and frustrating to my constituents.”

            She said any motorists with additional questions should contact the RIDOT Customer Service Office at (401) 222-2450 on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-30-

Lawn Signs!

Would you like to show your support for Mia Ackerman by hosting a sign on your lawn this election season?

Give us a call at our headquarters and we'll be glad to deliver one to you!
Leave a message with your name, address, and phone number and we will do the rest.

Phone: 401-405-0901

Cumberland Town Councilwoman Mia Ackerman Announces Bid For Rhode Island House of Representatives

CUMBERLAND - Cumberland Town Council Vice President Mia A. Ackerman has announced that she is a Democratic candidate for the District 45 seat of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The district includes parts of Lincoln and Cumberland. She has served for three two-year terms on the Town Council and will not seek reelection in order to run for State Representative.

Before an overwhelming crowd at Andrew’s Bistro on Mendon Road in Cumberland, Thomas Sculley, chairman of the Cumberland Democratic Town Committee introduced Ackerman.

Regarding her decision to run, Ackerman said, “I have worked tirelessly for the people of Cumberland on the Town Council.” She continued, “As I’ve talked to constituents, I have been encouraged by their kind words and have been urged to run for State Representative.”

As vice president of the Town Council, Ackerman serves as the chairwoman of the Ordinance Subcommittee and is the Cumberland Youth Commission Liaison, as well as the Senior Center Liaison.  Ackerman is also on the Board of Directors of the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm Association, an active participant in the Cumberland/Lincoln Prevention Coalition, a member of the Cumberland Land Trust, has served on the JJ McLaughlin Elementary Executive PTO board, and was a former member of the Cumberland Juvenile Hearing board.

Councilwoman Ackerman has championed many issues in her time on the Town Council, including the financing of the $3.5 million bond for the JJ McLaughlin School addition and she initiated new traffic-calming measures. She has also advocated tirelessly for a healthy tax base for small and large businesses and says she will continue to do so at the Statehouse.

Ackerman, a resident of 6 Shelter Lane, is married to Barry Ackerman. They are the proud parents of Samuel, 15, and Elicia, 13, who are students in the Cumberland public schools.

A graduate of State University of New York at Binghamton, Ackerman graduated with honors and received a Bachelor’s degree. She was the recipient of the 2010 Women of Achievement award presented by the YWCA of Northern Rhode Island, which recognizes women for their charitable efforts and contributions to their community.

About her campaign, Ackerman said, “I am looking forward to launching an aggressive and effective grassroots campaign beginning this week.”

She formed an advisory committee earlier in the year consisting of residents from District 45 who offered advice and guidance about a bid for the seat based on her previous work in the community. Ackerman will be a candidate in the Democratic primary for the District 45 seat on September 11^th, 2012.