The events of last month speak for themselves, marking a difficult period for our city. I have no desire to debate or rehash them here. I respect council President Jessica Marino’s decision to resign and wish her happiness as she moves forward in the next chapter of her life. I’m grateful for the time that we spent together on the council working for the best interests of all Cranston residents. I have immense respect for her and learned a great deal serving as her vice president. I'd also like to thank attorney Stephen Angell for his service to the City of Cranston and for his constant advocacy for the City Council as our attorney. Their service made our city stronger.

We are now in the process of doing what we must, getting back to the business and issues of our city. Cranston's residents and taxpayers deserve nothing less. As we move forward, I will lead the council through this process. We must once again unite as a legislative body and as a city. A positive and hopeful event occurred last week with appointment of Emilia Vaziri to fill the vacant council seat. The council came together to approve her appointment with statements of support coming from coming from both sides of the political aisle, including Mayor Kenneth Hopkins. This is an inspiring and hopeful step.

Over the last year I have come to know my fellow council members as good and honest people who are intent on serving Cranston. I feel privileged to lead them as council president. Going forward, I am certain that we will come together to focus on progress for the people we have been elected to represent. As the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” I am confident that we have taken that first step.

Daniel Wall, formerly vice-president of the Cranston City Council, is now its president.