Bob Houghtaling Gets a Group Hug

by | Jan 9, 2018

Town drug counselor Bob Houghtaling presents year-end program statistics to the Town Council.

By Elizabeth F. McNamara

[Editor’s Note: Bob Houghtaling is a member of the board of East Greenwich News – information we should have included when this story originally posted. Our apologies for the omission.]

Town Council President Sue Cienki wanted to set the record straight.

“Ok, so let me correct any misinformation that may have gotten to you,” she said to resident Anthony Soscia (EGHS Class of 2017) after he spoke during public comment at the Town Council meeting Monday about how important Bob Houghtaling was to the community. “The reason that Bob is here tonight is to talk about the work he has done.”

Houghtaling, the town’s long-time drug counselor, had presented his year-end program statistics earlier during the meeting. But Soscia and other people who spoke in public comment praised Houghtaling and his work as if his job was in jeopardy.

Cienki said she asked Houghtaling to present his report to the council during a public meeting because she viewed it as a “commercial” for the work he was doing, a well-deserved “pat on the back.”

Resident David Caldwell said he was relieved by Cienki’s praise of Houghtaling but questioned whether or not Cienki would be willing to say Houghtaling’s job would remain as it’s been – as a town employee who provides services to school children and town residents through programs, clubs and counseling.

“We all love Bob,” said Cienki. She said any change would be to get more money from the state (by way of a grant) to add to what Bob can do in East Greenwich.

“What can we do to work with Bob? What does he need? Let’s get him more money from the state,” Cienki said in response to Caldwell.

Councilman Andrew Deutsch said he wanted Houghtaling – whom he has credited with helping him during high school – to be on the job until his young daughter gets through high school.

Resident Tracie Truesdell said she thought she knew why people had decided to speak Monday in support of Houghtaling.

“I just want to say, I’m really sorry we have people coming up and cheering for Bob because what this is illustrating right now is a complete distrust of the council,” she said.

After the meeting, Olin Thompson, chair of the Juvenile Hearing Board and one of those who commented Monday, agreed.

“Our town leadership seems so focused on cutting costs without regard to what we lose with those cuts,” he said. “I wanted them to know that Bob’s tireless work literally changes the lives of our kids, and our community, for the better. He’s a priceless treasure and we are so lucky to have him.”

During the Council Comments portion of the meeting, Cienki spoke praised Houghtaling for a third time.

“I wanted to thank Bob again,” she said. “I’m not quite sure how one person does everything that he does.”

After the meeting, Houghtaling said he thought the praise for his work was really about something larger.

“In a lot of ways, they were encouraging the council not to forget the importance of community,” he said. “I’m a department of 1 but with 1,000 ‘employees’ who willfully volunteer tons of their time to create this thing we call East Greenwich.”

You can watch the meeting on the EG Town Democratic Committee’s Facebook live video here. Houghtaling’s presentation begins at 53:30. Public comment follows.

[wpeppsub id=”11276″]

Value the news you get here on East Greenwich News? As a 501-c3, we depend on reader support. Become a sustaining (monthly) donor or make a one-time donation! Click on the Donate button below or send a check to EG News, 18 Prospect St., East Greenwich, RI 02818. Thanks.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jean Ann Guliano
Jean Ann Guliano
January 10, 2018 2:14 pm

There used to be grant money from the state for substance abuse, perhaps that is still available. It would require someone to write it each year. The reason people were concerned is that it seemed the Town was looking to have the cash-strapped schools or the state to help cover Bob’s salary. Getting a grant is one thing, but the schools can’t even afford to pay their sewer bill much less help pay for Town employees. If there is no school or grant money, what then? I think we all realize that the Council is trying to lower personnel costs in order to lower taxes. But, to what end? At what cost? It’s the people who work for our town and our schools that make East Greenwich East Greenwich. They should be treated with respect, honesty and paid fairly; not used, maligned or embarrassed. That’s not who we are. East Greenwich is caring and respectful. We care about our neighbors, our children, our seniors, our disabled, our employees, our businesses, our waterfront, our Main Street and our farms. That’s who we are. Let’s be that.

Bruce R. Mastracchio
Bruce R. Mastracchio
January 12, 2018 9:37 am

I have worked with Bob Houghtaling on several occasions, and
on different projects from the Wall of Honor to talks on Drinking and Driving for Youth to Youth. The man is tireless and constantly on the go. Many an East Greenwich youth have benefited from his
involvement in their lives.
Hope his job is secure as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Bruce R. Mastracchio

RELATED STORIES

Newsletter Sign Up

* indicates required

Archives

Latest Streaming