EDITORIAL: 20 Ways to Make Rhode Island Better - The Challenge Is On

EDITORIAL: 20 Ways to Make Rhode Island Better - The Challenge Is On

 

Rhode Island is facing a plethora of challenges and has opportunities to transform itself - the state can define its own future or be the victim; the Trump administration is going to force economic changes on Rhode Island and all other states.

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Rhode Island has been faced with financial challenges in the past and can learn some lessons if it acts quickly and proactively.

In 1991, Rhode Island was thrust into its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The cause was, for the most part, self-inflicted — failed regulation of the state’s credit union industry and economic fraud.

The then-newly elected Governor, Bruce Sundlun, faced the double crisis of a distressed financial system and the state budget.

Sundlun, who was never called subtle, took on the budget challenge in a thoughtful and impactful approach. Make no mistake about it, there were massive cuts to Rhode Island spending and many layoffs.

The process, however, was not with a chainsaw. Each department in government identified budget cuts in a range of impacts called 5-10-15.

5% cuts

10% cuts

And 15% cuts

At the end of the day, the Governor made the final decision, but the planning and the best thinking were made at the department level — those who knew the most about the programs. People losing their jobs is always difficult, and everything should be done to assist displaced workers.

Now, Rhode Island is potentially facing massive federal cuts, cuts that often appear to be haphazard and unplanned. Thus, the onus is on the state to immediately conduct a thoughtful, planned approach. The Governor’s proposed budget of $14.2 billion is based on receiving more than 35% of the revenue coming from the federal government or $5.09 billion.

But there is also the adage that never waste a good crisis.  And be sure, Rhode Island is headed into one. It is the opportunity to create a new approach to government. Rhode Islanders need to demand more than mediocrity — see rankings for best state for business, best state to start a business, best states for…we are almost always at the bottom. 

While it is easy to be the critic, GoLocal offers the following 20 ideas to advance Rhode Island:

 

1. More innovation — Rhode Island government at every level functionally looks exactly like it did 30 to 40 years ago, but nothing else in the world does.

 

2. Parents should demand excellence in the schools in their communities. To support this, the legislature should immediately pass the Education Bill of Rights, a protection that is long past due. READ HERE

 

3. Bob Whitcomb pointed out a ridiculous regulation that fails to serve the public or small businesses. It is time to name a smart group of non-bureaucrats who are not self-dealing to look at Rhode Island’s regulatory structure. We cannot afford or sustain the old models.

 

4. Consolidate school districts, police and fire departments, and other functions such as snow plowing. No layoffs are necessary, and it can be accomplished by restructuring over time. If staffing reductions make sense — do them through attrition.

 

5. Technology for all communities. Instead of a hodgepodge of bad city and town websites, build one top-tier platform and provide it to each of the cities and towns at no cost. Most Rhode Island governmental websites are a disaster.

 

6. Fire underperformers — See Peter Alviti.

 

7. Better integration between urban police departments and the Rhode Island State Police. When hot spots emerge — Kennedy Plaza, Federal Hill, Providence Place Mall — the State Police should be part of the solution.

 

8. All public meetings - city and state - should be broadcast and posted to YouTube. Oregon does it.

 

9. More parks — Metacomet Golf Course in East Providence should have been taken by eminent domain and made into a great urban park. More public spaces for families to play, celebrate and recreate. 

 

10. The court system should adopt a functional infrastructure for tracking public information and providing access to the public — Minnesota’s website is a perfect example. The existing site is another state embarrassment.

 

11. Stop funding loser projects. Rhode Island taxpayers were put on the hook by Governor Dan McKee and the board of the Commerce Corporation for $141 million for the minor league soccer stadium in Pawtucket. There was no voter approval, and the state has no ownership interest in a private development project. If the project was viable, then the team would have built the stadium on their own dime. 

 

12. Play-up strengths — design is a winner for Rhode Island. Manufacturing has been and could rebound if tariffs hit.

 

13. Demand more from schools, elected officials, etc. This does not mean being abusive, but it does mean expecting accountability.

 

14. Support innovators — give Chris Marsella’s Track 15 a try when it opens this spring.  It is a bold idea that is NOT publicly funded and, if it works, will be a major addition to the city and state. Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals are globally known. Coming in March is a new culinary festival and a top-tier comedy convention. 

 

15. Enjoy the growth and expanded travel opportunities due to the transformation of Rhode Island International Airport — it is hard to believe you can now fly non-stop to Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and LA from PVD. Much more is expected to be announced in March.

 

16. Don’t polish rocks. The proposed plan to revamp the Superman Building is a dog. It was never viable and needs new thinking. The 11-year vacant building is cement shoes to downtown Providence.

 

17. Approve proposed projects fast. An apartment building in Providence should not take a year. Approve it or deny it - but make a decision. Speaker Joe Shekarchi's plethora of legislation has done little to address the housing crisis. If you allow small parochial towns to block all significant housing projects, then you have little chance of addressing the housing crisis.

 

18. Fire non-performers — see Angélica Infante-Green. She has held the position for 5 years. The results are dismal.

 

19. If incumbents can’t do it, elect new leaders.

 

20.  Enjoy successes.