Side of the Rhode: Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics?
Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
Side of the Rhode: Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics?
Who’s Hot
Don Grebien -> The Pawtucket Mayor was caught off guard when the Governor didn’t bother to call him before going on national television to say Central Falls should merge with Pawtucket, but Grebien deserves credit for putting residents in his city first. He’s not turning his back on a city in need (in fact, he says he’s willing to share services), but he knows that combining a bankrupt city with a broke one isn’t exactly an ideal solution.
Gina Raimondo -> Pension reform will soon be out of the General Treasurer’s hands, but she’s doing the right thing by rallying municipal leaders and making sure they lobby the General Assembly to get serious about making changes.
Christine Hunsinger -> Congratulations to the Governor’s new communications director. It’s no secret that the Chafee administration has struggled with its messaging (remember the talk radio ban?) since the Governor took office. Ms. Hunsinger should be able to provide some guidance in a department that undoubtedly needs it.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTChris Fierro -> The former State Rep. from Woonsocket is the new District Director for Congressman David Cicilline and although it’s not technically in his job description, the work he does with constituents in the 1st District will go a long way in how they vote next November.
James Langevin -> Rhode Island’s other Congressman is spot on when he says Washington lawmakers shouldn’t be going on vacation with all that is happening in the country. He’s right, Congress should be focusing on creating jobs and strengthening the economy, not vacations and fundraisers.
Angelo Padula -> The West Warwick Council President made the media rounds this week by sounding the alarm that his town could be the next Central Falls. He may not have all the solutions, but it’s nice to have a straight shooter somewhere in local politics.
Jack Reed -> Looks like the President was paying attention to the Senator’s plan to allow foreclosed homes to be rented out. This is a no brainer. No neighborhood wants a bunch of boarded up homes dragging down property values. This is the only plan to date that will actually put people back inside these houses.
Michelle Obama -> Her hubby’s numbers may be on the decline in Rhode Island, but Michelle Obama will get a lot of folks excited when she comes to visit in September. Here’s hoping she makes a few public appearances before heading over to Joe Paolino’s place, where it will set you back $1,000 to even get in the door.
Newt Gingrich -> The clear cut winner of last night’s GOP debate, Gingrich was the only candidate that seemed to have an actual vision for the country. Of course, he’s still New Gingrich, which means he may have too many negatives to actually be a serious contender in this race.
Who's Not
West Warwick -> As Council President Padula said, if West Warwick doesn’t get serious about its finances, it will be Central Falls within five years. That’s about as much doom and gloom as someone could predict for one city.
Peter Kilmartin -> The AG went as far as saying he wished his friend Brendan Doherty was a Democrat, but then said he still plans to support Congressman Cicilline next fall. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the incumbent Democrat. Don’t expect to be getting a robocall from Mr. Kilmartin telling you to support the Congressman.
Keven McKenna -> It’s appears the former candidate for AG made false claims on his bankruptcy filings and the penalty could put him further in debt. It’s unlikely representing characters like Chris Young will help pay the bills either.
Newport -> Cities and towns are going broke and Newport now has to pay $25 million because it failed to comply with the federal clean water act. Of all places, Newport was violating environmental law and now tax payers will be the ones that suffer.
Verizon -> Let’s be clear: Verizon is not Central Falls. In fact, Verizon has enough money to pay off the entire state’s pension system. So the idea that this company is hurting because of its union employees is completely false.
Mitt Romney -> Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Bob Dole of the 2012 Presidential race. He’s going to win the GOP primary without ever saying anything and then get completely waxed by President Obama in November.
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