Carol Anne Costa: A Superlative 2014
Carol Anne Costa, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
Carol Anne Costa: A Superlative 2014
While so many are fashioning those resolutions for the upcoming year, I rather end the year with some whimsical reflections. As with every good yearbook, and a smile in my heart, I give you the pages of the class of 2014 fun superlatives section. #mostlikleyto, #best #lightenup.
Class Superlatives...
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMost likely to Succeed - It is the RI GOP that snares this tribute with their new rising star out of Coventry, Representative Bobby Nardolillo. This young lawmaker ran a campaign of energy, enthusiasm and just plain shoe leather. If the young Nardolillo adheres to his agenda, the people in Coventry will be reap the rewards of his sticktoitiveness. #focusfocusfocusyoungman.
Most Likely To Cheer You Up - Nellie Gorbea, hands down is RI’s cheery pol. But, don’t let those happy political ads and her affable personality fool you, as this diminutive powerhouse will transform the Secretary of State’s office with drive, innovation and data. Like her gubernatorial counterpart her record clearly demonstrates a willingness and political will to deliver on her promises.“#That’sOurNellie!”
Most Likely to Make Waves - Look to the foot hills of Scituate for this one. Representative Michael Marcello (District 41 Scituate/Cranston); who mounted a noble but unsuccessful bid for speaker in the last General Assembly session, also survived an inspired - all out blitz from both sides of the aisle in his successful campaign to return to the house. Marcello will prove to be a bellwether under the dome. A long time reformer and champion of open government and ethics reform, he has no obligatory ties.I am certain his new found independence from the bondage of an often times defensive and overbearing leadership, will sure enough, #rocktheboat.
Best Smile- By leaps and bounds David Cicilline wraps up this category. He possesses an infectious smile, one cannot help but feel good when he flashes those pearly whites. But, there's more to his grin, as his representation in DC has teeth. He consistently works to brings smiles, grants, and a voice back to his constituents from the nation’s capitol. #smileseveryone
Most likely to Overachieve - The honor goes to Representative Joy Hearn of Barrington. If Joy’s past legislative successes despite the naysayers, included a law to help RI small businesses and her work on the state education formula are any indication, her drive to make laws focusing on bolstering education, toughening sexual assault laws, as well as consolidated textbook purchasing can’t be far away. Let’s hope her achievement drive is successful, as we all will benefit. #keeponpushingjoy
Class Flirt -Well that distinction goes to the unwavering and twinkly eyed, Buddy Cianci. He flirts with his radio audience every afternoon, with his cheeky commentary and his joke filled barbs, he has the audience definitely smitten. Who knows, he just may be flirting with another run for office, only time will tell. #wink
Most Likely To Become President - The accolades in this column go to Governor Elect, Gina Raimondo. If Rhode Island is to send a person the to the White House, it really could be her. Oh yes, she was Valedictorian and President of the algebra, accounting and debate club... and she looked pretty comfy in the oval office recently. #madamepresident
Teacher’s Pet - State Democratic Chair, Representative Joseph McNamara nails down this slot. His floor remarks are always colorful and always aimed to please. He is kind to the rostrum and his fellow lawmakers and he has the full support of the calamari constituency. And, of course he brought enough for the whole class. #Ilovesquid
Best Hair- Lieutenant Governor Elect, Dan McKee wins this hands down! That shock of Kennedy- like locks is stellar and in these parts may have actually garnered some votes. No rogaine here...But, under that fabloublus cioff beats the heart of a reformer. McKee will champion a cause and follow through.I am certain he is combing through heady initiatives as we speak. #Iamnotakennedy
Most Optimistic - Seth Magaziner, the General Treasurer Elect is a forever optimist. His steady march to the Treasurer's Office was a case study in the “glass half full philosophy”. “He’s too young, he’s up against the machine, and he has little chance”, were all heard early on in his drive to lead the state’s treasury. And, Seth just pushed on with a smile, hard facts, a handshake and the ability to bring nearly 60% of the voters to the sunny side of the street. Let’s hope his optimism goes viral. #glasshalffull
Most Pessimistic - “Oh bother”, said the Minority Leader of the General Assembly, Brian “Eeyore “Newberry, it’s true, he takes his job as voice of the opposition very seriously. He is steady and thoughtful but with a certain gloomy gus quality. Cheer up leader, it can always get worse but, for now Leader, rally those new GOP faces in the House. #eeyore
Most Likely To Become A Teacher - Governor Chafee is well on his way to academia. His low key presence at the helm was demonstrative of his professorial demeanor. He proved to be a thoughtful, ethical and collaborative leader and his destiny for a classroom seems quite certain. #youcancallmeprof
Class Patriot- Looks like Jan Malik of (District 67, Barrington/Warren) secures this one. His work as Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs is returning benefits to all those who serve. Jan’s desire to improve the well-being of Rhode Island veterans and their families cannot be understated and his efforts deserve a salute! #vetsrule
Most Artistic- The quote “A picture is worth a thousand words,” could be the tell in this category. You guessed it... it is Senator Nick Kettle, as he has illustrated his propensity for cartoons. No one should question the power of artwork. He wins the art award walking away. Can’t wait to see if his palate reveals any new sketches this session. #Ilovetodraw
The 15th superlative I reserve for the title of “Best Shoulder To Cry On” and that distinction rests on the BIG-BROAD-WEARY shoulders of the people of RI. Ocean Staters have endured much and still possess the zest and spirit that forged this state. I only hope 2015 brings politicians that work hard, do not take themselves too seriously and have the guts to make real change. So next year I hope there will be one superlative for our beloved Rhode Island: “Most Likely to Finish the Comeback”! I await a pep rally complete with big foam fingers shaped like RI and the catchy chant, “we’re number one.” #Happy2015.
14 Who Made a Difference in RI in 2014
Jorge Elorza
Providence's Mayor-elect prevailed in an epic battle of old Providence versus new, when he bested two-time former Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci (and Republican Dr. Daniel Harrop, who ended up voting for him), running on a platform of "One Providence."
Clay Rockefeller
With the success of the Steel Yard already an accomplishment for Rockefeller -- and boon for Providence -- the entrepreneur added the Dean Hotel to his list of impactful projects, and accolades soon followed suit.
Jim Vincent
The President of the NAACP Providence Branch, Vincent was a constant presence whenever there was call for action in the city during the past year, from seeing the opening of the Davey Lopes pool after the year long effort to reopen it, to calling for support when gang-fueled violence reached a head on multiple occasions.
Nellie Gorbea
In a year that saw the Rhode Island Democratic Party endorse three statewide candidates that ended up losing (Ralph Mollis, Frank Caprio, and Guillaume de Ramel) and no women, Secretary of State-elect Nellie Gorbea proved that a strong understanding of the office coupled with a populist likability could overcome deeper pockets.
Bryce Cotton
The second-team All-American pick by NBC Sports was one of the main reasons Providence College snagged the Big East mens basketball title last season -- its first since 1994. After GoLocal dubbed Rhode Island basketball coaches as part of the "13 Who Made a Difference in 2013', Cotton stood out last season for his individual accolades that led the Friars on its successful run.
Gianfranco Marrocco
One of the lightning rods in Rhode Island in 2014, restaurateur Gianfranco Marrocco's decision to open $3 Bar on Atwells Avenue brought Federal Hill back into the spotlight as it hadn't been since the days of Raymond Patriarca.
Woody Allen
The prolific (and controversial) film director brought big time Hollywood to Rhode Island when reports first had Allen coming to the Ocean State for his latest project early in June, bringing in high-profile stars Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone.
Dave Belisle
It was a speech heard around the world, on TV sets and replayed on social media, and part of the reason, among many, that Belisle was nominated for Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
After coaching the Cumberland Americans into the Little League World Series for the second time in three years, Belisle addressed his team after it was eliminated in heartbreaking fashion, and made a speech that no one will ever forget.
Ben Sukle
In a town known for great restaurants -- and great chefs -- Sukle has raised the bar once again in Providence with Birch. Tapped as a "Trender" by GoLocal in 2013, Sukle and his wife have garnered the attention not just of local foodies -- Birch was nominated by Bon Appetit magazine for "Best New Restaurant in America" this past year.
Sandra Cano
The seemingly up-and-comer Cano has been on the radar screen for some time. Picked as one of 13 to Watch in 2013, Cano, a Shea High School graduate, had just been the first Latina elected to the Pawtucket School Board.
"Don’t be surprised if the school committee is just the first step in this up-and-comer’s political career," GoLocal wrote on January 1, 2013. "She has already been chosen to represent the United States at the United Nations Commission of Status of Women—a summit to advocate for women’s rights— has plenty of insiders calling her a rising star in local politics."
Citizens for John Hope
John Hope Settlement House is a community based organization that grew from a vision of public spirited African American leaders to serve their neighbors in the late 1920’s -- and is currently the subject of a movement of concerned citizens to shine the light on issues at the house -- and its future.
Nicholas Mattiello
When former Rhode Island Speaker of the House Gordon Fox's office was raided by the FBI, State Police, and IRS in March, the future of the Rhode Island General Assembly was immediately uncertain. The Speaker of the House is arguably the most powerful position in the state, and Fox, who had been Speaker since 2010, resigned his top post the following day amidst the tumult.
Trinity
The venerable Providence theater continues to make a huge difference in the lives of audiences with its award-winning productions -- and through its Project Discovery, has introduced the theater to 1.3 million people from ages 5 to 66 since it began in 1966.
This year, more than 7,500 school children will get to see a morning matinee of A Christmas Carol, thanks to Project Discovery.
Bryan Berard
Hockey players are known for their strength and tenacity on the ice -- and Rhode Island hockey player Bryan Berard proved they can be just as tough off of it.
The Woonsocket native, who played in the NHL for 11 years, helped investigators scrutinize bank transfers and payments from a string of investments that may have bilked up to $100 million from Berard and more than a dozen of his colleagues on the ice.
