Chafee Comment on Suing EDC Board Members ‘Reckless’

Chafee Comment on Suing EDC Board Members ‘Reckless’

Lincoln Chafee yesterday suggested that the state should consider suing the board members of the Economic Development Corporation over their deal with Curt Schilling’s video game company.

Two of his opponents for governor denounced the comment, which was made at  a gubernatorial forum hosted by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

“It was reckless and inappropriate,” said Nick Hemond, a spokesman for Democrat Frank Caprio.

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The campaign manager for Moderate Party candidate Ken Block also criticized the statement. “I think it’s ridiculous,” said Christine Hunsinger. “The way to not spur economic development in this state is to threaten people.”

Even though Block opposes the deal, she said he was committed to honoring the EDC’s $75 million commitment to Schilling’s company. “If (Rhode Island) backs out of it because a gubernatorial candidate stamps his feet, no one will ever come here and we can’t afford to be in that place,” Hunsinger added.

Chafee spokesman Mike Trainor could not be reached for comment. Republican John Robitaille did not respond to a request for comment.

Those who would be sued include the current governor and some of the most prominent business, political, and cultural leaders in the state. The board of directors includes:

• Governor Donald Carcieri
• Al Verrecchia, Hasbro
• Stephen Lane, Ximedica
• Karl Wadensten, VIBCO
• Dr. David Dooley, University of Rhode Island
• J.L."Lynn" Singleton, Providence Performing Arts Center
• Cheryl Watkins Snead, Banneker Industries
• George Nee, Rhode Island AFL-CIO
• Timothy Babineau, Rhode Island Hospital
• Daniel Sullivan, Jr., Collette Vacations
• Shivan Subramaniam, FM Global
• Paul Choquette, Jr., Gilbane
• Donna Cupelo, Verizon