GoLocalProv Voter's Guide - Candidates for Governor: John Robitaille
GoLocalProv Politics Team
GoLocalProv Voter's Guide - Candidates for Governor: John Robitaille
John Robitaille
Republican Candidate for RI Governor
August 14, 1948, Central Falls, RI
Education:
Providence College ’70 (BS Business Administration)
University of Utah ’76 (MS Human Resource Management)
Career Highlights:
• Owner/President, Perspective Communications Group, 1987-2008
• General Manager, Total Communications, 1986-1987
• Manager/Labor Relations, Continental Can Company, 1981-1985
• Manager/Employee Relations, Frito-Lay, 1976-1981
• US Army Captain, Field Artillery/ First Armored Division; United States Special Forces Command Headquarters / Ft. Bragg NC, 1970-1975
Personal Information:
Married to Lynda, three daughters and five grandchildren. Robitaille served his country as an Army officer for over five years on active duty and was recognized for distinguished performance as the most outstanding second lieutenant commissioned in the US Army through the ROTC program nationally (Mershon Award). In 2006, he ran for state representative and came within four votes of winning.
Views on Key Issues:
• Do you favor the expansion of casino gambling in RI to include table games in Lincoln and Newport?
I am not in favor of expanding gambling as a source of additional revenue for RI, however the state is addicted to it. While we have to protect the revenue stream, the people must decide on a ballot question. Gambling is a tax on people who can least afford it. If the majority of people want it, I will not stand in the way.
• Do you think RI is culturally too accepting of public corruption?
Unfortunately it's not just Rhode Island. I do think most people will do something about it in November.
• Do you support the Deepwater Wind Project as a way of helping RI become a hub of the new energy industry? Do you think it is a viable method of economic development here?
There are so many unknowns and misinformation about this project. The promise of a new industry with many jobs has been devalued by the risks and the very high cost of the power. The end-run around the PUC was a bad decision that has soured many people including me on the credibility of the project.
• Do you think RI effectively spends its education dollars?
NO...The outcomes do not measure up to the costs the taxpayers provide for public education. Better than 80% of the costs are for salaries, benefits and pensions. We must reform public education and focus on the kids succeeding - not the adults in the system.
• Do you favor a state law to allow gay marriage?
No. Marriage is between one man and one woman. However, I would consider civil unions or reciprocity of benefits if the people of RI support it via a referendum.
• Do you think RI should enact restrictive immigration legislation?
Yes. I support the current executive order and I support E-Verify.
• Do you think municipal government has done enough to cut spending?
Some have – others have not. The General Assembly failed to eliminate the unfunded mandates that place undue burden on our municipalities. We must cut spending and bring public employee compensation and benefits in line with the private sector.
• What specifically do you propose to change in the state pension system, and how much will your changes save in annual costs to the pension system?
Freeze the existing pension plan now. Begin to offer a defined compensation plan immediately. There will be no savings until we address the unfunded liability.
• What is your strategy to address the state's budget deficit? Please be specific, i.e. what cuts or revenue enhancements you are proposing.
This is moving target. We will not know the extent of the deficit until the November revenue forecast. I will not support tax increases. We must cut spending. Each department and program must be evaluated. I favor a zero-based budgeting process to justify all spending. Everything in state government must be evaluated.
• What specifically will you do to improve employment for Rhode Islanders?
Get government out of the way. Lower taxes, cut spending and streamline regulations. We have to both support existing businesses and begin a robust attraction initiative to bring new businesses into RI. I support competitive loan guarantees and tax incentives to create jobs.