Side of the Rhode: Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics?

Side of the Rhode: Who's Hot and Who's Not in RI Politics?

Who’s Hot

Edith Ajello & Helio Melo -> Two excellent picks by House Speaker Gordon Fox. While most saw Melo stepping into Steven Costantino’s role as Finance Chair, Ajello’s appointment as chair of Judiciary Committee came as somewhat of a surprise and is considered a major victory for Progressives throughout the state.

Sandra Powell -> After Lincoln Chafee was blasted by former NAACP President Cliff Montiero for replacing Powell as DLT Director, it’s nice to see the Governor step up and make her head of Human Services.

Jim Vincent -> An excellent choice to help move the NAACP forward in Rhode Island. Vincent is new-media savvy and is visible thanks to his Sunday morning talk show. It will be interesting to see if he is as outspoken as his predecessor.

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Lt. Governor Roberts -> Aside from every out-of-work person in the state, no one is happier than Lt. Governor Roberts about Governor Carcieri leaving office. She is already playing a major role within the Chafee administration.

The Mayors, Lombardi & Taveras -> Two Mayors who did an excellent job handling Wednesday’s blizzard. Mayor Lombardi was out plowing all day and Mayor Taveras took the Cory Booker approach, utilizing Twitter and Facebook effectively to update residents throughout the day.

Emergency Management Agency -> Kudos to everyone involved with snow removal this week. RIEMA gets two thumbs up for keeping the highways mostly clear and safe on Wednesday. Anyone who did have to drive was pleasantly surprised with their commute.

President Obama –> Delivered the inspiring speech our country needed in the wake of the horrible tragedy that took place in Tucson last weekend.

Martin Luther King Day -> Have the day off on Monday? How about heading to one of the state’s many service projects and getting your hands dirty. The biggest project will be hosted by City Year Rhode Island and take place at the Gilbert Stuart Middle School in Providence.

Who’s Not

Talk Radio -> Took a beating nationally and locally all week. This is what happens when you employ people who spew hate four hours a day.

Lincoln Chafee -> Even if he feels a couple of talk show hosts are out to get him, the Governor made a foolish, short-sighted move by banning state employees from going on the radio. WPRO listeners may have not voted for him, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to hear about what’s happening from the people in charge.

Bishop Tobin -> The insufferable face of the Roman Catholic Church in Rhode Island made a scene by not showing up for Governor Chafee’s inauguration and penned a pathetic column regarding gay marriage last week.

Newport School Committee -> Bringing up the age-old school uniform debate again. Keep your eye on the ball, Newport. The Nike VS Loafer conversation isn’t the one we should be having when it comes to education in Rhode Island.

Sarah Palin -> A failed attempt at making yourself the sympathetic figure in the Tucson situation is definitely worthy of the “Not List”.

Antonio Cromartie -> Let’s get this straight: The guy who has nine children with eight women across six states is criticizing Tom Brady? Really? Here’s hoping he gets what’s coming to him this weekend.