Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - January 8, 2021

HOT

Stacey Abrams

Every few years, there are breakthrough political operatives who transform the landscape. 

They change the rules and the other party hates them. In recent years, there has been the GOP's Lee Atwater and Karl Rove. The Democrats have had James Carville and others.

But, Stacey Abrams may have pulled off the biggest coup getting a Black preacher and a 33-year-old former Hill staffer elected on the same night from a southern state.

HOT

Jim Vincent

For ten years now, Jim Vincent has led the Providence Chapter of the NAACP. His leadership has been a calming force and consistent.

Today, there are more judges of color and there is a Black woman on the State's Supreme Court due in part because of Vincent's work.

HOT

Gina Raimondo

Joe Biden believes Raimondo is hot and soon she will be the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

No one has dominated Rhode Island politics -- or been more divisive -- than Raimondo.

We wish her success in D.C. and hope she makes positive change for the nation and Rhode Island.

Restaurant Week

The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced that following a successful 2020 campaign, “Providence Restaurant Weeks Presents: Stay Local. Eat Well.” returns this winter with four additional weeks of dining specials throughout the state, beginning January 10 through February 6. 

In addition to special prix fixe menus, participating restaurants may offer breakfast, lunch, or dinner specials -- or all three.

SEE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS HERE

“Providence Restaurant Weeks has become a winter staple among locals over the years, presenting an opportunity to try some of the hottest dishes from nationally-recognized restaurants in the Providence area,” said Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick CVB, which runs the twice-yearly event. 

HOT

Dan McKee

The Lt. Governor will soon be sworn in as Rhode Island's Governor.

His efforts on behalf of small business owners this past year established him as an old school FDR-type of Democrat -- couple that with his track record in promoting education reform and expanding charter schools. 

McKee faces tremendous challenges and must build an administration instantaneously.

Most importantly, he needs to face the state's coronavirus and vaccine crisis head-on from day one -- the Raimondo administration has already canceleds Friday's weekly briefing. 

HOT

T.F. Green Goes for #1 Again

T.F. Green Airport is in the running for best small airport in the United States — again. 

After finishing second in 2020, T.F Green is among the nominees in the 2021 poll. 

“Miss travel? Help T.F. Green Airport make sure we have the best options and the best prices when you return by voting for us in the USA Today Readers' Choice Awards,” Tweeted the airport on Wednesday. 

VOTE HERE

You can vote once a day until polls close on February 1 at noon.

“It was an honor to have so many Rhode Islanders and other fans of T. F. Green Airport show their support last year,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.  “With the help of our regional supporters, we hope to be recognized as the #1 small airport in the nation to help restore Rhode Island’s Tourism and Hospitality industry as quickly as possible to bring travelers, jobs and income back to the Ocean State.”

According to the USA Today “10Best” website: “Loyal fans of T. F. Green Airport in Rhode Island love it as an alternative to Boston Logan for its lack of crowds and lines and quick access to Providence and Boston via a dedicated train station.  It’s also an excellent option for travelers heading to Cape Cod.”

NOT

Donald Trump

The 1-minute video by Donald Trump after the domestic terrorist violence on Wednesday was the most reprehensible statement ever uttered by a United States President.

Now, his closest supporters are resigning en masse.

Legislative leaders are calling for an immediate impeachment -- and even the conservative editorial page of the Wall Street Journal is calling for Trump to resign.

Domestic Terrorists

If you invade the U.S. Capitol, assault police officers, destroy public property, vandalize the icon of national and global democracy you are a terrorist and must be prosecuted.

PHOTO: ITV Screen shot

U. S. Capitol Police

Simply embarrassing.

The agency needs professional leadership, training and needs to be cleansed of members who are sympathizers to domestic terrorists.

NOT

RI's Vaccination Plan 

Incorrect information, an outdated plan, and thousands of doses of vaccines sitting on shelves are just a few of the problems plaguing Rhode Island's vaccination rollout.

Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) officials can’t identify how many Rhode Islanders need to be vaccinated. More disturbing is that the State’s definition of how many need to be vaccinated to achieve “herd immunity” is significantly lower than President-elect Joe Biden’s Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci's number.

These are just a few of the problems facing Rhode Island's vaccination program, according to an investigation by GoLocal.

In December, approximately 400 Rhode Islanders died from the coronavirus -- thus, delays in efficiently implementing the state's vaccination program will continue to cost lives.

Since March, 1,870 Rhode Islanders have died. And to date, Rhode Island has received 64,000 doses of vaccine and only vaccinated approximately 26,000. And 18,000 doses are being transferred to pharmaceutical chains like CVS intended for vaccinations at the nursing homes. Approximately 20,000 doses remain on the shelves.

According to RIDOH, the guiding plan for the rollout of the vaccine is a document prepared by the RIDOH and submitted to the CDC in October of 2020.

READ MORE HERE