Local Pols Make Predictions for 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A year ago, they were taking office or preparing for another term. After a tumultuous year that included addressing a budget crisis, an overhaul to the pension system, new voter ID laws and the creation of a health benefit exchange, GoLocalProv asked some of the state’s most prominent politicians to offer predictions of what 2012 will have in store.
Governor Chafee Predictions
The Governor may have had a rocky first year in office, but he is hopeful decisions made in 2012 will help lead the state on a path to fiscal stability. Chafee has said municipal pension reform will be a top priority and he hopes to see more economic growth in the state.
1) Growth in economic development through Rhode Island’s assets, particularly Providence’s Knowledge District, Warwick’s Station District, and our tourism industry.
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3) State support for our cities and towns and the local property taxpayer.
Lt. Governor Roberts Predictions
After facing criticism during her re-election campaign in 2010, Elizabeth Roberts remained behind the scenes as General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Governor Chafee went to work addressing pensions. But Roberts helped lead the way on establishing the state’s health benefit exchange, which is viewed as the model for states around the country. In 2012, she says she hopes the work done on healthcare reform will remain intact and that the President will be re-elected.
1) The Affordable Care Act will be upheld in Supreme Court.
2) President Obama will be re-elected.
3) Bobby Valentine will lead the Red Sox to the division title that escaped them this year.
Speaker Gordon Fox
House Speaker Gordon Fox managed to convince his colleagues to support an overhaul to the state’s pension system while firmly positioning himself as one of the most influential politicians in Rhode Island. In 2012, Fox says he hopes President Obama will remain in office and the state will continue to show economic growth.
1) President Obama is re-elected President, defeating Mitt Romney.
2) The Patriots win their fourth Super Bowl title with an exciting victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
3) Rhode Island’s economy posts four quarters of steady growth.
Senate President Paiva Weed
Senate President M. Theresa Paiva Weed had all eyes on her during the pension reform debate and similar to Speaker Fox, was able to convince many of her union-backed colleagues to support the overhaul. Like many of her fellow Democrats, she also predicts a victory for President Obama in 2012, but she also offered a prediction regarding a major bridge project.
1) The Sakonnet River Bridge will open on time.
2) The Providence College Men’s Basketball Team will make the NCAA tournament.
3) President Obama will win re-election.
Secretary of State Ralph Mollis
The Sec. of State worked hard to get voter ID legislation passed by the General Assembly and has been credited with creating a system that could become the model for the country. Mollis drew high marks from many General Assembly members for supporting the issue. He said he hopes 2012 will prove that Voter ID can work in Rhode Island.
1) Voter ID will roll out smoothly at the polls and improve voter confidence in the outcome of our elections.
2) The decision to create an April 24 regional presidential primary with Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania will draw at least one GOP candidate to Rhode Island.
3) Tom Brady will throw for three TDs in leading the Patriots to victory in Super Bowl XLVI.
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