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

Friday, April 29, 2011

Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv News Contributor

Every week, GoLocalProv identifies the hottest tickets in RI politics, and those whose public images are definitely cooling down.

Who’s Hot

Gordon Fox -> To his credit, the House Speaker (at right) didn't force a vote he knew wouldn't pass the Senate. Some may say civil unions aren’t enough - and he would be the first to agree - but they're better than nothing.

Bishop Tobin -> Nobody is patting themselves on the back harder than the Bishop, who appears to have won yet another battle in the same-sex marriage debate. He shouldn’t be totally thrilled, however. If other states are any indication, civil unions will soon lead to same-sex marriage and chances are, the world won’t change much at all, Bishop.

Nick Narducci, Davian Sanchez and Sabina Matos -> Kudos to these three Providence City Council members for speaking out against the school closings in Providence. They stepped up and delivered passionate speeches in defense of their neighborhood schools; it's just too bad the fix was in and the school board knew exactly what it was doing heading in to last night's hearing.

Institute for the Study & Practice of Nonviolence -> Another reason to be hopeful for the City of Providence. The amazing work this organization is doing continues to change lives every single day. As we focus on all of the issues plaguing the city and the state, it’s important to take pause and be thankful for the people making a difference.

Teresa Tanzi -> Kudos to this freshman representative for rebounding from her little slip-up a few weeks back and pushing for a much overdue bill. At a time when the public is more involved than ever with the people who represent them, it’s essential they have as transparent a government as possible.

William San Bento -> The debate of full-fledged casino gaming has merits on both sides. There’s no question it will be a revenue booster to the state, but what’s the price? If this veteran representative has his way, the voters will finally make that decision in 2012.

Who’s Not

Gordon Fox -> The Speaker makes both lists this week. Despite being arguably the most powerful pol in the state, it appears he was unable to gain enough support for one of the most important parts of his agenda.

National Republican Congressional Committee -> State Republican leaders must be beside themselves at the thought of the NRCC raising money with targeted attacks on Congressman Cicilline. Where was that support when John Loughlin was in a heated battle with Cicilline last year?

Providence School Committee -> Too many questions have been left "TBD" to finally make a decision that will impact thousands of teachers, children and families in Providence. Shame on the Providence School Board for not taking more time to reflect on just how much their vote was going to hurt neighborhoods across the city.

Bob Watson -> What was it they said about Nixon? The cover-up was worse than the crime? Well, in Bob Watson’s case, the pathetic excuse given was far worse than having a little bit of pot on him while driving. On the bright side, at least Watson (at left) and the liberals can now settle their differences over something they appear to agree on: Love for the green stuff.

Providence Democratic City Committee -> Dealt a major blow this week when Ken Richardson resigned as chairman. In its ongoing quest for relevance, Richardson was the person many considered the best choice to move the Committee forward. He will be greatly missed.

Steve Laffey -> Something just doesn’t seem right about Steve Laffey being involved with a film titled, “Fixing America.” Didn’t he leave the state because voters didn’t want him to fix Rhode Island?

Arianna Huffington -> Of all people to be getting a degree from Brown, why choose Arianna Huffington, an alleged liberal who has no qualms about not paying thousands of writers a single dime while they make her richer than God?

If you valued this article, please LIKE GoLocalProv.com on FAcebook by clicking HERE.

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink

Comments:

Justin Smith

3:06am on Friday, April 29, 2011

Bravo for calling out Rep Watson's "pathetic excuse".

noel davis

8:50am on Friday, April 29, 2011

watson is beyond pathetic just like costa & Lima applauding him..phonies
Richardson..ok he's leaving but it aint the end of world..and he's walking on Prov..thats an accomplishment?
Laffey..why's he running? and from who?

jkl the 2nd

9:29am on Friday, April 29, 2011

If I were to read the story about Bob Watson, and you exclude his name in the story, I would think I was reading about some kid from Barrington who cares less about rules.

RI Taxpayer

9:45am on Friday, April 29, 2011

========================================================================

Teresa Tanzi!?...transparent government!?...

Huh?

Contrarian View

4:55pm on Friday, April 29, 2011

An odd set of choices. I'd say that Mayor Taveras is hotter than the councilmen, having the courage to defy the union thugs on behalf of the taxpayers.

And what exactly has the nonviolence institute accomplished?

As to Laffey, that "voters didn’t want him to fix Rhode Island" says more about Rhode Islanders than about Laffey. That's why I am seriously considering taking my business and family to a new state.

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.