Guest MINDSETTER™ Rep. Shekarchi: The True Nature of Study Commissions
Thursday, December 01, 2016
It is no secret that we live in a time of great division within our state and country. Too often, opposing viewpoints and ideologies clash without any hope of finding a workable solution to the collective problems we face in our daily lives. It is in these situations that study commissions become a valuable tool to cut through the partisan rhetoric and find the best possible solutions for the taxpayers and residents of Rhode Island.
Recently, a study commission that I am a member of was described in an alarmist and untrue light and I felt the need to cut through the biased commentary and set the record straight about the true nature of the Commission to Study the Upgrade of Facilities by Encouraging Private Investment in Qualifying Projects.
Three years ago, our infrastructure was crumbling, posing a serious risk to both our residents and businesses. In order to address this serious problem in the best interests of our taxpayers, I welcomed every possible idea that came forward and one of those was to form a study commission on public/private partnerships.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe operative and most important word here is “study” and contrary to what some may think, the purpose of the commission is to study the facts of public/private partnerships and whether they are beneficial to the public. The commission was in no way formed to implement privatization strategies within our state government. I cannot be any clearer regarding this fact.
Also, there are already many state laws that deal with these types of partnerships and the commission’s objective is to review these statutes to determine if they are working for Rhode Islanders, if they need to be amended, or if a new direction is needed to better serve our citizens.
In the same spirit of truly open study regarding the topic, I do not attend the meetings, with the exception of the first, to encourage the free and open discussion of these various ideas with the professionals that know the topic best. However, I am briefed on the details of every meeting. And due to this truly open process, I believe it is abundantly clear there is no preplanned outcome for the recommendations that the study commission will issue. It is possible that the commission will be extended or that no possible legislation will be drafted at all. Every option is on the table for review, so, despite what some commentators may state, there is no alliance with private interests and the commission’s only allegiance is to the residents of Rhode Island.
The only objective of this study commission is to analyze the various facts, data, and viewpoints surrounding this issue in order to better the quality of life for our residents. And after listening to and debating each idea, the goal of this commission is to offer recommendations that will save taxpayer dollars, put our citizens back to work, and provide the top-notch services and infrastructure that Rhode Islanders deserve. I believe those three goals are areas in which everyone on the political spectrum can agree need to be addressed.
In closing, every commission meeting is open to the public and broadcast on Capitol Television. I encourage anyone to attend and offer testimony regarding public/private partnerships so that we may all come together and solve the problems our state faces to ensure success and prosperity into the future.
Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi is the Majority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and represents District 23 in Warwick
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