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

Friday, July 12, 2013

Dan Lawlor, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

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The "hippest guy in state government" David Segal is on the move for reform of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Every Friday, Dan Lawlor breaks down who's rising and who's falling in the world of Rhode Island politics. Check out who made the lists this week.

Who's Hot

David Segal: Once dubbed by Ian Donnis as "the hippest guy in state government," the former Congressional candidate has been making waves nationally as executive director of Demand Progress (DP). DP has been actively championing "Aaron's Law," a bill recently introduced in Congress to reform the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, working for, among other goals, ensuring civil, not criminal, prosecutions for violating internet terms of service agreement. The bills honors the late inventor, activist, and Segal friend, Aaron Swartz.

Sea Freeze, Inc.: This North Kingstown business is the largest producer and trader of sea-frozen sea food on the East Coast. The firm has two freezer trawlers–Relentless and Persistence. The calamari bill might be dead, but our fishing industry isn't.

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Eva Hulse-Avila: Pending final approval, welcome to the Providence School Board! The Mayor's appointed committee has struggled recently with absenteeism (odd considering how they are supposed to worry about student absenteeism). Best of luck to Hulse-Avila to bring some fresh energy and problem solving.

Ken Block: The Moderate Party gubernatorial candidate has emerged as the local media's go-to voice for a contrary quote to the General Assembly leadership. Decrying the end of session gridlock, Block has called for a constitutional convention, stating, "This state cannot tolerate another decade of government failure." Somewhere a State Senator shrugged.

Peter Karafotas: Congressman "Excellent Financial Condition" Cicilline has looked beyond the Ocean State, and has brought Karatofas, a long-term assist to Mid-Western Democrats, onto his team as chief of staff. Is this a sign Cicilline is looking to have more influence in the national Democratic caucus?

Gina Raimondo: Gina was right on pay-day lending reform (if ignored by House leadership), and, in a bit of a comic twist, the Hedge Fund Industry thinks Raimondo is right on Hedge Funds. Rhode Island received the Small Public Plan of the Year Award from Institutional Investor.

Street Sights: This volunteer newspaper, a voice for Rhode Island's sadly growing homeless population, has gone entrepreneurial and is soliciting business ads alongside its traditional sponsorships. Good luck!

Who's Not

Frank Anzeveno: Frank Anzeveno has been Chief of Staff for the Speaker of House since John Harwood. Since Harwood's time, the economy is worse, Anzeveno's salary is higher, and the Speaker's authority is more precarious. Maybe it's time for Fox to have a new second in command.

Angel Taveras: Exciting work is happening on proposals to re-design streetscapes downtown (notably along La Salle Square), but alongside filling in sidewalks, summer is time to fill up the neighborhood pools.

Bill Murphy: The beat goes on ...the former speaker made tens of thousands of dollars this past session lobbying against common sense regulation of pay-day lending. To take a line from Matt Taibbi, "Given a choice between money and integrity, they took money."

Office of Lt. Governor: Neither New Hampshire or Maine (both with larger populations than Rhode Island) have an Office of Lt. Governor. Why are we paying roughly a million dollars for this privilege?

"The Year of the Dead Squid": The General Assembly touched on some important issues–ex. marriage equality, small money to support start-ups and historic tax credits–but long-term problems such as RIPTA funding, a convoluted tax policy, and a lack of public notice of bills continue.

Rhode Island Philanthropy: Based on the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Rhode Islanders give to charity at one of the lowest levels in the country (44th). In the US overall, the average rate of giving is 4.7% of income. In Rhode Island, the average giving rate is 3.1%. For what it's worth, Rhode Islanders who make less than $100,000 give a greater percent of their income (4%) to charity than those who make over $100,000 (2.9% to 3.4% depending on their income bracket).

 

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