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

Friday, August 02, 2013

Dan Lawlor, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

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Congressman David Cicilline opted to stand on the side of personal privacy, voting against NSA surveillance budget appropriation.

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

Memories: Last year, Damien Colon, Shemeeka Barros, and Michael Martin lost their lives in a triple homicide off Admiral St. Let's recall these young people, their dreams, their families and friends. Consider supporting the "I Am She" project, founded by Shemeeka's mother, Gemyla Barros, dedicated to empowering young women through positive mentoring.

Michael Pisaturo: Back in 1997, when Lincoln Almond was Governor, Rep. Pisaturo called on our state to legalize same sex marriage, and recognize all committed, consenting adult couples as equal before the law. In 2013, thanks to the work of thousands, including champions like Frank Ferri, Donna Nesselbush, Lincoln Chafee and Gordon Fox, the law finally stands on the side of love. Congratulations to Don Laliberte and Richard Corso, and all new couples! Special kudos to Mikaela Vento for organizing "sidewalk celebrations" to cheer outside Providence City Hall!

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Deepwater Wind: The Department of the Interior announced Deepwater Wind as the winner of two contracts to develop off shore wind energy sites. The company notes, "Construction could begin as early as 2017, with commercial operations by 2018."

Gina Raimondo: For an election more than a year away, the Treasurer's campaign fundraising levels (over $2 million!) are astonishing. From New York to Los Angeles, heavy-hitters, including Mayors Bloomberg and Emmanuel, have lined up to support the State Treasurer once profiled in Time Magazine. I think she's aiming for more than Governor.   

Jeff Britt: Britt, a shadow player in several major races in the last decade, is joining Moderate (or is it Republican?) Ken Block's team for governor. From campaigns against Harwood to Fox, Britt has rocked the boat. However, can he help Block get the votes and supporters to win?

Hugh Clements: Operation Hub Cap was a success in removing 21 low level heroin dealers from Kennedy Plaza. Quick, well organized, and implemented.
 
Marielena Hincapié: Congratulation to Central Falls's own Marielena Hincapié, a Northeastern University Law grad and executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, based in Los Angeles. Hincapié recently received the Univision Corazon (Heart) Award for her work fighting for undocumented immigrants with few resources to advance and improve their lot. It's good to see Rhode Islanders making a difference on the national scene.

David Cicilline: Credit where it's due: Thank you, Congressman, for voting against the NSA surveillance budget appropriation. At its root, perpetual surveillance of all citizens is contrary to a free society. Such power is ripe for abuse and needs to be restrained.

David Wescott: Wescott, a private businessman, bought St. Mark's Church in Warren, saving it from a potential wrecking ball. As memberships dwindle, congregations are looking for creative ways to adapt and re-use historic congregations. Without people stepping forward, more landmarks will fade away (along with the good works that can be done through them!) 

Who's Not

Jim Langevin: Jim Langevin has voted to continue NSA surveillance of American citizens. Shameful. Reconsider, Congressman, reconsider! As Don Roach writes, "Our efforts need to be spent spying on terrorists, not invading the privacy of Americans in order to catch the minority who are terrorists. All of the ants shouldn’t have to suffer because of a few bad ones. "

Providence License Board: I understand the concern about not wanting to allow only certain businesses, i.e. Gourmet Heaven, to be open 24 hours. The playing field should be level. However, would a few 24-hour businesses in the capital city be such a bad thing?

Charlesgate Nursing Home: We need to look at how we care for our low-income elderly across the board. Kudos to the Department of Health for their swift investigation at Charlesgate. The death of an elder during the recent heat wave is a reminder that our most vulnerable need respectful treatment and support, regardless of age.

Lincoln Chafee and Eva-Marie Mancuso: Education Board President Mancuso's nomination to serve as higher education commissioner was a clear violation of the ethics code and revolving door rules. Good for ultimately withdrawing the nomination, but time to search for a new, eligible commissioner was lost on this issue.

Ralph Mollis, Dan McKee: Both of these elected officials have expressed interest in running for Lt. Governor. Neither has, so far, offered to dramatically change the office (Example: work to sponsor legislation to run as a team with the Governor, vow to be the "last lt. governor" and work to eliminate the office, or, heck, sponsor legislation to mandate specific responsibilities). McKee has demonstrated real problem-solving with the Mayoral Academies, and Mollis has facilitated beautification projects in North Providence. Neither needs to simply be elected statewide to do their pet issue for four years.

Rhode Island's Self Image: The RI Foundation's efforts to boost our morale are appreciated, and highlight some excellent work people are doing in our state. Convincing your average Rhode Islander that the state has it "all in our backyard" will require highlighting more success stories from working towns like Johnston, Cranston, West Warwick, and Woonsocket.

Angel Taveras: Kudos to the Mayor for tackling the challenge of drugs in Kennedy Plaza, but the policy timing of the recent sting leaves a bad taste. In 2011, according to WPRI, the city also had a six month investigation into drug dealing in KP, which resulted in 14 arrests. Last week's sting was based on a six week operation, and resulted in 21 arrests, plus 15 warrants. Is the increased number of arrests due to an uptick in crime, or is the focus on Kennedy Plaza sharper now as it's groomed to become the next Bryant Park? Folks in other neighborhoods with drug dealing are curious.

 

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