5 Big Economic Projects—Can Raimondo Get Them Done?
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
It has been almost a year since Governor Gina Raimondo took the helm of Rhode Island, and she recently declared of the Rhode Island economy that “Yes, It’s Working” — but what she accomplishes in the coming months will be the real test.
SLIDES: 5 Big Economic Projects -- Can Raimondo Get Them Done -- BELOW
“During her first year, Governor Raimondo launched our comeback with three key priorities: building skills, attracting business and innovating in government. These priorities – and an unwavering focus on putting people back to work and expanding opportunity – guide her every decision,” said the message on the Governor’s YouTube channel on December 2.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNow, the Governor is faced with a number of economic development opportunities that will in part determine the fate — and success — of the administration.
"During her first year in office, the Governor has made economic development and job creation two top priorities. The Governor has introduced and implemented a number of major programs to make the state more competitive in retaining and attracting businesses," said URI Distinguished Professor of Business Edward Mazze.
"With everyone working together, significant progress can be expected on I-195 land development, out-of-state businesses looking at Rhode Island as a place to locate and Rhode Island businesses looking more favorably as a state to expand their existing businesses. Along with the work of the Lieutenant Governor and the Small Business Advocacy Council, the state's image towards business will become more positive in 2016," Mazze predicted.
First Term Impact?
One Governor in recent history who accomplished an impressive number of projects in his first term — despite a number of challenges — included building the Convention Center, revamping the airport, and financing the Providence Place Mall.
“Governor [Bruce] Sundlun was able to succeed by focusing on accomplishing several important priorities and seeing them through to completion. He was not afraid to expend political capital on these priorities. He was also skilled at picking the right people for the right jobs, and then delegating responsibility to them,” said David Preston, President of New Harbor Group, and former Sundlun Communications Director. “Politically the time was right, as well. The severe recession created the desire for leadership and direction that he was perfectly positioned, by temperament, intellect and experience, to fill."
Mazze offered his assessment of the Sundlun's accomplishments -- and prognosis for the Raimondo administration.
"Sundlun came into office when the state had a serious financial problem. He was a "take no prisoner" governor. He had a vision for the state. He attracted a team that was loyal and knew that they would be held accountable. The economic times were different than they are in 2015. He was a "natural" leader...he said what he meant and he meant what he said," said Mazze. "His ideas were not provincial. As a successful businessperson, he witnessed what other states did to grow and applied these lessons to Rhode Island. He thought big when it came to making Rhode Island an attractive place to live and work."
"Economic change takes time," continued Mazze. "Rhode Island was among the first state to enter the 2007 recession and the last to leave the recession. During the last four years, the state has had no unified/focused economic development program nor any real economic leadership. The state's reputation for bad economic decisions, corrupt government, extraordinarily high unfunded public pension and health benefits along with high city/state budget deficits resulted in the state "rolling down the hill" when attempting to retain and attract businesses and create jobs. New economic development projects take time. But we are now on the right track."
Related Slideshow: 5 Economic Projects - Can Raimondo Get Them Done?
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