GoLocal Endorsement for Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor
Sunday, September 11, 2022
GoLocal interviewed the two leading candidates for Rhode Island lieutenant governor — State Rep. Deborah Ruggerio and sitting Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos.
Deb Ruggiero
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRuggerio, in her interview, made a strong case that she has the experience — and fortitude — to take over as governor if the incumbent were suddenly to leave the scene.
She has had a diverse collection of professional experiences, as a manager in the private sector, as well as an advocate, including, of course, as a legislator.
She deserves credit for her leadership in successfully pushing for the adoption of renewable-energy legislation — way before it was in vogue. And she’s been a leader in increasingly important telecommunications issues in the legislature.
Sabina Matos
Matos's calm, soft-spoken demeanor belies a steely resolve. Make no mistake about it, she is a seasoned politician who fought some tough battles in Providence, taking on Mayor Jorge Elorza on the budget while serving as City Council president and negotiating much-needed changes to the Tax Stabilization Agreement (TSA) structure in the face of powerful special interests.
Matos has developed a close working knowledge of both the lieutenant governor’s and governor's offices. Further, she says, she has begun to make inroads in addressing such important areas as Rhode Island’s small-business, long-term-care and military-family needs, showing the ability to bring people together from across the state.
Our Conclusion
Each of the candidates has numerous positives, but we give a slight nod to Matos.
Her experience in Providence, coupled with her advantage of having served as lieutenant governor for the past 16 months, would provide a usually desirable continuity if another governor were to depart suddenly.
For these reasons, we endorse Sabina Matos in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.
This was first published 9/10/22 2:28 AM
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