Carol Anne Costa: A Superlative 2014
Thursday, January 01, 2015
First and foremost, happy and healthy New Year to all. May your year be filled with politics that is open, honest and puts the people first and a government that listens and acts pursuant the will of the citizenry. We are days away from inaugurating historic selections; Gina Raimondo, our first female elected Governor, Nellie Gorbea, our first elected Hispanic general office holder, as well as a team of elected officials ready to move our state forward. It is not a stretch to think that all our elected politicians are right now, crafting resolutions, as they position their teams to move Rhode Island in the right direction.
While so many are fashioning those resolutions for the upcoming year, I rather end the year with some whimsical reflections. As with every good yearbook, and a smile in my heart, I give you the pages of the class of 2014 fun superlatives section. #mostlikleyto, #best #lightenup.
Class Superlatives...
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMost likely to Succeed - It is the RI GOP that snares this tribute with their new rising star out of Coventry, Representative Bobby Nardolillo. This young lawmaker ran a campaign of energy, enthusiasm and just plain shoe leather. If the young Nardolillo adheres to his agenda, the people in Coventry will be reap the rewards of his sticktoitiveness. #focusfocusfocusyoungman.
Most Likely To Cheer You Up - Nellie Gorbea, hands down is RI’s cheery pol. But, don’t let those happy political ads and her affable personality fool you, as this diminutive powerhouse will transform the Secretary of State’s office with drive, innovation and data. Like her gubernatorial counterpart her record clearly demonstrates a willingness and political will to deliver on her promises.“#That’sOurNellie!”
Most Likely to Make Waves - Look to the foot hills of Scituate for this one. Representative Michael Marcello (District 41 Scituate/Cranston); who mounted a noble but unsuccessful bid for speaker in the last General Assembly session, also survived an inspired - all out blitz from both sides of the aisle in his successful campaign to return to the house. Marcello will prove to be a bellwether under the dome. A long time reformer and champion of open government and ethics reform, he has no obligatory ties.I am certain his new found independence from the bondage of an often times defensive and overbearing leadership, will sure enough, #rocktheboat.
Best Smile- By leaps and bounds David Cicilline wraps up this category. He possesses an infectious smile, one cannot help but feel good when he flashes those pearly whites. But, there's more to his grin, as his representation in DC has teeth. He consistently works to brings smiles, grants, and a voice back to his constituents from the nation’s capitol. #smileseveryone
Most likely to Overachieve - The honor goes to Representative Joy Hearn of Barrington. If Joy’s past legislative successes despite the naysayers, included a law to help RI small businesses and her work on the state education formula are any indication, her drive to make laws focusing on bolstering education, toughening sexual assault laws, as well as consolidated textbook purchasing can’t be far away. Let’s hope her achievement drive is successful, as we all will benefit. #keeponpushingjoy
Class Flirt -Well that distinction goes to the unwavering and twinkly eyed, Buddy Cianci. He flirts with his radio audience every afternoon, with his cheeky commentary and his joke filled barbs, he has the audience definitely smitten. Who knows, he just may be flirting with another run for office, only time will tell. #wink
Most Likely To Become President - The accolades in this column go to Governor Elect, Gina Raimondo. If Rhode Island is to send a person the to the White House, it really could be her. Oh yes, she was Valedictorian and President of the algebra, accounting and debate club... and she looked pretty comfy in the oval office recently. #madamepresident
Teacher’s Pet - State Democratic Chair, Representative Joseph McNamara nails down this slot. His floor remarks are always colorful and always aimed to please. He is kind to the rostrum and his fellow lawmakers and he has the full support of the calamari constituency. And, of course he brought enough for the whole class. #Ilovesquid
Best Hair- Lieutenant Governor Elect, Dan McKee wins this hands down! That shock of Kennedy- like locks is stellar and in these parts may have actually garnered some votes. No rogaine here...But, under that fabloublus cioff beats the heart of a reformer. McKee will champion a cause and follow through.I am certain he is combing through heady initiatives as we speak. #Iamnotakennedy
Most Optimistic - Seth Magaziner, the General Treasurer Elect is a forever optimist. His steady march to the Treasurer's Office was a case study in the “glass half full philosophy”. “He’s too young, he’s up against the machine, and he has little chance”, were all heard early on in his drive to lead the state’s treasury. And, Seth just pushed on with a smile, hard facts, a handshake and the ability to bring nearly 60% of the voters to the sunny side of the street. Let’s hope his optimism goes viral. #glasshalffull
Most Pessimistic - “Oh bother”, said the Minority Leader of the General Assembly, Brian “Eeyore “Newberry, it’s true, he takes his job as voice of the opposition very seriously. He is steady and thoughtful but with a certain gloomy gus quality. Cheer up leader, it can always get worse but, for now Leader, rally those new GOP faces in the House. #eeyore
Most Likely To Become A Teacher - Governor Chafee is well on his way to academia. His low key presence at the helm was demonstrative of his professorial demeanor. He proved to be a thoughtful, ethical and collaborative leader and his destiny for a classroom seems quite certain. #youcancallmeprof
Class Patriot- Looks like Jan Malik of (District 67, Barrington/Warren) secures this one. His work as Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs is returning benefits to all those who serve. Jan’s desire to improve the well-being of Rhode Island veterans and their families cannot be understated and his efforts deserve a salute! #vetsrule
Most Artistic- The quote “A picture is worth a thousand words,” could be the tell in this category. You guessed it... it is Senator Nick Kettle, as he has illustrated his propensity for cartoons. No one should question the power of artwork. He wins the art award walking away. Can’t wait to see if his palate reveals any new sketches this session. #Ilovetodraw
The 15th superlative I reserve for the title of “Best Shoulder To Cry On” and that distinction rests on the BIG-BROAD-WEARY shoulders of the people of RI. Ocean Staters have endured much and still possess the zest and spirit that forged this state. I only hope 2015 brings politicians that work hard, do not take themselves too seriously and have the guts to make real change. So next year I hope there will be one superlative for our beloved Rhode Island: “Most Likely to Finish the Comeback”! I await a pep rally complete with big foam fingers shaped like RI and the catchy chant, “we’re number one.” #Happy2015.
Carol Costa is a public relations and community outreach specialist; she has experience in both the public and private sectors. She is the Chairwoman of the Scituate Democratic Town Committee and has extensive community affairs and public relations experience. She previously served in the Rhode Island Judiciary for nearly 17 years. Carol also enjoyed a successful development stint at the Diocese of Providence as Associate Director for Catholic Education and is currently the Executive Director of the Warren Housing Authority. Her work has been published in several local outlets including GoLocal, Valley Breeze, The Rhode Island Catholic, and Currents Magazine.
Related Slideshow: 14 Who Made a Difference in RI in 2014
See who made a difference in RI this past year BELOW.
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