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

Friday, March 18, 2011

Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

Who’s Hot

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Gina Raimondo -> Everyone’s favorite to be the next Governor (whether it’s four or eight years) continues to be aggressive when it comes to pushing for pension reform. What’s even more impressive is that, much like Angel Taveras, the General Treasurer appears to still have the support of progressives in the state.

Jerauld C. Adams, Helena B. Foulkes, Jack K. Templin and Stanley Weiss -> The four new members of the EDC were confirmed this week. It would be interesting to hear what they thought of last summer’s deal with 38 Studios.

Marijuana -> You want more businesses in Rhode Island? Legalizing marijuana is the perfect way to attract every potato chip and honey bun maker in the country. Late night diners might also be making a comeback in this state.

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George Lima -> The former head of the local NAACP passed away at the age of 92 this week. Lima was a well-respected civil rights leader who will be greatly missed.

Daniel Reilly -> Amidst all the bickering between Republicans and Democrats, it’s nice to see this young state rep push forward on an issue that will actually make life easier for all of us. It just makes sense to be able to renew your license at City Hall instead of going all the way to DMV. Of course, in Providence, that will likely mean a huge fine for parking in a councilman’s spot or not paying the meter.

Buddy Cianci -> Over 600 fans turned out to support the former Mayor at his book release party this week. I’ve read the book. It’s an equal parts self-deprecating, self-aggrandizing take on how Providence came to be what it is today. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy local politics.

Barry Hinckley -> Nobody knows much about him except that he’s a rich Republican from Newport who’s running for Senate. While name recognition could be a problem, he also doesn’t appear to have much baggage, which could make him an attractive sleeper candidate in 2012.

Patrick Kennedy -> We hadn’t heard much for the former Congressman in the past few months, but it’s nice to see him land on his feet with a fellowship at Brown. Best of luck, Patrick.

Who’s Not

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David Cicilline -> The horror show for the freshman Congressman continues in Providence. For all the good he did in the city, it appears that everything he was accused of during campaign season was right on the money. Providence is broke and he has to stomach some of the blame.

Deb Gist -> Just as she appears to be on the right foot with Governor Chafee, another problem pops up for the Education Commissioner. You have to wonder how much more she is willing to take of this.

Joe Trillo -> Another attempt at union busting, this time by taking on the collective bargaining process. In a state as pro-union as Rhode Island, it’s unlikely the Republican will be able to do much more than rant about this bill on his Sunday talk show. Wears great ties, though.

Newspaper Paywalls -> I still read the newspaper. I do. But there’s just no way I’m going to pay to read it online when there are hundreds of blogs and free sites that can give me the same information. It will be interesting to see if the New York Times and eventually, the Journal, can pull it off.

Channel 6 -> It’s gotten so bad over there that ABC is no guarantee to keep its affiliation with the station after it is sold. For what it’s worth, I’m hoping Joe Paolino’s group wins the auction, just because it would be so very Rhode Island if that were to happen.

Michael Woodmansee -> Didn’t touch on this last week, but we have to make sure this guy never gets to leave prison. I’m against changing the system based on one extreme example, but it’s difficult not to support whatever it takes to keep Woodmansee behind bars.
 

 

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