In less than a year, Rhode Islanders will elect a new governor. They will choose from a field that presently includes Democrats Antonio Pires, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Myrth York – and Republicans Jim Bennett, Don Carcieri, and Bernard Jackvony.
In a recent public session attended by five of the six candidates (York was out of the country at the time), they spoke in generalities about the direction of the state’s economy.
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Granted, it is early in the election cycle and we would expect candidates to measure what they say carefully in these appearances. But there are some major issues facing the state. And as we navigate our way through a recession, it would be refreshing to hear how, specifically, the candidates would address those issues that are so critical to the economic well being of Rhode Island.
For example, the proposal to build a container port at Quonset Point/Davisville has long been a priority project of Gov. Lincoln Almond.
Proponents suggest that potentially it could be the most significant economic development project in Rhode Island history. They are convinced that it would add hundreds to thousands of jobs.
Opponents raise environmental concerns and question whether such a port is economically feasible.
Almond’s stance has been clear. He would like to see a container port operating out of Quonset Point/Davisville. But it is Almond’s successor who will occupy the executive offices of the State House when the results of a federal Environmental Impact Study are known. Only then will final decisions be made regarding the project.
We would like to know where the gubernatorial candidates stand on the container port proposal. We assume all of the candidates are pro-jobs. That is a slam-dunk campaign theme. But do they support the controversial port proposal – that is a far more interesting question. And if not a port, what do they envision for the massive former Navy property at Quonset/Davisville?
The state also faces a budget crunch that will mean tough decisions in the next couple of years regarding tax incentive programs, public funding for education and an array of entitlement programs.
Voters deserve to know which kinds of programs would garner the support of the next governor. The business community would certainly be interested in hearing their opinions on the automobile tax phase-out, the capital gains phase-out, minimum wage and much more.
We have come to expect campaign rhetoric. But we deserve much more.
Let’s hope the race for governor in 2002 produces more answers than questions – and that as a result, voters are afforded the opportunity to make a clear, informed selection.
