To the Editor:
The people’s vote not to change the constitution to allow the Narragansett Indian Casino to be built was largely based on misinformation that was spewed by the governor, his proxies and puppets. As the truth unfolds about the state’s financial woes, it becomes evident that Rhode Island taxpayers were duped again!
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Things are not so great! The debt now requires significant strategic cuts.
Rhode Island’s deficit may breach $150 million. Video slot terminal shortfalls may exceed $40 million. And the state general treasurer’s office wants to make the state pension fund whole again on the back of the taxpayers. They have turned to the R.I. Economic Development Corporation. The EDC will in turn ask the governor to add a “line item” to the budget. Who is responsible? Appointed and hired individuals and groups are responsible to the taxpayers of Rhode Island. As the current administration refuses to accept these responsibilities, a great quote comes to mind.
Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the “father of the nuclear navy,” took a very strong line on responsibility.
“Responsibility is a unique concept that can only reside and in one individual. You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished. You may delegate it, but it is still with you. You may disclaim it but you cannot divest yourself of it. Even if you do not recognize it or admit its presence, you cannot escape it. If responsibility is rightfully yours, no evasion or ignorance or passing the blame can shift the burden to someone else.”
This is true in life. This is true in politics!
In this case, state employees have a pension fund. Taxpayers subsidize this fund for the state employees – OK so far. The state employees pension fund requests that the EDC request that the governor insert a line item for the taxpayers to replace $2.39 million lost during the sale of the American Express building. Who authorized the fund to sell at a loss? The chief of staff to the state general treasurer’s office oversees these affairs, and the governor is made cognizant. Where does responsibility lie? Did anyone notice the strings attached in this deal. Is this effort toward double-taxation to offset a mistake clear to everyone?
Who authorized the EDC to guarantee this loan? Who authorized the general treasurer to authorize any such guarantee? Is it the governor’s job? Did this all come to pass during the same administration that insists a billion-dollar investment in the state of Rhode Island – with no strings attached – was not a good idea?
Some good should come out of this mess. Senator-elect Sheldon Whitehouse, in all fairness, the Narragansett Indians should be treated as all other tribes across this country. You have the ability and have been given the power to remove the Chafee Midnight Rider and help heal this wound between Rhode Island and the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Enough said!
Vincent J. DuBreuil
Coventry
