The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly
survey of 70 business leaders, representing small and large companies is a variety
of industries.
QUESTION: Was the ouster of former Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island President Ronald A. Battista an appropriate conclusion to the controversy surrounding the insurer or was it an overreaction?
It was appropriate: 55%
It was an overreaction: 45%
QUESTION: What was your initial reaction when you heard that Mr. Battista was stepping down?
Expected it to happen when it did: 36%
Surprised, thought he would remain in place: 64%
QUESTION: Do you think the fact that Mr. Battista stepped aside will spare the insurer of a major legislative-mandated overhaul or do you expect General Assembly leaders and the governor to aggressively pursue reforms?
Blue Cross & Blue Shield will now face less scrutiny: 9%
Blue Cross & Blue Shield will still be expected to institute major changes: 91%
QUESTION: Do you think the political climate in Rhode Island will make it especially difficult for Blue Cross and Blue Shield to find a replacement for Battista – or do you suspect that challenge of filling the slot will be comparable to that of most other states?
Could make the search for a replacement difficult: 60%
Search process would be similar in other states: 40%
