Governor-elect Don Carcieri has enormous challenges to face as he prepares to take office in January. A budget deficit estimated to be in the neighborhood of $200 million is not the least of them. He has promised to conduct a “Big Audit” of state spending – and to push for better performing public schools.
We believe Carcieri is up to these challenges. His business background, coupled with his deep-rooted belief that Rhode Island can do better, bodes well. He has a more proactive style than the governor he will replace. The Rhode Island economy now desperately needs a proactive approach.
In terms of economic development, we do have an issue we would like to see near the very top of the governor-elect’s list of priorities.
The former Navy base at Quonset Point/Davisville remains an economic jewel for Rhode Island. At the same time, it is a part of Rhode Island that confuses taxpayers. Last Tuesday, voters rejected a referendum that would have committed $11 million for road and utility infrastructure, building demolition and rehabilitation of several piers.
That money would have represented a solid investment in Rhode Island’s future.
Quonset Point/Davisville is by far the state’s most impressive center of job creation. Today, 141 companies operate out of the park, employing 6,800 people. Fiscal year 2002 was a banner one at the former Navy base and with new contracts being signed with automobile dealers to import cars there, 2003 could be an even better one.
Question 4 would have paved the way for some important projects – projects that would have ensured that the momentum of economic development at the park continues. It is widely believed that the referendum failed, at least in part, because voters assumed it was all part of a plan to bring a container port to Quonset Point. But Question 4 was not about a container port.
Carcieri has long opposed the construction of a container port at Quonset Point. He would prefer some kind of biotechnology park and other developments.
We urge the governor-elect to begin making his case now for what he envisions there. On election night, Carcieri told a packed crowd of supporters at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet that he had visited many manufacturing companies during his campaign. He came away from those visits with a simple conclusion.
“Rhode Island needs more jobs,” he said.
Quonset Point/Davisville has demonstrated that it is a viable home for companies – for jobs. It may be that proponents of the park simply didn’t have enough time to make their case for further investment there. Now, the governor-elect needs to take the lead in explaining to Rhode Islanders just how important the former Navy base is to our economic climate – even without a container port.
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