There is an inherent danger in a State of the State address. Too often, they are long on political rhetoric and short on concrete plans.
Gov. Don Carcieri, a political novice who won the race for governor by promising to run the state like a business, showed last Tuesday night that he does indeed represent a welcome change in direction for our state government.
In some respects, Carcieri’s first State of the State address was similar to those we have heard in the past. It was filled with promises. He made sure to compliment state workers and thanked members of the General Assembly for cooperating with him.
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But in other ways Carcieri’s address was also very different. It outlined for Rhode Islanders specific ideas for resurrecting the state’s economy and creating jobs. And most importantly, it set benchmarks and a time period for meeting them.
“We will make Rhode Island a leader in job growth in New England,” he said.
That kind of statement could have sounded like political rhetoric. But Carcieri attached to it a measurable goal. He said the state would create “20,000 good paying jobs in the next four years.”
Some of the jobs, he said, would be created at Quonset Point/Davisville, where he envisions a technology park and an increase in the marine trades industry. He also sees the former Navy base as a recreational destination site for tourists.
“We have officially put to rest the idea of a container port at Quonset,” he said.
Carcieri was also specific in promising to double the state’s investments in its Slater Centers.
He also stressed the need for the state to re-commit to public education. Again, a common theme for elected officials. But here too, Carcieri offers specifics.
He said the state would dramatically increase its investment in research and development at the University of Rhode Island and that the state would re-design embattled Hope High School in Providence, implementing cutting edge educational techniques.
Of course, the governor must find a way to pay for these bold initiatives. The state is facing a projected $200 million budget deficit this year, and in the next couple of years to follow. During the State of the State, Carcieri said the money would not come from an increase in taxes.
“Tax hikes are out of the question,” he said. “We are already too heavily taxed.”
We believe that Carcieri’s instincts are right and that significant fiscal improvements can be found first by better managing the money we do have.
“It’s all about choices,” he said. “We must be willing to redirect the money we are already spending…We are going to balance the budget and do it in a way that does not harm those who rely on us for help.”
During the long campaign for governor, Carcieri came across as the candidate with the more detailed plan for creating jobs and changing the way state government operates. He also displayed a sense of compassion that obviously rang true to voters.
Last Tuesday evening the new governor came across as a man with a vision, a leader determined to deliver. We suspect that Carcieri is going to make good on his promises.
We like the fact that he has provided us with real goals, so that we can mark his progress along the way.
