Grow Smart Rhode Island has done us all a valuable service by producing a briefing book entitled "A Strategy for Saving Rhode Island from Sprawl and Urban Decay," and most importantly, for putting the document in the hands of candidates running for governor.
We hope that all of the individuals vying to succeed Gov. Lincoln Almond in January of 2003 study the issues in the book carefully and provide voters with their responses to them. Doing so will allow for the voting public to make an informed decision when selecting a new governor.
As Scott Wolf, Grow Smart’s executive director, correctly points out, it is the governor who carries the clout that is necessary to begin reshaping Rhode Island’s economic climate.
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"At the state level, the person occupying the governor’s office is the individual best positioned to provide the vision, coordination, planning and long term perspective required to tackle such critical issues as reforming our approach to economic development, restructuring our property tax system, revitalizing our urban and town centers…," said Wolf.
Grow Smart’s briefing book addresses critical economic development issues – substantive issues that should emerge at the forefront of the political campaign for the governor’s office.
Where do the gubernatorial candidates stand on the issue of property tax reform? What about the pressure placed on smaller towns to give way to sprawl developments in exchange for a broader tax base? What specifically should happen at Quonset Point/Davisville?
These are fair questions that candidates should be prepared to answer in detail well in advance of the their respective September primaries.
To date — and to their collective credit — the candidates for governor have stayed mostly clear of the political mudslinging that so often accompanies such a race. But the gubernatorial race has also lacked specifics. Obviously, no candidate wants to makes a mistake so early in a campaign and fall behind the others. But we need leadership in a dismal economy and now is the time for the candidates to demonstrate just what their respective brand of leadership will produce.
Grow Smart is right in placing the impetus on the gubernatorial candidates to do their homework and to prepare themselves to lead Rhode Island out of the economic funk that has gripped the nation. Real leadership will result in a boost in consumer confidence. Any boost in consumer confidence bodes well for business – and our economy.
Lam’s decision a good sign
School Superintendent Diana Lam’s decision to remain at the helm of schools in the capital city – rebuffing overtures from Portland, Oregon – represents an important victory for Providence.
In three years as superintendent, Lam laid a foundation for real education reform. It has not been easy. A protracted and bitter contract dispute with unionized teachers put the school system in a bad light. Lam’s leadership – and her demanding approach to enacting change – was questioned. But she did not back down. She did not give ground. Lam has remained true to her mission, which is to improve the education opportunities for Providence students.
Urban centers like Providence face inherent difficulties. In contrast to towns like Barrington and Lincoln, where test scores tend to shine each year, the student population in the capital city includes a far higher percentage of non-English speaking students and students with special needs. There are also more students coming from single-parent homes.
These challenges should invigorate our teachers and administrators. Lam is off to a good start. Her mission may take longer than first expected. But it is a mission that must be accomplished. It is critical for our families, and for our economy.
Providence is now known as a wonderful place to visit, with world-renowned theaters and critically acclaimed restaurants. Some day soon we hope that it is also recognized for its quality public school system.
That is far more likely to happen with Diana Lam, than without her.
