EDC nominee
We applaud Gov. Lincoln Almond’s selection of Tom Schumpert, currently head of the state Department of Business Regulation, as his nominee for director of the troubled Economic Development Corporation. Last June when Schumpert was appointed DBR director, we saw it as a sound appointment for that department. But we felt his resume read more like that of an outstanding candidate for EDC director.
Schumpert brings strong private industry experience, mainly in banking and commercial lending, but also in economic development and business finance. And in his 10 months at DBR, Schumpert has certainly come to understand Rhode Island’s political process, also critical to the success of any EDC director. And he has demonstrated his acumen for dealing with difficult issues by deftly handling the situations that arose with the demise of health insurers Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts.
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He replaces John Swen, who had come from the private sector, but failed to grasp the public policy and political issues that must be understood to be successful as EDC director. Swen won praise for his ability to deal with private industry, but failed in his ability to navigate in Rhode Island’s political community and to understand how different it is to operate an agency that is in the public sector, versus the private sector.
We think Schumpert has the skills to be an outstanding EDC director and will work closely with the Economic Policy Council, and its director Kip Bergstrom, in helping to develop Rhode Island’s future economic course. We hope for early confirmation from the legislature.
The issues
In nominating Tom Schumpert as Economic Development Corporation director, Gov. Lincoln Almond set four priorities for the department.
Four priorities that we see as critical to Rhode Island’s future economic growth –development of Quonset/Davisville, including a port, if the latest study shows one is feasible; diversification of our economy, with a concentration on technology jobs; workforce training; and creating a better climate for telecommunications.
Each of these areas is crucial as we begin to develop a foundation upon which our future economic growth will be based. And each must be dealt with in a timely fashion, as we continue to ride the benefits of a burgeoning national economy. We desperately need to solidify our own economic base to assure we are in a strong position to weather any economic slowdown or turndown.
For too long we have debated the port issue at Quonset/Davisville. Once this latest study is completed it is time for decisions. Talk is meaningless without some action to follow. If we are to build a port, let’s get on with it. If not, then let’s quickly develop alternative plans for the complete development of this valuable property.
High technology and telecommunications are at the center of our future economic development, but not alone. Biotechnology, retail, financial services, and manufacturing all have their place. And while we agree that EDC should concentrate much of its resources on development of high-tech and telecommunications, we must remain sensitive and responsive to needs in other sectors of our economy.
No issue is more critical than workforce training. Companies, not only here but nationwide, plead for a skilled workforce to fill jobs that too often are being left vacant, or are being shipped elsewhere, because skilled employees cannot be found.
It is a good framework, filled with considerable challenge, but, if it’s successful, it offers the potential for solid development of Rhode Island’s economy.
A losing gamble
A note on the casino debate. Now top legislators say it would be difficult to approve a casino for the Narragansett Indians in West Warwick, without extending full slot privileges to Newport Jai Alai and the Lincoln dog track. And then maybe gaming tables as well, so the two facilities could compete as complete casinos.
And then maybe, we could just give away our quality of life. We can become known as the smallest state with the biggest payoffs. How tragic that would be.
