In a race for governor that last week apparently became much tighter, we face the dilemma of having to choose between two well-qualified candidates.
We believe, however, that for the business community Gov. Lincoln Almond has delivered on what he promised, is the best choice to continue the progress that has been made, and will be better able to deal with the economic downturn that is clearly ahead.
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Almond — and the legislature — changed the perception that our state is anti-business. At least now there is a feeling that we are striving to become more business friendly. His Economic Policy Council developed a long range economic outlook and developed legislation that, among other things, created two outstanding centers of excellence. Rhode Island has become more attractive to financial services companies and is fostering growth in high-technology. These are only some of Almond’s successes.
The governor suffers from his low-key style — a style, however, that embraces the ability to deal with divergent opinions, seek consensus, and find positions that often benefit all sides. We urge reelection of Governor Almond.
Lt. Gov. — Jackvony
What could have been a hotly contested race between incumbent Lt. Gov. Bernard Jackvony and State Sen. Charles Fogarty turned out to be a lackluster campaign that focused more on chicken dinners than a real discussion of whether the position of lieutenant governor is necessary.
Both are qualified, but we give the edge here to Jackvony, who was appointed to the position amid controversy — not over him, but over who had the power to appoint — two years ago when then Lt. Gov. Robert Weygand ran for Congress. Jackvony brings many qualities to the office, not the least of which is his ability to work with leaders from both political parties. We believe, given the opportunity of a full term, that Jackvony will, as former Lt. Gov. Richard Licht did, make the office of lieutenant governor a meaningful position.
Attorney General — Whitehouse
Nancy Mayer apparently fails to recognize the role the Attorney General’s office plays in the state’s economy. When asked by Providence Business Newsto provide her economic policy position, her campaign replied that the office has little to do with those issues. The office of Attorney General is intertwined with the economy, from prosecution of economic crimes to assuring a safe and healthy environment for economic growth. Whitehouse recognizes that. He is a former director of the Department of Business Regulation, has a strong prosecutorial background, and was successful in his tenure as U.S. Attorney. We urge his election.
General Treasurer — Bennett
We give our support here to James S. Bennett, who will bring to the office an understanding of small business, and a good sense of our state’s economy. His opponent, State Sen. Paul J. Tavares is too closely tied to special interests. In response to a Providence Business News question about the relaxation of overtime pay for Sunday work, Tavares said he was supportive as long as “such measures arrived in agreement with labor.”
We would have been equally disappointed if he had said that his support was contingent upon the support of business. We’d have preferred Tavares base his support on what is right for Rhode Island, not what is correct for labor, business or any other special interest group.
Secretary of State — Langevin
Republican Ed Lopez is a fine young man who one day, if he remains politically active, will be a fine candidate for public office. But for now, we place our support with the incumbent, Secretary of State James L. Langevin, who has performed admirably and courageously in the office. Langevin has been unafraid to fight for the people’s right to access government, no matter who the opponent, including his own party members. We believe he has done a fine job and deserves reelection.
Congress District 1 — no endorsement
Here we offer no endorsement. We are unimpressed with the challenger, Ronald Santa, and disappointed in the incumbent, Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Too often Kennedy’s policies spin not on what’s right, but rather on what special interest group is supporting it.
Congress District 2 — Weygand
Congressman Robert Weygand was a strong supporter of small business while lieutenant governor, as he is in Congress. We believe Weygand is performing capably in Congress and support his reelection.
