In R.I., a prison record seems to be almost commonplace

To the Editor:
Your story about the development group that wishes to purchase my Allens Avenue land and dock for a $300 million dollar development generating huge tax revenue and many jobs, “Hospital, hotel proposed for Allens Ave.,” June 14, PBN.com, was marred by the headline “Ex-Con” in referring to the manager of the development team.
When Mr. Shifman approached me, I did not realize that he was an “ex-con.” In retrospect, however, in a place like Rhode Island, such an experience is commonplace.
Rhode Island has had a recent governor that went to jail; the ex-mayor of Providence went to jail; the present mayor of Providence has a brother who went to jail, and both made their careers representing drug dealers and mobsters; a R.I. Superior Court justice was recently released from jail; the ex-mayor of Pawtucket went to jail, the ex-mayor of Cranston went to jail; the former House majority leader is in jail; the head of the Senate corporations committee went to jail; three North Providence councilman are heading to jail, along with several members of the Providence Police Department.
In Rhode Island, jail time appears to be an asset on one’s resume.
Patrick T. Conley