Invite Sen. Celona to work

The senator’s goal is to meet with business owners to get a better understanding of their concerns and to give them a direct line to government. Celona plans to use the visits as a resource in putting together a strategic plan for developing legislation to create jobs.

We hope that the business community takes Senator Celona up on his offer.

That the interests of the business community are under-represented at the General Assembly has been well documented. Pro-labor forces have enjoyed a significant advantage in both numbers, and clout, for years.

The argument on the part of business owners has been that they simply ca not carve hours out of the typical work day to make their presence felt at the State House. Attending to the day-to-day operations of your business is a viable excuse.

But now, there is a very real sense of empowerment going on at the State House and business interests must take advantage of it. Gov. Don Carcieri has urged business owners to become engaged, if not by visiting the legislature, then by placing a call or writing a letter.

Senator Celona has taken it a step further. He has offered to make house calls, along with members of his committee and a staff person. They’ll listen, take notes – and listen some more.

“I want to listen,” he said. “In order to be a good leader you have to be a good listener.”

Celona said his goal is simple and is shared by his colleagues. He said he wants Rhode Island businesses “to survive, thrive and grow.”

“We have an opportunity there to do something for business,” said Senator Celona. “I’ll go anywhere to do this. I think it is that important.”

So do we. And so should you.

So give Senator Celona a call and invite him to work. His number at the State House is 222-2257