After nearly two months of sometimes frustrating preparation, Gov. Daniel J. McKee is finally at the helm of the state, during one of the most tumultuous periods in Rhode Island’s history.
For the state’s pandemic-ravaged business community, there is reason for hope that he’s the right person to help rebuild Rhode Island’s economy. His predecessor, new U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo, built an impressive record for job growth and economic development during her six years as governor. But it remains to be seen whether the programs she’s left behind can help the state climb more quickly out of the current recession than it has after past economic downturns.
Few modern governors, however, have come to the office with stronger business and community connections than Gov. McKee. The former Cumberland mayor comes from a family of small-business owners. He’s also spent the last six years as lieutenant governor positioning himself as a champion of small-business needs, including clashing with then-Gov. Raimondo over her handling of federal pandemic aid.
Now he’s positioned to do even more to help those businesses – when they need it most. But doing so while navigating a crowded landscape of competing health, economic, educational, social and political interests won’t be easy. The latter includes a looming 2022 gubernatorial election.
Let’s hope he lets his work in leading the state out of the pandemic serve as his pitch to voters and leaves the daily campaigning to what will likely be a long list of challengers.