Would you loan money to – or enter a business deal with – someone you did not trust? Of course not.
That is why the results of a recent poll conducted by Darrell M. West, a political science professor at Brown University, are so disturbing and need to be taken seriously.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
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West asked Rhode Islanders how common they believed corruption in Rhode Island government to be. A whopping 87 percent responded that it was either “somewhat” or “very” common.
When asked whether they think Rhode Island government is “pretty much run by a few big interests looking out for themselves or that it is run for the benefit of all people,” 64 percent responded that it is run by a few big interests, versus 21 percent believing it is run for all people. A total of 15 percent said they were unsure.
The poll numbers give fuel to Gov. Don Carcieri’s proposal to create a commission with subpoena powers to “investigate ethics in Rhode Island government.” The commission would be called a Commission on Public Integrity.
In fact, when asked if they supported such an idea, 84 percent of respondents to the poll said such a commission made sense. And 76 percent specifically felt that the commission should have the power to subpoena witnesses. Not surprisingly, that idea is getting a lukewarm response from the Legislature. Some see it as political grandstanding on the part of the governor. We do not.
It is unfortunate that such bold steps are needed – but they are. The status quo is not working. Too many people do not trust our government.
That’s not a good formula for economic development.
Numerous steps must be taken to restore the public’s trust in our government. Creating a Commission on Public Integrity, with teeth to be effective, is a good start.
