House Speaker William J. Murphy is reportedly convinced that even with the passage of a separation-of-powers amendment in November, state legislators should not be required to relinquish positions on the state Lottery Commission or some other boards, such as the Coastal Resources Management Council. Murphy reasons that in the case of the Lottery Commission, the state Constitution places the authority of its makeup in the hands of the General Assembly. Likewise, he believes that board positions on the CRMC fall under the auspices of the General Assembly because of its powers to protect the state’s environment and natural resources.
Murphy’s response drew sharp criticism from Gov. Donald Carcieri and separation-of-powers proponents like H. Philip West Jr., of Common Cause of Rhode Island. The governor sent a sharply worded letter to Murphy in which he vowed to fight Murphy’s attempts to “derail separation of powers.”
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…
Learn More
We’re surprised that Speaker Murphy sees room for a different interpretation of the results of the November election. After all, 78 percent of voters – an overwhelming majority – approved separation of powers. In the minds of the voters, the issue on the ballot was quite clear. The intent of separation of powers was – and is – to ban legislators from state boards and commissions.
To look at it any other way is nonsense.
Separation of powers is a direct assault on the “Old Boy Network’ that has been allowed far too much influence at the State House for far too long. Its passage will not eliminate political patronage. But it is an important start. No longer will legislative leaders be able to dangle the chairmanship of a board or commission to a colleague who would then be expected to follow political interests over those of the public good.
This week marks the start of the 2005 legislative session. Speaker Murphy would be getting off to a good start by abandoning his attempt to water down separation of powers and getting on with the myriad important economic development issues facing the state Legislature.
Drink Rhody Fresh
This week marks the six-month anniversary of Rhody Fresh Milk, the product of the Rhode Island Dairy Farms Cooperative.
We applaud Jim Hines, the executive director of the co-op and the hard-working folks at the five local farms that produce the milk for the stunning success they have achieved. Rhody Fresh is now available in every major supermarket in Rhode Island and many smaller, independent markets. In December, the co-op was distributing nearly 16,000 half-gallon containers each week.
The most important element of the Rhody Fresh story is that with increased demand, the production of the milk is steadily increasing in volume. That’s more business for local farmers, the preservation of existing jobs and the possible creation of new ones.
