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Operation
Clean Government's highly regarded
television program, "State of
the State,” is broadcast
4 times a week on public
access
channels.
Saturday
at 11:00 PM on Cox 13 and Verizon
32 and Full Channel 9
Sunday at 8:00 AM on Cox 13 and
Verizon 32 and Full Channel 9
Monday at 9:00 PM on Cox 18* and
Verizon 31 and Full Channel 9
Thursday at 9:00 PM on Cox 18*
and Verizon 31and Full Channel
9
*Cox channel 18 - local Public
Access in Kent County which includes
Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter,
North Kingstown, Warwick, West
Greenwich, and West Warwick.
Focusing
on matters of public interest to
Rhode Island, State of the State
features
political figures and recognized
experts – hosted
by Robert Arruda, John Carlevale
or guest hosts with special topic
knowledge.
The purpose is a search for truth,
with non-partisan programs presenting
a diversity of views and openness.
The mission is to educate the public
about local and state issues and personalities,
and to encourage people to become more
involved with the political process.
Key elements include a commitment to
presenting both sides of controversial
issues, and editorial independence
from OCG itself.
During election years, candidate interviews
and debates involving candidates for
public office are presented, as well
as discussion of election issues and
concerns by candidates and non-candidates.
State of the State’s production
crew and committee members are volunteers
who devote time and effort because
they believe in these goals. We always
need additional volunteer labor and
talent.
| State
of the State Video
Archive |
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Victor
Moffitt vs. John Robitaille
for Governor
Guests:
Victor Moffitt (R) and
John Robitaille (R)
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: July 22, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
Victor
Moffitt and John Robitaille
face off in the Republican
Party primary election
on Tuesday, September 14,
2010. Both are good men
with interesting professional
backgrounds and compelling
personal histories. One
of these candidates will
emerge as the stand bearer
for the R.I. Republican
Party in the general election
on November 2, 2010. No
doubt the general election
will offer a candidate
rich tapestry of choices
for governor; but the more
immediate choice is with
these two men. If you are
planning to vote in the
Republican Party primary,
this is a must see debate.
May the best man for Rhode
Island win. For more information
on these candidates please
visit their websites: www.MoffittforGovernor.com and www.johnforgovernor.com
Program
Note: This
is first in the Donald
Gill Memorial Candidate
Debate Series of interviews
with candidates for
general offices and
the general assembly.
The selection and scheduling
of candidates was done
by random selection.
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A.
Ralph Mollis vs. Lou
Raptakis for Secretary
of State
Guests:
A. Ralph Mollis (D) and
Lou Raptakis (D)
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: July 22, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
A.
Ralph Mollis and Lou Raptakis
face off in the Democratic
Party primary election
on Tuesday, September 14,
2010. Mr. Mollis is the
incumbent Secretary of
State seeking reelection.
Lou Raptakis is a member
of the R.I. Senate. Each
candidate brings a rich
background of political
experience and public service
to this debate. One candidate
says change is what we
need in the Office of the
Secretary of State. The
other says change is what
I have brought to the Office.
One of these candidates
will emerge as the stand
bearer for the R.I. Democratic
Party in the general election
on November 2, 2010. If
you are planning to vote
in the Democratic Party
primary, this is a must
see debate. May the best
man for Rhode Island win.
For more information on
these candidates please
visit their websites: www.mollis2010.com and www.raptakis2010.com
Program Note:
This is second in
the Donald Gill Memorial
Candidate Debate
Series of interviews
with candidates for
general offices and
the general assembly.
The selection and
scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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What
Do We Need To Do To Fix
Rhode Island Now?
Part
1: Arlene Violet and Harry
Staley Interview
Guests:
Harry Staley of the Rhode
Island Statewide Coalition
(RISC) and RISC Business
Network & Arlene Violet,
spokesperson for the RISC
Business Network
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: July 8, 2010 /Run time: 30 minutes
For more information visit www.RBN2010.com and www.statewidecoalition.com
Part
2: Colleen Conley and Anastasia
Eurton Interview
Guests:
Colleen Conley of RI Tea
Party &
Anastasia Eurton of Minority Advancement Research Council
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: July 8, 2010 /Run time: 30 minutes
For more information visit www.riteaparty.com and www.RIMARC.org
This
question lies at the core
of this two part program.
The guests share their
insight about what is wrong
with Rhode Island and what
we need to do to fix it
now. Host John Carlevale
asserts that Rhode Island
is at "critical mass" and
that if we do not correct
the structural and political
problems plaguing Rhode
Island very soon, we may
not be able to fix matters
at all. The guests agree
and cite as examples: the
State's huge budget deficits;
unfunded pensions, which
are not sustainable in
the form they exist; too
much government doing too
little well; and special
interests superceding the
interests of the general
population and taxpayers;
and more. How do we fix
these problems? The solution
resides in changing the
composition of the general
assembly, because that
is where the power resides
but the will to do what
is necessary is lacking.
The key is to elect to
the general assembly people
who have the best interest
of the State and its People
in mind and the will to
make the necessary changes.
All agree that this process
begins with voters electing
the right people with the
right intent to the general
assembly. Arlene Violet
and Harry Staley plan to
give voters a little guidance
through the RISC Business
Network, which will ask
candidates to pledge to
certain practices and principles,
which are supportive to
business to enable job
creation and economic growth.
Colleen Conley of the RI
Tea Party has a similar
strategy with somewhat
different criteria. Anastasia
Eurton of the Minority
Advancement Research Council
is working to educate members
of the minority community
to vote more wisely by
learning what the issues
are and doing a critical
analysis of candidates
and then voting for the
person who best represents
their individual values.
The goal of all is to change
the composition of the
general assembly.
Program
Note: This
is the sixth and seventh
in a series of interviews
with good government
group leaders intended
to learn how each group
individually and collectively
will use its influence
to shape the political
discussion; to promote
its issues and concerns
and to address and
to solve the very significant
structural and political
problems facing the
State of Rhode Island
and its citizens.
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Watch
Part I
Watch
Part II
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Todd
Giroux Interviewed for
Governor
Guest:
Todd Giroux (I) Candidate
for Governor
Host: Spencer Dickinson
Produced: June 24, 2010 /Run
time: 30 minutes
Todd
Giroux is an unaffiliated
candidate for Governor.
A restoration and preservation
contractor by trade, Giroux
believes that the knowledge
and skills he has acquired
in his chosen work can
be used to rebuild, restore
and preserve the State
of Rhode Island. He felt
compelled to enter the
race for Governor to discuss
some of his passions and
ideas for addressing some
of the problems Rhode Islanders
face. Among his passions
are the environment in
general and Narragansett
Bay in particular. Having
experienced both pristine
and polluted waterways
as a boatman, Giroux urges
that we must not sacrifice
the progress we have made
in restoring and preserving
the environment. Being
in the home construction
business, Giroux also has
a great concern for people
facing mortgage foreclosures
and he offers a most interesting
and novel approach to prevent
foreclosures by using the
bonding power of the State.
Unemployment is another
great concern of Giroux
and here too he offers
a unique solution, which
resides within the pool
of the unemployed, who
are collecting unemployment
checks. His solution harkens
back to the Federal construction,
reconstruction and re-employment
era. For more information
visit www.RIGovernor2010.com
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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Robert
Healey, Jr. Interviewed
for Lt. Governor
Guest:
Robert J. Healey, Jr.
(CM-Cool Moose) Candidate
for Lt. Governor
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: June 24, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
Robert
Healey is a candidate for
Lt. Governor, a job he
does not want, a general
office which he believes
the State of RI does not
need nor its citizens should
be paying for. However,
if Healey is elected, he
pledges to function in
that role and perform the
limited duties and collect
no salary. Furthermore,
he shall hire no staff.
The net result: taxpayers
shall save one million
dollars each year of his
term for a total savings
of four million dollars
over the four-year term.
So how will the four million
dollars be used? Healey
suggests that we should
use the money on things
that really matter and
where it can make a difference
in the lives of Rhode Islanders.
Healey believes we should
not be paying for a general
officer/office which has
no real power to change
or do anything. In this
interview, Healey offers
a history lesson in the
evolution, or perhaps more
precisely, the devolution
of the Lt. Governor position
which, in addition to a
few statutory roles, has
only one constitutional
role, which is to wait
around for the Governor
to die or become incapacitated.
Wait a minute. What about
separation of powers? What
business does the general
assembly have assigning
duties to a general officer,
asks Healey. Healey's facts
are correct; his logic
is impeccable; his offer
is one Rhode Islanders
can not refuse. But....
they have refused his offer
in the past. Will they
accept his offer this election
year? For more information
visit www.votehealey.com
Program Note:
This is another in
a series of interviews
with candidates for
general offices and
the general assembly.
The selection and
scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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How
Will Common Cause R.I.
Influence 2010 Election
Outcomes
Guest:
John Marion, Executive
Director, Common Cause-R.I.
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: June 24, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
John
Marion, Executive Director
of Common Cause Rhode Island,
can usually be found at
the State House when the
general assembly is in
session talking to legislators
in an effort to educate
and persuade them to consider
and adopt positions his
organization believes will
benefit good government
and good legislative processes.
How successful has Marion
been during this legislative
session to get the legislature
to do the kind of things
he believes need to be
done? Well he is candid
and straightforward about
this question, as he is
about every question posed
in this interview. What
grade might he give the
legislature for it's performance
this term? Certainly not
an "A" grade.
Although he willing talks
about evaluating legislature
performance in this interview,
a more detailed analysis
will come this July in
the Common Cause RI newsletter.
This written analysis will
grade each legislator along
a number of issues Common
Cause deems important to
good government in Rhode
Island. Marion advises
that Common Cause does
not grade on a curve. Will
there be failing grades
for some? For more information
visit www.commoncauseri.org
Program
Note: This
is the fifth in a series
of interviews with
good government group
leaders intended to
learn how each group
individually and collectively
will use its influence
to shape the political
discussion; to promote
its issues and concerns
and to address and
to solve the very significant
structural and political
problems facing the
State of Rhode Island
and its citizens.
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How
Will Young Political
Activists Influence
2010 Election Outcomes?
Guests:
Travis Rowley of RI Young
Republicans; Julie Martin
and Evan Gillissie of
Teenage Republicans;
Meghan Grady of RI Young
Democrats
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: June 10, 2010 /
Run time: 60 minutes
How
will young Rhode Island
political activists influence
2010 election outcomes?
That is the question and
focus of this special series
of interviews with political
activists group leaders
intended to learn how each
group individually and
collectively will use its
influence to shape the
political discussion; to
promote its issues and
concerns and to address
and to solve the very significant
structural and political
problems facing the State
of Rhode Island and its
citizens. In this case,
Travis Rowley of Rhode
Island Young Republicans;
Julie Martin and Evan Gillissie
of Teenage Republicans;
and Meghan Grady of Rhode
Island Young Democrats
tell us how they have become
involved at such young
ages and what they hope
to accomplish with their
political activism. They
are impressive in their
understanding of the Rhode
Island political process
and the problems facing
us as citizens. Their youthful
optimism is contagious
and they are working to
restore hope in the Rhode
Island State motto as well
as to make changes in the
Rhode Island political
landscape. Although their
views are often different
from fellow guests, they
are the same with respect
to their enthusiasm and
optimism and belief that
they can make a difference.
View this show for a sixty-minute
dose of rejuvenation.
For more information visit
www.rhodeislandyr.com (Young
Republicans); www.riyd.org (Young Democrats) or email
chsetars@yahoo.com (Teenage
Republicans)
Program Note: This is the
fourth in a series of interviews
with good government group
leaders intended to learn
how each group individually
and collectively will use
its influence to shape
the political discussion;
to promote its issues and
concerns and to address
and to solve the very significant
structural and political
problems facing the State
of Rhode Island and its
citizens.
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Frank
Caprio Interview
Guest:
Lincoln Chafee (I) Candidate
for Governor
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: May 13, 2010 / Run time: 30 minutes
Candidate
for governor Frank Caprio
will be in a Democratic
Party primary election
with Patrick Lynch for
their political party's
nomination in September.
Caprio and host Bruce Lang
discuss a wide range of
issues and concerns. Caprio
acknowledges the dire condition
the State is in and asserts
that big changes are needed
to address the many problems.
After meeting with over
one thousand small businesses
in the past six months,
Caprio concludes that government
has become an adversary
of small business. That
has to change, he asserts.
And so, changing the business
climate is paramount to
improving economic conditions
in Rhode Island. This will
require a multitude of
initiatives to make it
easier to do business in
RI, including tax changes;
permitting and licensing
procedure changes; access
to capital; etc. Another
big change needed is to
make government more user
friendly by mirroring what
Caprio has done in the
Office of the Treasurer:
run government like a small
business; develop strategic
plans for reducing spending
and improving services.
Can it be done? Caprio
points out that he saved/turned
back one million dollars
each year as RI Treasurer
by cutting spending and
finding ways to save, while
at the same time improving
services. As governor,
Caprio will freeze spending;
implement accountability
procedures; develop plans
for reducing spending;
mirror the federal government's
approach to pensions. Caprio
intends to continue the
existing executive order
on immigration; is in favor
of e-verify; and supports
efforts to regionalize
school districts along
commonality of community
characteristics and needs.
For more information visit
www.frankcaprio.com.
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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Elizabeth
Roberts Interview
Guest:
Elizabeth Roberts (D)
Candidate for Lt. Governor
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: May 27, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
Incumbent
candidate for Lt. Governor
Elizabeth Roberts begins
this series of interviews
with candidates for Rhode
Island Lt. Governor. Early
in the interview, host
Ian Lonngren reminds Roberts
that one other candidate
is calling for the elimination
of this general office.
In response, Roberts talks
at length about the value
of the office to Rhode
Island citizens and makes
clear the distinction between
the roles defined by the
RI Constitution and by
statute. The flexibility
this office provides to
the office holder suits
Roberts well as she has
been able to use her training
in biology and health care
administration to work
on health care initiatives
for Rhode Islanders. She
proudly offers examples
of her effectiveness. Roberts
perceives herself to be
a small business advocate
as well and she makes a
strong connection of concern
between her work on behalf
of small businesses and
the rapidly rising health
care insurance costs for
small business. This is
a major concern of small
businesses, along with
increasing governmental
red tape and taxes. Roberts
asserts that her office
and staff members have
been effective advocates
for citizens who have found
difficulty navigating various
government services. She
cites examples of how her
office has helped constituents
navigate more effectively;
get needed information;
or solve problems. Roberts
makes an effort to maintain
a presence in the community
in order to pass on constituent
needs and concerns to other
branches of government
and to advocate for change
where change is needed.
For more information visit
www.elizabethroberts.org.
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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Lincoln
Chafee Interview
Guest:
Lincoln Chafee (I) Candidate
for Governor
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: May 13, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
Former
US Senator and former Warwick
Mayor Lincoln Chafee, often
a maverick and often bravely
willing to say what is
not necessarily mainstream
or popular, makes no exception
in showing these qualities
in his bid to become the
next governor of Rhode
Island. Yes, he speaks
of increasing taxes and
explains that expanding
the sales tax to include
currently exempted items
will be necessary to meet
the recurring state budget
deficit. Chafee passionately
asserts that the State
should no longer pass this
budget deficit problem
to cities and towns by
reducing aid to cities
and towns and thus creating
a ripple effect of creating
local deficits, reduction
in local services and increases
in local property tax.
The unfunded state pension
liability is another problem
which must be addressed
sooner rather than later.
Chafee asserts that it
is wrong to pass this problem
along to our children and
grandchildren and offers
a solution similar to the
federal pension model for
new employees. Notwithstanding
these and other huge problems,
Chafee remains optimistic
about Rhode Island's future
as he cites the state's
resources and new initiatives,
which hold much promise
for economic growth and
recovery. Visit www.chafeeforgovernor.com for more information.
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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How
Will the RI Tea Party
Influence the 2010 Elections?
Guest:
Colleen Conley, RI Tea
Party
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: May 13, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
How
will the Rhode Island Tea
Party influence the 2010
election outcomes? Allow
Colleen Conley to count
the ways. And there are
many ways, which Conley
enumerates in this interview.
She describes how the Tea
Party movement has grown
nationally and locally
as a grassroots movement
committed to changing the
business and conduct of
national and local politics
to more closely reflect
the views and wishes of
taxpayers. Of course, this
change begins with changing
elected officials nationally
and locally. Conley believes
that the Tea Party movement
has not only strengthened
this change strategy, but
also it has actually effectuated
change in elected personnel.
These changes will continue
especially at the state
and local levels in Rhode
Island as more and more
people have joined the
Tea Party movement and
are acquiring skill in
changing the political
landscape. Conley assures
that the RI Tea Party shall
continue to work collectively
with similarly minded individuals
and groups and to develop
methods on its own to effect
political change. Visit
www.riteaparty.com for
more information.
Program
Note: This
is the third in a series
of interviews with
good government group
leaders intended to
learn how each group
individually and collectively
will use its influence
to shape the political
discussion; to promote
its issues and concerns
and to address and
to solve the very significant
structural and political
problems facing the
State of Rhode Island
and its citizens.
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Ken
Block Interview
Guest:
Ken Block (MPRI) Candidate
for Governor
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: May 13, 2010 / Run time: 30 minutes
Moderate
Party candidate for governor
Ken Block is the human
version of the energizer
bunny. This small business
owner operates two businesses
and points out that RI
small business owners pay
16% more in taxes because
they live and conduct business
in RI. Block founded a
new political party by
challenging one of the
most stringent processes
for doing so. Shortly thereafter,
he began recruiting candidates
to run for the general
assembly and general offices.
After a long vetting process
for potential gubernatorial
candidates, it became clear
that Ken Block could best
represent this new political
party and centrist movement.
Block asserts: "Moderate
is not wishy, washy. A
Moderate is a Centrist,
which is where we want
and need to be politically.
And this nation is moving
toward a more centrist
position politically." Block
believes that 2010 is a
critical year for change
in Rhode Island. He claims
he can feel the buoyancy
and support for his candidacy
and the Moderate Party
as he meets with people.
For Block, the change needed
is having both short term
and long range plans for
changing what needs to
be changed in Rhode Island.
In this interview, Ken
Block offers specific plans
for pension reform; property
tax caps; removal of state
imposed education mandates;
vetting and eliminating
fraud and waste; spending
more wisely; revising the
State budgeting process;
and ceasing to pass State
deficits to cities and
towns.For more information
visit www.kenblockforgovernor.com and www.moderate-ri.org.
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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Patrick
Lynch Interview
Guest:
Patrick Lynch (D) Candidate
for Governor
Host:
Bruce Lang
Produced:
April 22, 2010
/ Run time: 30
minutes
Incumbent
RI Attorney General Patrick
Lynch is a candidate for
Governor and will face
off against Frank Caprio,
Jr. in a Democratic Party
primary election in September.
Lynch acknowledges that
the state is facing many
problems; but the big problem
is the economy and lack
of jobs for Rhode Islanders.
Behind any issue and problem
solving is the question
of leadership. Lynch asserts
that he has demonstrated
his leadership as Attorney
General; and it will take
leadership to bring all
parties together to make
the dramatic changes needed.
The dramatic changes will
involve both private and
public sectors working
together. Lynch believes
that there has been a disproportionate amount
of incentives given to
big business; there needs
to be a shift in incentives
to support small businesses.
This includes addressing
regulations; fees; governmental
interference and unresponsiveness;
and small business loans
so small business can be
capitalized properly to
increase productivity and
jobs. Bruce Lang asks:
What distinguishes Patrick
Lynch from Frank Caprio
and Lincoln Chaffee? Lynch
asserts once again, that
he has leadership and skill
to bring together those
who are parties to finding
solutions. Visit www.lynch2010.org for
more information.
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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Victor
Moffitt Interview
Guest:
Victor Moffitt (R) Candidate
for Governor
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: April 22, 2010
/ Run time: 30 minutes
Former
state Representative Victor
Moffitt is a candidate
for Governor and will face
off against John Robitaille
in a Republican Party Primary
in September. Moffitt labels
himself as a "common
sense fiscal conservative" and
his personal life and professional
practice bears witness
to the accuracy of that
label. He distinguishes
himself as a person who
has successfully worked
in a nonpartisan way to
pass legislation to benefit
all Rhode Islanders. Moffitt
believes that a governor
must have the capacity
to work with the legislature
to fashion policies and
law, which are in the best
interest of Rhode Islanders.
A further distinction,
asserts Moffitt, is that
he has developed plans,
strategies, and corrective
measures to address governmental
mismanagement and missed
opportunities. These measures
have not been fashioned
as campaign rhetoric but
have developed and been
analyzed throughout his
tenure as a state representative,
and a member of the House
Finance Committee. Moffitt's
plans include reducing
taxes; reorganizing police
and fire into five county
departments; reforming
education into four regional
systems; consolidating
services; a master plan
for creating jobs and diminishing
the loss of homegrown talent
to other states; etc. Visit
www.MOFFITTforGOVERNOR.com for more information.
Program
Note: This
is another in a series
of interviews with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of
candidates was done
by random selection.
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Lou
Raptakis Interview
Guest:
Lou Raptakis (D) Candidate
for Secretary of State
Host: Spencer Dickinson
Produced: April 22, 2010
/ Run time: 30 minutes
The
incumbent state Senator
Lou Raptakis is a candidate
for Secretary of State.
Elected to the general
assembly in 1992, Lou recalls
many troubled times and
many challenges in conducting
the people's business.
He cites many legislative
battles and accomplishments
that have improved matters
for the people and the
workings of government.
He pledges to bring his
tenacity to the general
office he now seeks. Raptakis
views the role of the Secretary
of State in the same way
he views the role of the
legislator: work hard for
the people, advocate for
their best interest; and
be their watchdog. The
specifics of his agenda
include making citizen
participation easier, especially
with respect to elections
and accessing the voting
records of legislators.
The latter he finds especially
troubling and cites that
RI is the only state, which
does not post legislative
votes online in real time
or shortly after the votes
are recorded. Such problems
he would tackle. Being
a small business man, he
is especially sensitive
to the many unnecessary
regulations and encumbrances
created by government,
which contribute to the
very poor business climate
in this state, that most
people acknowledge but
do little about. Therefore,
as Secretary of State,
Raptakis vows to be a small
business advocate, not
simply the record keeper
for the State. Visit www.raptakis2010.com for more information.
Program
Note: This
is another in a
series of interviews
with candidates for
general offices and
the general assembly.
The selection and scheduling
of candidates was done
by random selection.
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Getting
Rhode Island Ready for
Electric Cars
Guest:
Albert Dahlberg, Coordinator,
Project Get Ready RI;
&
Abigail Anthony, Policy Analyst, Environment Northeast (ENE)
Host: Spencer Dickinson
Produced: March 25, 2010 / Run time: 30 minutes
Project
Get Ready is a national
effort to help promote
the use of electric cars.
Project Get Ready R.I.
is the local force behind
the effort to get Rhode
Island ready for electric
cars. A collateral goal
of this effort is to help
reduce our dependency on
and use of petroleum energy
sources. Although electricity
production uses petroleum
fuels, the process is more
efficient; less costly;
and less polluting than
the gasoline powered car,
claim the guests. Therefore,
electric cars can play
a significant role in addressing
many energy related issues.
The guests believe that
Rhode Island is uniquely
situated to benefit because
of the size of the state
and the driving habits
of the people. Getting
Rhode Island ready involves
coordinating many pieces
of a large puzzle, which
includes the availability
of battery charging facilities
throughout the community,
at the work place and in
residential homes. Advocating
for the use of electric
cars for businesses which
have a fleet of automobiles
that engage in local travel
is part of the mind-changing
and business practices
changes that Project Get
Ready is working on. This
is an interesting discussion
of the challenges and potential
benefits of electric car
use. Visit www.projectgetready.com and www.env-ne.org for
more information.
Program Note: This is another
program in the continuing
series concerning energy
matters and the greening
of R.I. The series will
generally look at the potential
savings associated with
greening efforts along
with other conservation
measures and renewable
energy initiatives and
their economic development
implications.
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An
Interview with Ralph
Mollis
Guest:
A. Ralph Mollis (D) Incumbent
Candidate for Secretary
of State
Host: Spencer Dickinson
Produced: April 8, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
The
incumbent candidate for
Secretary of State A. Ralph
Mollis is interviewed regarding
his reelection bid as well
as a Democrat primary.
In another venue, Secretary
Mollis has been very encouraging
of candidates, acknowledging
that this is a great time
to run for elective office;
however, he jokingly expressed
the sentiment that he does
not think it is a good
time to run for Secretary
of State. In this interview,
he is good natured and
very encouraging of those
who seek elective office.
He reminds them that he
was not elected the first
time for two previous offices
sought; but eventually
he was successful and without
party endorsement at those
particular times. Mollis
talks with pride and a
sense of accomplishment
about the initiatives he
has implemented and the
priorities he has set for
the remainder of his term
and beyond. The Secretary
of State offers specific
examples of his accomplishments,
while giving credit and
expressing appreciation
to very capable staff members,
who have helped. Visit
www.mollis2010.com for
more information.
Program
Note: This
is the second in a
series of interviews
with
candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random
selection.
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An
Interview with John Robitaille
Guest:
John Robitaille (R),
candidate for Governor
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: April 8, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
State
of the State begins this
election year candidate
interview series with John
Robitaille, Republican
candidate for Governor.
At this point in time there
will be a Republican party
primary election, which
Robitaille acknowledges
with positive acceptance,
as he asserts that he will
not run a negative campaign
against other candidates.
He plans to meet and speak
with voters and emphasize
the attributes he possesses,
which fit the executive
office well. He acknowledges
that Rhode Island is facing
extremely difficult circumstances
and problems; but he is
confident that these can
be addressed and solved.
He cites state spending;
employee benefits; unfunded
pensions; entitlement abuses;
and inefficiencies and
waste in government among
the problems areas. Although
many corrective actions
can be implemented within
the executive branch, Robitaille
acknowledges that corrective
actions require the cooperation
and action of the General
Assembly. Gaining General
Assembly as well as public-employee
union cooperation is a
huge task but one at which
he can be successful. Visit
www.johnforgovernor.com for more information.
Program
Note: This is the first
in a series of interviews
with candidates for general
offices and the general
assembly. The selection
and scheduling of candidates
was done by random selection.
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William
Felkner on Election 2010
and the State of
R.I.
Guest:
William Felkner, Executive
Director, Ocean State
Policy Research Institute
(OSPRI)
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: April 8, 2010 /
Run time: 30 minutes
Ocean
State Policy Research Institute
(OSPRI) Executive Director
William Felkner plans to
influence the outcomes
of the 2010 election through
information and education.
The OSPRI website is the
starting point where voters,
candidates and campaign
workers can obtain information,
which Felkner believes
will influence how people
view and understand the
problems Rhode Island is
facing. With the right
information, thinking is
changed, public policy
is changed, and voting
practices are changed as
well. OSPRI has implemented
many different endeavors,
such as its Transparency
Train, which allow citizens
to take a closer look at
how public funds are being
expended and to whom. Felkner
asserts that logic and
reasonable assumptions
do not always hold up under
scrutiny in Rhode Island.
He cites as an example
that regionalizing public
schools actually costs
more in RI rather than
saving money. Felkner debunks
many other commonly held
assumptions about publicly
funded education and entitlement
programs. Visit www.oceanstatepolicy.org for more information.
Program
Note: This is the second
in a series of interviews
with good government
group leaders intended
to learn
how each group individually
and collectively will
use its influence to shape
the political discussion;
to promote its issues
and
concerns and to address
and to solve the very
significant structural
and political
problems facing the State
of Rhode Island and its
citizens.
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Rhode
Island Statewide
Coalition (RISC) on Election
2010 and the
State of R.I.
Guest:
Harry Staley and Jeff
Deckman, RISC
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: March 25, 2010
/ Run time: 30 minutes
Chairman Harry Staley and Jeff Deckman have a well measured plan to assert
the influence of RISC into the Rhode Island political fabric and influence
the outcomes of the 2010 election. Through the RISC Business Network and
fundraising commitments from small business people and other like-minded
individuals, Staley and Deckman expect to raise a huge amount of political
contributions for a select group of general assembly candidates and help
them get elected in order to create a more supportive small business attitude
in the general assembly. Host Valencia and guests discuss RISC's strategies
for wining seats in the general assembly as well as influencing general
office positions. They talk about what is needed to correct some of the
political, ethical and structural problems, which have prevented Rhode
Island from being all it can be.
Visit www.statewidecoalition.com for more information about RISC and the
RISC Business Network.
Program Note: This is the
first in a series of interviews
with good government group
leaders intended to learn
how each group individually
and collectively will use
its influence to shape the
political discussion; to
promote its issues and concerns
and to address and to solve
the very significant structural
and political problems facing
the State of Rhode Island
and its citizens.
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Excerpts
from Candidate School
2010, Morning Session
Produced:
March 6, 2010
Run time:
30 minutes
The
5th Biennial OCG Candidate
School took place on Saturday,
March 6, 2010 with a huge
number of candidates and
campaign staff participants
and a stellar faculty. The
resounding buzz was this
is a extremely important
election year, which offers
great opportunity for candidates
with the right message and
action plan. Here are five-minute
excerpts from the six morning
sessions.
- Breakfast
Speakers: Larry Valencia;
Bruce
Lang; John DePetro
- Deadlines;
filing requirements;
etc.:
A. Ralph Mollis, R.I.
Secretary
of State
- Ethics
Commission Rules: Jason
Gramitt,
R.I. Ethics Commission
- Deciding
to run; structuring your
campaign;
etc.: Victor
Profughi, Political
Consultant and Pollster
- Fundraising
and wise campaign spending:
Seth
Klaiman, Fundraising
Consultant
- Effective use of media
and advertising: Tom
Ward, Publisher-Valley
Breeze and
Dave Layman, Layman Communications
To obtain DVDs of these
presentations in
their entirety, contact
Operation Clean Government
by email at info@ocgri.org or
by telephone at 401-861-3900.
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Chairman
Robert Corrente on Election
2010 and the State of
Rhode Island
Guest:
Robert Corrente, Chairman,
Moderate Party of RI
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: March 11, 2010
/ Run time: 30 minutes
New
Chairman Robert Corrente
takes the helm of the newly
established Moderate Party
of RI following former
chairman and founder Ken
Block's declaration that
he (Block) is a gubernatorial
candidate. Accustomed to
huge challenges, Corrente
takes on the challenges
faced by this new political
party with clarity and
focus as the Moderate Party
attempts to asserts itself
into the Rhode Island political
fabric. Host Valencia and
Corrente discuss the Moderate
Party's platform, its candidates,
its strategies for wining
seats in the general assembly
as well as general office
positions. They talk about
what is needed to correct
some of the political,
ethical and structural
problems, which have prevented
Rhode Island from being
all it can be. Visit www.moderate-ri.org
or call 401-681-4966.
Program
Note: This is the third
in a series of interviews
with political party
chairmen intended to learn
how each
political party will
use its influence to shape
the political discussion;
to promote its candidates;
and to address and to
solve
the very significant
structural and political
problems
facing the State of Rhode
Island and its citizens. |
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Scott
Wolf Has Strategies to
Grow RI Smartly
Guest:
Scott Wolf, Executive
Director, Grow Smart
RI
Host: Barry Schiller
Produced: March 11, 2010
/ Run time: 30 minutes
Scott
Wolf of Grow Smart RI has
many strategies to grow
Rhode Island smartly. There
was a time when the little
state of Rhode Island was
an economic giant. Business
people, entrepreneurs and
government officials understood
the state's assets and
resources and used them
wisely to create great
wealth and quality of life.
Wolf asserts that we can
recreate that era, if we
once again understand our
strengths and resources
and begin to use them wisely
or smartly once again.
This is the essence and
message of Grow Smart RI.
Wolf claims that it can
be done and it is being
done across this state
every day. Wolf offers
examples in testimony to
his assertions and claims.
Visit www.growsmartri.com
or call 401-273-5711.
Program
Note: This is the first
in a series of interviews
with prominent and influential
Rhode Islanders, who
are working to create better
approaches to living,
working
and growing in Rhode
Island. We call this series "Make
it RIght" as these
individuals and groups
are trying to do just
that, Make Rhode Island
Right. |
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Providence
Water ... A Historical
View
Guest:
David Nickerson, Manager
of Communications, Providence
Water
Host: Spencer Dickinson
Produced Feb 25, 2010 / Run
time: 30 minutes
When
was the last time you became
concerned about your water
supply? One of our most
valuable and most taken-for-granted
fundamental resources,
the Scituate Reservoir
and its distribution system
is a product of the foresight
and careful planning of
our engineers and community
leaders of a hundred years
ago. Some of the history,
thinking, development and
planning for the future
that makes it so useful
and reliable today for
a large part of Rhode Island
is the topic of today's
interview. Visit the Web
site www.provwater.com
Program
Note: This is another
program in the continuing
series concerning energy
matters and the greening
of R.I. The series will generally
look at the potential savings
associated with greening
efforts along with other
conservation measures and
renewable energy initiatives
and their economic development
implications.
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The
Rhode Island Political
Scene Today
Guest:
Edward Achorn, Deputy
Editor of Editorial Pages,
The Providence Journal
Moderator: Bruce Lang
Produced Feb 25, 2010 / Run
time: 30 minutes
Continuing
the series of interviews
with prominent and influential
Rhode Islanders, guest
Edward Achorn and host
Bruce Lang discuss the
current personalities and
issues in the very dynamic
political scene in Rhode
Island. A bit of the arcane
hidden in Rhode Island's
sports annals comes to
light with talk about the
guest's forthcoming book "Fifty-Nine
in '84." Visit the
Web site www.EdwardAchorn.com |
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Giovanni
Cicione on Election 2010
and the State of R.I.
Guest:
Giovanni Cicione, Chairman,
Republican Party of RI
Host: Larry Valencia
Produced: February 11 / Run
time: 30 minutes
R.I.
Republican Party Chairman
Giovanni Cicione talks
about many aspects of Election
2010 and the current condition
of not only the State of
Rhode Island but also the
Republican Party of RI.
Speaking first of the election
win of Scott Brown in Massachusetts,
Cicione cites the role
RI Republicans played to
assist in Brown's victory.
Cicione asserts that this
is a pivotal year in national,
state and local politics
and is optimistic that
local Republican candidates
will gain seats in the
RI general assembly. Cicione
also conceded that there
is a rising tide of voter
dissatisfaction and an
undercurrent of anger with
the performance of elected
officials both federally
and locally and these feelings
offer a great opportunity
to Republican candidates
in the 2010 election. Cicione
was eager to extend his
optimism to include the
Republican US Congressional
candidates. (This was expressed
prior to Patrick Kennedy's
announcement not to seek
reelection to the US Congress.)
Program
Note: This is the second
in a series of interviews
with political party chairmen
intended to learn how each
political party will use
its influence to shape
the
political discussion; to
promote its candidates;
and to address and to solve
the
very significant structural
and political problems
facing the State of Rhode
Island
and its citizens.
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An
Interview with Joseph
Paolino
Guest:
Joseph Paolino
Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: February 11 / Run
time: 30 minutes
A
successful business man
and real estate developer,
Joseph Paolino also has
a diverse political life,
which includes Providence
City Council member; Mayor
of Providence; head of
the RI Economic Development
Corporation; and US Ambassador.
This interesting discussion
ranges far and wide: Who
does and does not have
the experience to be governor
during these difficult
times; changes in regulation
necessary to promote business
growth and job creation;
consolidation of state
and local government services;
revamping government agencies
so they are better not
bigger; the state of the
state and the state of
Providence; neighborhood
development and neighborhood
crime; and what the rejuvenation
of state and local government
and the business sector
will require in terms of
resources and time. Was
Paolino considering a run
for Mayor of Providence
again, the job he loved
most? Find out.
Program
Note: This is the eighth
in a series of interviews
with prominent and influential
Rhode Islanders, past and
present.
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The
Rhode Island Ethics Commission
in the Wake of the Irons
Decision
Panelists:
Tom Bender, author of Common
Cause RI Brief; Barbara
Binder, Chairwoman, RI
Ethics Commission (RIEC);
Mark Freel, author of RI
ACLU Brief; Jason Gramitt,
Staff attorney and author
of RIEC Brief: John Marion,
Executive Director, Common
Cause RI; John Roney, Parliamentarian
of RI Senate
Moderator: Ross Cheit, Professor at Brown University
and RIEC Commissioner
Produced: September 16, 2009 / Part I (Run time: 60
min) and Part II (Run time: 30 min)
Common
Cause RI and the A. Alfred
Taubman Center at Brown
University sponsored this
panel discussion on Wednesday,
September 16, 2009. State
of the State was there
to film this important
event for broadcast as
a special presentation.
This ninety-minute panel
discussion looks at the
impact of the RI Supreme
Court decision concerning
RI Ethics Commission vs.
William Irons.
Discussion
of the forum and proposed
changes to the RI Constitution
Panelists:
John Marion, Executive
Director, Common Cause
RI
Moderator:
Larry Valencia, President,
Operation Clean Government
Produced:
September 24, 2009
/ Part III (Run time:
30 minutes)
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Part
I
60 min.
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Part
II
30 min.
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Part
III
30 min.
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