PLEASE NOTE: As of May 2012, new episodes can now be found here, on our OCG Vimeo Channel.

for older episodes, Jump to State of the State video archive

OCG Legislative Agenda: Dead on Arrival

Guest: Margaret Kane, President, Operation Clean Government, www.ocgri.org
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: April 26, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Margaret Kane and John Carlevale have a straightforward and frank discussion about the status of the current Operation Clean Government legislative agenda. In sum, it was “dead on arrival.” Important pieces of legislation have been “held for further study” (the proverbial legislative kiss of death) or not heard in committee at all. On behalf of OCG and other likeminded groups of people, Kane and Carlevale ask for HELP. They implore: go to the OCG website to learn about the issues; use the tools there, which identify your senator and representative. Contact them. Ask them what their position is on certain matters and how they have voted or intend to vote. And use these issues and candidate responses as a Litmus test for how to vote in the upcoming elections in September and November.
Producer's note: This interview is part of the Donald Gill Memorial Candidate Interview Series.

John O. Matson for US Congress

Guest: John O. Matson (D), Candidate for US Congress; www.johnomatson.com
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: April 26, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Although John O. Matson has run for US Congress before, this time he is different; he has reinvented himself on one level and revealed himself more fully on another level. In part, Matson has articulated why he is running in a very personal and poetic way. He declares that it is time for us to take care of the Democracy his best friend and daughter and others died fighting to preserve. This time, Matson, the Democrat, has a plan to beat incumbent Congressman Langevin in the Democratic Party Primary election in September 2012. Matson came to the interview dressed for the part and with campaign workers present and in support. The dysfunction of Congress is the result of the lack of turnover in Congress. Matson draws on his experience in farming: "You have to rotate the crops. If you plant corn for twenty years, the soil becomes too acidic to grow other crops." Indeed, many people believe, as does Matson, that Congress has become too acidic and therefore no longer productive.
Producer's note: This interview is part of the Donald Gill Memorial Candidate Interview Series.

Michael Gardiner for US Congress

Guest: Michael Gardiner (R), Candidate for US Congress; www.gardinerforcongress.com
Host: Anne Gardner
Produced: April 26, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

By his own admission, Michael Gardiner is not a "lock step Republican." As the discussion unfolds this becomes apparent. While most Republicans oppose ObamaCare and want to repeal it, Gardiner wants to fix it so it will work to achieve its promise of lower health care cost for more Americans. While most other Republicans simply spout their opposition to ObamaCare, Gardiner spouts one idea after another for fixing it and improving it. Gardiner speaks of every American having a health care plan as they might have a retirement plan; of having a medical savings plan as they might have a retirement or rainy day savings plan. He favors a nationwide health care exchange and the elimination of state line restrictions and more. He is equally verbal about economic development, national energy policy, national immigration policy and tuition waivers for illegal immigrants attending public colleges in Rhode Island.
Producer's note: This interview is part of the Donald Gill Memorial Candidate Interview Series.

Michael Riley for US Congress

Guest: Michael Riley (R), Candidate for US Congress; www.rileycongress.com
Host: Barry Schiller
Produced: April 12, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Michael Riley, a former Wall Street financial analyst, hopes to challenge incumbent Congressman James Langevin. However, before he has that opportunity, he has to win a Republican Primary race. New to Rhode Island, Riley admits that he has fallen in love with the Ocean State. He wants to use his knowledge and skill as a financial analyst and planner to improve matters in his newly found home and at the nation level. He asserts that Congressional gridlock is primarily responsible fort Congress' low approval rating and believes a closer balance of power and less partisanship can diminish the gridlock and solve the problems facing the nation. What are these problems? Federal spending is too high; Riley's remedy - cut 5% across the board each consecutive year. Redefine and prioritize the allocation of capital; reduce the federal workforce through attrition; cut COLA's; and above all, change the federal tax structure to a simplified flat tax are among his suggested remedies. He expresses concern about Social Security, especially since it is not adequately funded for future generations.
Producer's note: This interview is part of the Donald Gill Memorial Candidate Interview Series.

Barry Hinckley for US Senate

Guest: Barry Hinckley (R), Candidate for US Senate; www.hinckleyforsenate.com
Host: Ian Longrenn
Produced: April 12, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

The interview begins with a discussion of Master Hinckley's declaration "This is not good!" as he characterizes economic conditions in a recent campaign ad for his father Barry Hinckley. Notwithstanding the youthfulness of Barry Hinckley's son, he is right; our economic condition is not good. Candidate Hinckley explains why and is not reluctant to mention his incumbent opponent by name and place some of the blame with him and the policies he supports. The interview progresses to a vigorous discussion of many issues and concerns including US tax policy; education funding and policy; energy resources and solutions to our petroleum dependency; foreign aid or as Hinckley characterizes it - foreign welfare. Although the US is often characterized as the richest nation in the world, Hinckley points out the US is fourteen trillion dollars in debt. Therefore, it is ludicrous to think of the US as the richest when we are the most in debt and this debt matter must be addressed.
Producer's note: This interview is part of the Donald Gill Memorial Candidate Interview Series.

Municipal Bankruptcy Explained

Guest: Robert Flanders, Jr, Receiver - Central Falls, RI; [email protected]
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: April 12, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Guest Robert Flanders, Jr. and host Carol Mumford engage in a very deliberate discussion aimed at explaining what constitutes municipal bankruptcy as compared to corporate and personal bankruptcy. The stigma of bankruptcy is discussed and some of the associated mythology is dispelled. Municipal bankruptcy offers a set of tools to allow restructuring and debt adjustment in ways that are not impaired as in the private sector version of bankruptcy. Flanders points out that municipal bankruptcy offers an enormous benefit to get a fresh stat and to get it right for municipalities facing extreme financial problems and to continue to do it right going forward. But Mumford ask what will prevent a municipality from falling back into bad practices once the receiver has left. The law has safeguards in place and the municipality will be monitored by the state. Will this be enough to prevent future problems?

In Memoriam: A Bruce Lang Sampler

Host: Bruce Lang
Produced: April 3, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Bruce Lang died on March 28, 2012; he was seventy-six years old. In recent years, Bruce often served as host on State of the State. In previous years, he was often interviewed on State of the State as he was typically on the cutting edge of what was happening in R.I. Bruce Lang is most often associated with being the founder of Operation Clean Government. OCG's Candidate School was his brainchild. Bruce often encouraged people to become involved in government matters and to seek election to public office. Most people would reply: I don't know anything about being a candidate. In response to this common refrain, Bruce started OCG's Candidate School as a means to teach people how to run for public office. Bruce has been recognized often as a major leader in the government reform movement. Above all, he believed that government could function better and serve the people well, if enough competent and fair-minded people became involved in government matters. Bruce Lang is survived by his wife and two sons; a sister; one grandchild; and many friends and associates, including the State of the State production team.

This is a sampler of Bruce Lang interviews with Bruce Sundlun; Joseph Paolino; Robert Whitcomb; Charles Lombardi; Jim Hummel; Edward Mazze; Ken Block; Lincoln Chafee; Patrick Lynch; Frank Caprio, Jr.; Victor Moffitt and John Robitaille; Robert Arruda.

An Interview with Brendan Doherty

Guests: Brendan Doherty (R), Candidate for US Congress, www.dohertyforcongress.com
Host: Barry Schiller
Produced: March 22, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Brendan Doherty views his candidacy for US Congress as an extension of his career in public service. Leadership in Congress is sorely lacking but never more needed as it is needed now and Doherty believes that his leadership experience may be just what Rhode Island and Washington needs. This notion drives his candidacy and he buttresses his assertion with examples of his many leadership roles in the law enforcement and public safety arena. During this interview Doherty offers his perspective on many important matters facing our state and nation.

Municipalities in Crisis: Diagnosis and Treatment

Guests: Donna Perry and Harriet Lloyd, R.I. Statewide Coalition (RISC), www.statewidecoalition.com
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: March 22, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Following a recent RISC annual meeting, which focused on the crisis facing many Rhode Island municipalities, Donna Perry and Harriet Lloyd eagerly share what they have learned. Municipal pensions; post retirement benefits; and school fiscal mismanagement are driving forces, which are putting many municipalities on the brink of bankruptcy. One very important lesson learned is that bankruptcy as it applies to municipalities is really restructuring and debt reduction and should be regarded as a tool rather than as something to avoid at all costs.

Quonset Point Casino: A Good or Bad Idea?

Guests: Ken Block, Moderate Party Chairman; Joseph Trillo, RI State Representative
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: March 8, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Moderate Party Chairman Ken Block debates Representative Joseph Trillo on Trillo's proposal to establish a casino at Quonset Point/Davisville. Trillo believes that the site could be a world class, destination resort facility comparable to Atlantic City and other similar locations. Block believes that the proposal in unrealistic for this time and place. Although they agree on little else, they agree that Quonset Point has all the assets needed for such a project. Casino proposals in Massachusetts and existing facilities in Connecticut do not have the site assets found at Quonset. The proposal, if acted on by the general assembly, will go out for bid to private developers. Trillo believes there are many casino developers who will be interested in bidding on the project; Block disagrees. Good idea or bad idea? What do you think?

OCG 2012 Candidate School and Legislative Agenda

Guests: Margaret Kane, OCG President and Lobbyist; Sandy Riojas, OCG Director and Lobbyist
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: March 8, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Operation Clean Government President Margaret Kane and OCG Director Sandy Riojas talk about the 2012 Candidate School scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2012. This is a non-partisan, all day seminar designed to promote political citizenship and to teach prospective candidates and campaign volunteers the essentials in running for elective office and running a political campaign. Kane and Riojas also discuss OCG lobbying efforts and some particular bills OCG supports. For more information about the Candidate School, click here, for OCG Lobbying Program, write to Operation Clean Government, PO Box 8683, Warwick, RI 02888; or telephone 401-301-8320.

Municipal Pensions: Diagnosis and Treatment

Guests: Charles Lombardi, Mayor, North Providence; Joseph Polisena, Mayor, Johnston
Host: Dan McKee, Mayor, Cumberland
Produced: January 26, 2012 Run time: 60 minutes

Host and guests, all mayors in Rhode Island, have a heart-to-heart, candid discussion of the municipal pension problems facing most cities and towns in the State. The first half of the discussion addresses what the mayors believe are antecedent factors, which include certain state policies which drive up the cost of managing cities and towns. Some of these factors include the drastic reduction in aide to cities and towns particularly within the past four years; unfunded mandates; binding arbitration; continuation of expired contracts; car tax equalization in terms of value and rates; inadequate school funding; and more. The second half of the discussion addresses possible treatment options, which include reducing or eliminating certain state policies, which are cost drivers. Some of these remedies include eliminating unfunded mandates; removing binding arbitration and starting at zero when negotiating contracts; allowing municipalities to set valuation and rate on car tax; fully funding schools; and more. The mayors plea to the general assembly: Give us the tools and power to manage and then let us manage our cities and towns.

Americans Elect: A New Political Party in RI

Guests: Kate Cantwell, Americans Elect
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: January 12, 2012 Run time: 30 minutes

Americans Elect is a newly established and officially recognized political party in Rhode Island and will share the 2012 general election ballot with the other three political parties in RI. Unlike its counterparts, Americans Election is less a political party and more a political entity, whose goal is to nominate a presidential ticket that answers directly to the voters, who have selected the ticket, not to political insiders and special interest. Americans Elect shall accomplish this by its online nominating process, which allows every registered voter to participate in the selection process, define the crucial issues and ask questions of the presidential candidates. Each American voter becomes a delegate, who will participate in a nationwide, online convention to choose the Americans Elect nominee for president, who will be on the ballot in all fifty states.

Oceans Aquarium Project Update

Guest: Victor Moffitt, Oceans Aquarium Research & Science Center (OARSC); Michael Lombardi, Director & Explorer-in-Residence, OARSC; Pat Sharkey, Executive Director, OARSC
Host: Anne Gardner
Produced: December 8, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

During his candidacy for governor in 2010, Victor Moffitt introduced his idea of creating an aquarium in the Ocean State and vowed after losing the Republican primary election that he would continue to work to make the Oceans Aquarium a reality. The idea has evolved and grown to become the Oceans Aquarium, Research & Science Center (OARSC ) project. Moffitt along with two member of the OARSC Board of Directors provide an update and progress report, which redefines the development strategy; highlights two major acquisitions (coral collection and 750 gallon tank); identifies an explorer-in-residence; notes its tax exempt and nonprofit status; notes the addition of new Board of Director members and a new Executive Director; and more.

Harassment of Activist Citizens by Public Officials

Guests: Harry Staley of RI Statewide Coalition & Gary Morse, Chief Investigator of Bristol County Water Authority (BCW)
Host: Margaret Kane, President-Operation Clean Government
Produced: December 8, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

Harry Staley and Margaret Kane authored an opinion piece entitled "Going after citizens who question their government" published in the Providence Journal on November 29, 2011. This public statement by two prominent leaders respectively of the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition and Operation Clean Government regarding an attempt by public officials to harass and belittle four citizens, who have dared to ask questions of their government has prompted this interview and discussion. Guest Gary Morse, chief investigator of the Bristol County Water Authority, is one of the four citizens, who may be facing a SLAPP suit. Staley, Morse and Kane discuss a series of events and the investigative work by the four citizen, who uncovered numerous questionable practices, confirmed in part by an audit initially called for by the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition and Operation Clean Government. Outraged by the actions of BCWA officials, Kane acknowledges that these four citizens are model citizens exercising their rights to question their government and should be praised not threatened with a SLAPP suit. Kane further points out that this case shows what a few brave citizens can accomplish, when involved and committed to improving their government.

Producer's Note: What is a SLAPP suit? Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. The term was introduced by the authors of the book, SLAPPS: Getting Sued for Speaking Out, published in 1996. More than twenty state have "anti-SLAPP suit" statutes, Rhode Island being among them, that protect citizens' rights to free speech and to petition their government.

RI Boosters: More reasons to feel pRIde in being a Rhode Islander

Guest: Roberta Humble, Author
Host: Anne Gardner
Produced: December 8, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

Roberta Humble, an original Rhode Island booster, has written four books and created three trivia games about Rhode Island. All these works are Humble's way of boosting the state and giving us bragging rights. With each work, a labor of love as host Anne Gardner labels it, Humble gives us more reasons to be proud to be Rhode Islanders. Humble, in many respects, has put the state of RI in the word "pRIde." Her newest book, Little Rhody & The Other 49, and her newest trivia game Rhode Scholar boosts our pRIde even more. The latter is the sequel to Humble's first trivia game Rhode Test. Host Gardner refers to this new game as the "Mensa edition" of Rhode Test. Humble's newest book finds its origin in a speech she gave to visiting Secretaries of State. The book has lead to a series of invitations to visit other states, which Humble will initiate during her sabbatical leave from CCRI. Consequently, host Gardner has named Humble, Rhode Island's Ambassador, a fitting title. On those visits Humble intends to educate others about the unique attributes of RI and she invites viewer suggestions.

Celebrating Two Years of Hummel Reporting with Jim Hummel

Guest: Jim Hummel, The Hummel Report
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: November 10, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

After twenty-five years of mainstream journalistic and investigative reporting, Jim Hummel decided to embrace the future in his approach to investigative reporting and established The Hummel Report, an internet based enterprise with partnerships with more traditional forms of media reporting, such as television; radio; print. Presently, we all can celebrate and appreciate two years of stimulating and influential Hummel reporting. Host Ian Lonngren and Jim Hummel together celebrate, recapitulate and prognosticate about the Hummel Report project and Jim’s notable career. Jim Hummel remains a prominent and influential Rhode Islander, who has devoted his career to rooting out government mismanagement and corruption. In recognition of his body of work in this effort, Operation Clean Government gave its Golden Broom Award to Jim Hummel in November 2008. Once again OCG and State of the State acknowledges his significant contribution to making Rhode Island a better place to live.

General Treasurer Raimondo Speaks at the OCG Annual Meeting

Guest: Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island General Treasurer
Host: OCG 18th Annual Meeting
Produced: November 4, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

General Treasurer Gina Raimondo speaks at the OCG 18th Annual Meeting on November 4, 2011, following a week of testimony during a joint session of the Rhode Island general assembly hearings on pension reform legislation submitted by the Treasurer and Governor Chafee. A supportive group applauds her effort to reform the state pension system, offers some advice, and engages her in a lively question and answer session. Raimondo continues to gather input and concedes that the legislation may undergo some minor revisions but is confident that the proposed legislation will largely remain intact. The General Treasurer herself has also compiled a substantial list of adjustments in response to feedback from the general public and legislators.

Panel Discusses Key Ingredients of Pension System Reform Legislation

Guests: Leonard Lardaro, Professor of Economics, URI; Edward Mazze, Professor and Former Dean of Business Administration, URI; Gary Morse, Retired Pension Systems Analyst; Timothy Williamson, Former RI Representative, Chairman, Special House Committee to Study Pensions in 2008-2009

Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: October 27, 2011 Run time: 60 minutes

This panel moderated by Carol Mumford discusses the key ingredients of pension system reform legislation now before the RI general assembly. The panelists include Professor of Economics Leonard Lardaro; Professor of Business Administration Edward Mazze; retired pension systems analyst Gary Morse; and former representative Timothy Williamson, who chaired the Special House Committee to Study Pensions in 2008-2009. They also talk about antecedent factors and conditions that have contributed to the huge unfunded pension liability we now face. As one panelist asserts, the pension system was based on a promise that could not be kept and in effect it was based on a lie. Measures that the current legislation hopes to institute were contained in prior recommendations for pension reform but were labeled Draconian by many factions, including some members of the general assembly. Panelists agree that those measures, had they been implemented, would have substantially rectified the system. Many states have experienced the same economic factors but have emerged less damaged by the economic downturn simply because they had structured and managed their pension systems better.

Justice Robert Flanders Discusses Central Fall Receivership

Guest: Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Esq., Receiver for Central Falls, R.I.
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: September 22, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

Facing a six million dollar structural or operational deficit each year underscores why the City of Central Falls is in receivership. It is clear from this discussion that other cities and towns are facing similar deficits for similar reasons. In a series of questions, interviewer Mumford seeks to find out the major contributors and what can be done now to solve the problem. Flanders is straightforward and forthcoming in his answers. The big contributing factors are pension liabilities and generous health care benefits. Other lesser contributors are discussed as well. The Five Year Plan presented to the Bankruptcy Court outlines steps to adjust debt to levels the city can afford given its revenues. These measures will include cuts to retiree pensions and health care benefits; consolidation of city departments and services; elimination of some services and positions; outsourcing of certain services and other measures. The end result will be a balanced budget wherein expenditures do not exceed revenues. This is a daunting task, which requires the participation of all parties with a vested interest. Once achieved, future safeguards will be needed to prevent a recurrence. It is apparent that Central Falls may become the template for other cities and towns to either prevent receivership or manage it.

For more information visit www.centralfallsri.us

John Marion Discusses Common Cause Annual Meeting and More

Guest: John Marion, Executive Director, Common Cause-RI
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: September 8, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

This interview focuses on the upcoming Common Cause-RI annual meeting and the group’s lobbying efforts during the past legislative session. The annual meeting scheduled for October 5, 2011 includes a discussion of The Future of Reform in Rhode Island featuring Gina Raimondo, Angel Taveras and Robert Flanders, Jr. Besides a cocktail hour, the event includes dinner and recognition awards. The Excellence in Public Service will be awarded to two prominent and influential Rhode Islanders: Robert Corrente, former U.S. Attorney and Beverly Clay, former VP, Operation Clean Government This event is open to the public. John Marion also discusses his chronology of work and achievements in relation to Separation of Powers, since its inclusion in the R.I. Constitution. Also discussed are redistricting plans for R.I. and the upcoming special legislative session, which will address the state pension systems.

For more information about the annual meeting and Common Cause-RI, visit www.commoncauseri.org or telephone 401-861-2322.

Dan McKee Updates Mayoral Academy Initiative

Guests: Dan McKee, Mayor, Cumberland RI
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: September 8, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

In addition to being Mayor of Cumberland, Dan Mckee is an advocate for mayoral academies, founder of the Blackstone Valley Mayoral Academy and member of the R.I. Coalition of Community Leaders. These affiliations and their members have begun to make change in educational thinking and practices and in municipal cooperation and influence is state policy. During this interview he provides a substantial update on each of these initiatives. McKee shares his belief that public education can and must be improved and that the Mayoral Academy is one approach. Despite the success of the Blackstone Valley Mayoral Academy and the support of prominent public officials and community leaders of this approach, a recent effort to establish a mayoral academy in the Cranston-Providence area under the leadership of Mayors Fung and Taveras was defeated. When asked why, McKee replied: “Change has its enemies;” but he asserted that this particular effort shall continue. One setback will not dissuade them. Interest in these efforts is growing far and wide and has also caught the interest of various education funding foundations including the Gates; Walton; and Cisco foundations.

Gordon Fox Discusses Pensions and More

Guest: Gordon Fox, Speaker, RI House of Representatives
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: August 26, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

There are many interesting and compelling matters discussed during this interview. None the least is the Speaker's personal story and how it has influenced his view of the world, his political perspective and public policy interests and devotions, especially that of public education. Obviously, the public pension problem dominates and it is necessitating a special session of the legislature in October. Speaker Fox asserts "the focus will be the state pension system, with an eye on municipal systems" as both represent unsustainable burdens on taxpayers. Speaker Fox acknowledges and praises the work of General Treasurer Raimondo, Governor Chafee and the Pension Advisory Commission, which will provide the basis for the overview session of the general assembly in September and the special session in October. The role of casino expansion and the recent Google settlement are discussed as part of future revenues and balancing the state budget. In this discussion Fox acknowledges that some programs have become out of line with incoming revenues; so it is time to consider doing the same with less. Fox considers the I-95 redevelopment of forty acres a rare opportunity. The task of the redevelopment oversight commission "will "come down to a balance of interest" of state land, state interest, city concerns, tax exempt institutions and best use of a neighborhood with an existing biomedical and educational presence.

Introducing the Ocean State Tea Party in Action

Guests: Lisa Blais and Diane McLoughlin, Founders, Ocean State Tea Party in Action
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: August 25, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

Lisa Blais and Diane McLoughlin eagerly introduce us to the newly founded Ocean State Tea Party in Action. The group emerged from the lobbying efforts on behalf of the RI Tea Party during the last legislative ssession and their success in establishing a presence at the State House. The group began to be recognized as credible and knowledgeable lobbyists with emerging influence. Blais points out that their efforts to influence public policy relating to fiscal matters is a completely volunteer effort of a small group of industrious and devoted women. Their need to stay focused and increase their effectiveness as lobbyist led to the founding of the Ocean State Tea Party in Action. Collaboration with other like-minded groups is crucial to future success and will be a major initiative going forward. The group's website, soon to be operational, will post the voting records of certain general assembly members on key issues.It will provide the group's position and testimony on matters of interest and provide a portal for becoming involved in this effort. For the next legislative session, the group is also planning to develop legislation on certain critical matters such as freedom of choice for teachers (similar to right to work legislation) and to present a legislative option or alternative solution to binding arbitration for Speaker Fox to consider.

For more information visit www.oceanstateteapartyinaction.com or contact the group at [email protected].

Gina Raimondo Discusses Pensions and More

Guest: Gina Raimondo, RI General Treasurer
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: August 11, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

This interview is dominated by concerns regarding solving the public pension problem in Rhode Island. The General Treasure reasserts what she has been saying since taking office: The pension problem is huge, complex and must be solved now. The current systems are significantly underfunded and unsustainable in their present form. Raimondo shall provide recommendations emerging from the pension study commission and is confident that the general assembly will act on these when it reconvenes in October to specifically address the pension issue. Host Mumford and Raimondo engaged in a high level discussion of the pension problem and possible solutions, which are all on the table for discussion. Notwithstanding the dominance of pension concerns, time is found to discuss the Treasurer’s transition from private to public service and her initial assessment of the Office of General Treasurer. Visit the RI Treasurer's website for more.

Mike Lewis Discusses Transportation Issues

Guest: Mike Lewis, Director, Dept. of Transportation
Host: Barry Schiller
Produced: August 11, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

With diminishing revenues from the state and from the gasoline tax, it is not easy being director of DOT. Having to borrow money to match federal transportation dollars is not a good practice admits Mike Lewis; but he suggests that there is only one thing worse and that is to not borrow. To eventually end this practice, money must be set aside in the state budget specifically for the state transportation match; for without it there are no federal transportation dollars. Eventually a reserve will be achieved. But the first obligation is to pay off debt service on transportation bonds. Beyond these major concerns, Lewis can legitimately boast of improvements and achievements. They include changing the pattern and culture of DOT and the RI construction industry; improved contractor accountability; department efficiencies and better management of job specifications; fewer change orders. But these efficiencies will not generate enough money to do what needs to be done in a state with aging infrastructure. Here lies the greatest challenge to a Director who has earned high performance ratings. Visit RIDOT's website for more information.

Gary Morse on Bristol County Water Authority

Guest: Gary Morse, RISC and OCG volunteer
Host: Margaret Kane
Produced: July 28, 2011
Runtime: 30 minutes

An old refrain captures matters concerning the Bristol County Water Authority (BCWA): "There's trouble in river city!" Facing an anticipated substantial rate increase, BCWA ratepayer Gary Morse, a retired business consultant and specialist in pensions, began investigating BCWA practices one and a half years ago. The more he has looked, the more questionable practices he has uncovered. Questions include projects not completed extending over long periods of time; the receipt of large sums of money without specifics for its intended use; questions emerging regarding the value of such expenditures to taxpayers and ratepayers. In eighteen years of operation, tens of millions of dollars of expenditures, BCWA has no concrete development plans and no audit... The latter prompted the RI Statewide Coalition and Operation Clean Government to demand an audit, which was eventually done and which found questionabe facts and figures and practices. Yet many BCWA Board of Directors members remain defensive and resistive to making needed changes. And then there is the matter of water quality. The Kicketmuit River, one water source, which is extremely contaminated; yet comprises 50% of the water surply and cost more to process and treat than to purchase an equal amount of water from the Scituate Reservoir. "There's trouble in river city!"

The Dorr War: Treason, Rebellion and the Fight for Reform in Rhode Island

Guest: Rory Raven, Author
Host: Roy Pruett
Produced: June 23, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

Winston Churchill advised that those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it. Student performance nationwide is poor and especially dismal in Rhode Island when it comes to history. This show, in part, is an effort to teach a little Rhode Island history with the help of author Rory Raven and his new book, The Dorr War: Treason, Rebellion and the Fight for Reform in Rhode Island. Deja-vue all over again. Politics as usual. It all seems very familiar but the events recounted occurred approximately one hundred and sixty years ago. On December 27, 1854 Abraham Payne wrote, Whoever writes the history of these times, if he has an impartial temper, a quick eye for the ludicrous, and the power to see the cause of things in the things themselves, will furnish a most amusing and instructive chapter in the history of the times. This is a worthwhile history lesson.

Homelessness in Rhode Island

Guest: Jim Ryczek, Director, Coalition for the Homeless
Host: Roy Pruett
Produced: May 12, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

At the time of this interview, the RI budget was a work in progress. Now it is a reality. And many of the concerns expressed by Jim Ryczek are now stark realities. Homeless services have been cut. Affordable housing funds have been cut even though Ryczek points out that for every dollar invested, sixteen dollars are returned to the state's economy. Against this backdrop, the number of homeless families with children increases. Ryczek helps us take an inventory of services and resources as he paints the landscape of homelessness in Rhode Island. He talks about Camp Runamuck and other tent cities on the rise; Harrignton Hall, a state facility with 88 cots; House of Hope with two bathrooms for 88 men; Welcome Arnold's metamorphosis into First Step and later demolished for a new state police barracks, which was never built on the site. For more information visit the Coalition for the Homeless website at www.rihomeless.org

Redistricting Plans for Rhode Island

Guest: Margaret Kane of OCG and John Marion of Common Cause RI
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: May 28, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

The Rhode Island General Assembly has established a redistricting commission to begin the redistricting process. A consulting company has also been hired to perform the actual redistricting or redrawing of voting district lines. Redistricting is necessitated by population changes reflected in the 2010 Census. These changes will be in place for the 2012 elections. Operation Clean Government has expressed concern that "the voters may not be well-served by that process as it now appears to be unfolding." Among other matters, it appears that taxpayers may be paying for services that the federal government has offered free of charge. Forty-seven state have accepted the federal government's free offer. Three states including Rhode Island have opted out. Common Cause RI has established a redistricting project, whereby it intends to use the existing census data and free software to mimic the process of redistricting in Rhode Island. Guests Margaret Kane and John Marion along with host Carol Mumford posed many questions yet to be answered about redistricting plans for Rhode Island. Visit the OCG and Common Cause RI websites for more information.

Yes or No: The Question of Casino Expansion

Guest: Senator Elizabeth Crowley and Fr. Eugene McKenna
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: June 9, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

Twin River Casino is seeking to expand its gaming offerings. Bills before the RI general assembly have been introduced to place a question before the voters in the 2012 general election, which will ask voters if gambling should be expanded. Approval will allow Twin Rivers to evolve into a full casino with table games and more. Rejection will keep the current level of gaming. Senator Elizabeth Crowley is a member of the Joint Committee on the State Lottery and favors expanding gaming options. Fr. Eugene McKenna, president of Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling, opposes the expansion of gambling. Both guests offer cogent reasons supporting their divergent opinions as they engage in a respectful challenge of each other's position. An informative and interesting discussion of the question gambling expansion results.

An Interview with Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts

Guest: Elizabeth Roberts, R.I. Lt. Governor
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: May 12, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

This interview continues the series of interviews with general office holders and leaders of the general assembly. Elected to a second term, Mrs. Roberts picks up where she left off in terms of her agenda for the Office of Lt. Governor and her devotion to her health care agenda. The Lt. Governor has recently been appointed by Governor Chafee to Chair the RI Healthcare Reform Commission, overseeing the group in government created by executive order by Gov. Chafee and responsible for making recommendations to the Governor on national health reform implementation in RI. A critical and appropriate role for Mrs. Roberts, who has longstanding interest, experience and professional training in the health care field. This interview discusses the status of national health reform implementation efforts in RI--including the health insurance exchange: what is it, why do we need it, who will it affect, what's the status of it and more. This is a very informative interview. For more information visit www.ltgov.state.ri.us

An Interview with Freshmen Senators Chris Ottiano and Dawson Hodgson

Guests: Chris Ottiano (R), R.I. Senate District 11; Dawson Hodgson (R), Senate District 35
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: May 12, 2011 Run time: 30 minutes

This interview continues the series of interviews with freshman legislators to gains insight into the freshman experience and their focus and concerns as they attempt to acclimate as members of the general assembly and implement their respective agendas. These two freshman senators are working diligently to bring a more conservative and practical discussion to the issues facing the State and their constituents. They have been recognized for their ability to broaden the discussion to include minority member perspectives and this is apparent during this interview. Also apparent in this interview is their willingness to support a good idea no matter from where it originates. They discuss some matters which surprised them as freshmen and where their devotion and effort have been deployed.

Legislative Update with Representative Larry Valencia

Guest: Larry Valencia (D) House District 39
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: June 9, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

Freshman Representative Larry Valencia serves on the House Finance Committee and is also a member of the other five major house committees. Consequently, he is aware of the matters, which have come before these committees and what is likely to make it to the floor for a vote. Valencia shares with us his knowledge and insights regarding the legislative process. Valencia provides an inside look at how government functions at the committee and house chamber levels. In some measure he confirms some of our impressions and in other ways he enlightens and educates us about the legislative process. Matters relating to the budget are discussed candidly and Valencia acknowledges that the final budget is likely to reflect some of Governor Chafee's proposed tax increases and adjustments with some house committee modifications. He assure us that there shall be some spending cuts but the specifics are still under committee deliberation. Valencia also gives an update regarding legislation of particular interest to Operation Clean Government members.

Life after a Political Campaign: Ken Block

Guest: Ken Block, former candidate for governor; Chairman Moderate Party of RI
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: June 9, 2011
Run time: 30 minutes

This interview continues the series of interviews with former statewide candidates. Ken Block was a Moderate Party candidate for governor. Although he did not win the election, as a gubernatorial candidate Block was able to re-certify the Moderate Party of RI as an officially recognized political party. Additionally, Block gained significant popular recognition as a person with thoughtful solutions to the many problems facing the state. In his last appearance on State of the State, Block indicated that he would remain active not only as MPRI chairman but also in his effort to influence political thought and discussion and to help solve some of the problems he said he would as candidate. Among his many involvement toward these ends, Block has volunteered to use his expertise to find fraud and duplication in entitlement programs, as he did for the state of Texas, saving about one billion dollars. For more information visit www.moderate-ri.org.

Searching for Solutions: R.I. Fiscal Crisis

Keynote Speaker: Steve Laffey, former Mayor of Cranston, financial expert
Panel Moderator: Dan Yorke, WPRO Radio talk show host
Panelists: Steve Laffey, former Mayor of Cranston, financial expert; Larry Valencia, House Finance Committee member; Edward Mazze, University Professor and former Dean of College of Business Administration at URI; Gary Sasse, former Executive Director of RI Public Expenditure Council

Produced: May 14, 2011
Run time: 120 minutes in two parts

This two-hour public forum was sponsored by Operation Clean Government on Saturday, May 14, 2011. OCG President Margaret Kane describes the forum as presenting various views for a solution to the fiscal crisis here in Rhode Island. OCG is concerned that we can no longer put off the tough questions without jeopardizing Rhode Island's future. Questions addressed include: How do we balance the budget? Do we raise taxes, cut spending, or both? Is there any effective way to correct the serious problem of unfunded liabilities in our public employee pension plans?

This highly stimulating and informative exchange of panelists and those in attendance has generated much media interest. This is your opportunity to view what many have been talking about, from the severity of our fiscal problems, to some extreme measures to solve the problems, to the stimulating and sometimes heated exchange between panelists and attendees.

An Interview with Freshmen Legislators Doreen Costa and Daniel Reilly

Guests: Representative Doreen Costa (R), House District 31,
and Representative Daniel Reilly, (R), House District 72, rep-
Moderator: Anne Gardner
Produced: April 14, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

These two legislators, among twenty-two freshmen legislators in the House of Representative, exude enthusiasm and commitment to working with their colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to solve the problems facing this state, which include pension reform; revising eligibility requirements for the myriads of entitlement services; balancing the budget by cutting spending, waste and duplication, while not raising taxes. At the experiential level, they spoke of the camaraderie among freshmen and the willingness of the more experienced legislators to help and support their efforts. One conclusion they share is a belief that this part-time legislature in not a part-time job and they suggest that perhaps this reality should be addressed through creating a full-time legislature by reducing the number of representatives, increasing term length and adding term limits. They had much to say about the budget presented by Governor Chafee. An overarching conclusion: "This budget does not address nor change the structure of government nor address the many structural deficits." But it has "opened many people's eyes."

RI Tea Party Action Agenda

Guest: Lisa Blais, RI Tea Party
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: April 14, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

Lisa Blais talks about the R.I. Tea Party's action agenda for this legislative session. The Tea Party has been monitoring over seventeen hundred bills introduced during this current legislative session and focusing on a handful of bills, which it considers it must address through the Tea Party's legislative alert process and providing testimony at legislative hearings. Some of these bills were discussed in detail and it was clear that the Tea Party emphasizes cutting spending, waste and duplication, while not raising taxes to balance the budget. Blais warned against accepting money from the federal government to expand services and later having to maintain the same level of funding or maintenance of service long after federal subsidies have ended. Visit www.riteaparty.com for more information on RI Tea Party's legislative agenda.

Peter Kilmartin on the Office of Attorney General

Guest: Peter Kilmartin (D), Attorney General
Host: John Carlevale
Topic: Role and Function of the Office of Attorney General
Produced: March 24, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

This interview continues the series of interviews with general office holders and leaders of the general assembly. Attorney General Kilmartin talks about the intensity of the days preceding assuming the duties of office and the first eighty days of his four year term. With genuine appreciation, he underscores the helpfulness and commitment of AG personnel during this period. Although the Secure Communities Program and matters pertaining to immigration dominated his press coverage, they did not hamper Kilmartin's extensive legislative agenda. Kilmartin makes an informative distinction between the purposes of the Secure Communities Program and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The potential release of Michael Woodmansee prompted Kilmartin to initiate a robust research effort, which may contain a solution to preventing Woodmansee early release, along with plans to revise the laws pertaining to "time off for good behavior." There are many caveats to this interesting interview along with recognition that budget cuts may have serious consequences for the AG Office to fully perform its duties. For more information, visit www.riag.ri.gov

Interview with Freshmen Legislators Patricia Morgan and Michael Chippendale

Guests: Patricia Morgan (R), Representative District 26;
Michael Chippendale (R), Representative District 40
Host: Anne Gardner
Produced: March 10, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

This show is the second in a series of interviews with freshman legislators of the current legislative session. The purpose of these interviews is to introduce Freshman Class members and to gain insight into their respective plans for their offices during the next two years and to learn about the freshman legislative experience. This interview is with State Representatives Patricia Morgan and Michael Chippendale. They describe their experiences campaigning and the period immediately following being elected; and the legislation they are sponsoring or otherwise supporting. With a synopsis of the Chafee budget in hand, they highlight the broad range of tax increases and echo their belief that the twenty-two new members of the house were likely elected because they expressed their opposition, as Morgan and Chippendale did, to the high level of taxation which exists.

Is There Life After a Political Campaign? John Robitaille

Guest: John Robitaille, former Republican candidate for Governor, president Robitaille Consulting Group
Host: Carol Mumford
Produced: February 24, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

In response to many questions about some political candidates, this show is the second in a series, which will attempt to answer the question: Is there life after a political campaign? Former Republican candidate for Governor John Robitaille shares what he has been doing and planning to do since the 2010 general election. Among these plans has been the creation of Robitaille Consulting Group, and two book projects: one a memoir of his political campaign experience and the other an account of his quest with others for justice as victims of the pedophile priest James Porter. Host Carol Mumford and Robitaille engage in a most interesting discussion of these and other topics.

Interview with Freshmen Legislators: Spencer Dickinson, Larry Valencia

Guests: Spencer Dickinson (D), Representative District 35
Larry Valencia (D), Representative District 39
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: February 24, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

This shows begins a series of interviews with freshman legislators of the current legislative session. The purpose of these interviews is to introduce Freshman Class members and to gain insight into their respective plans for their offices during the next two years and to learn about the freshman legislative experience. Leading off this series are State Representatives Dickinson and Valencia. They describe their experiences immediately following being elected; their participation in electing a Speaker of the House; their freshman orientation session; committee assignments; and the legislation they are sponsoring or otherwise supporting and more.

Is There Life After a Political Campaign?

Guests: Victor Moffitt, President, Oceans Aquarium, Research & Science Center (OARSC); Mary Mello, Vice President and Project Manager, OARSC; JoAnne Roza, Secretary and Project Manager, OARSC
Host: John Carlevale
Produced: February 10, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

In response to many question about some political candidates, this show begins a series, which will attempt to answer the question: Is there life after a political campaign? Guest Victor Moffitt answers a resounding yes, as he describes his work on a project he introduced during his political campaign for Governor, namely, the Oceans Aquarium, Research & Science Center. During the campaign, many tried to minimize the idea and some labeled it a political campaign gimmick. Nevertheless, Moffitt persisted in promoting the idea and vowed to pursue it regardless of the election's outcome. Moffitt and two other OASRC Board of Directors members describe their efforts and accomplishments in developing this project to date. For more information, visit www.oceansaquarium.org.

Secretary of State Mollis' Legislative Agenda

Guests: A. Ralph Mollis, R.I. Secretary of State
Host: Ian Lonngren
Produced: February 10, 2011 / Run time: 30 minutes

Since taking office in 2007, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis has worked to make it easier to vote, helped businesses grow and made government more open and accessible through the services available at the Office of Secretary of State. The Mollis agenda for this legislative session is to press forward on many fronts to continue to move ahead. The Secretary of State has many diverse responsibilities and Mollis proudly highlights his accomplishments in meeting those and making matters better where people and his office meet. Looking forward, Mollis cites plans to eliminate the master lever; include pro and con statements in the Voter Handbook; reform election procedures like eliminating automatic affiliation, reducing the disaffiliation deadline, closing polling places a 8 PM. Other interest areas include public information, business innovations, on-line state agency forms library, open meetings listings, and more. For more information visit www.sos.ri.gov.

Master Lever Voting Problems

Guests: June Gibbs, former state senator; Robert Healey, attorney and co-plaintiff; Margaret Kane, chairperson, Make Every Vote Count Coalition
Host: Carol Mumford, former state representative
Produced: August 26, 2010 / Run time: 30 minutes

The master lever or party lever allows voters to cast one vote for all members of a particular political party. With the Scantron machines currently in use for voting, the same option exists by completing the arrow pointing to a particular political party. Unfortunately, this voting convenience is problematic and in certain instances results in under-voting and lost votes. A lost vote is a vote denied. And this is the position Robert Healey asserts in a legal complaint he had filed on behalf of himself and other plaintiffs, who have been harmed by lost votes, when the master line has been used. Margaret Kane and June Gibbs have been studying this problem for many years and have amassed evidence of the problem and suggest the best way to eliminate the problems created by master line or party line use is to eliminate the master lever. Guests give concrete examples of instances of under-votes and lost votes. The master line harms candidates regardless of political affiliation. This show is intended to educate voters about the problems resulting from party line use. (DVD copies of this program will be made available for purchase to be used as a teaching tool to learn about and discuss problems associated with party line voting.)

Producer's note: On Wednesday, September 1, the above case was heard in federal court and the Plaintiffs' request for injunctive relief was denied and the case was dismissed. The master lever remained in place for the 2010 general election. The solution to the problems with master line/party line voting now resides with the general assembly to address legislatively. Be sure to ask members of the general assembly what their position is on removing the master lever.