Gary Smith, of Newport, has come to a conclusion that will be familiar to Anchor Rising readers:
So I asked myself: What is keeping companies away, especially those for whom shipping is not an issue? The answer is and has long been obvious taxes. CEOs won't relocate to places where their high incomes get hit hard. Companies won't relocate to a state where corporate taxes exceed those of neighboring states. So it would appear that the recommendations of the governor's panel are right on target and the key part of the panel's findings is that the changes, if enacted, will be revenue-neutral.It's time for our legislature to wake up and move forward expeditiously and get this state on the move again; it has much to offer. Maybe it takes an outsider to see it. With competitive taxes I think Rhode Island is an easy sell.
Welcome to the battle, Gary. I regret to inform you, however, that the project is much more daunting than you realize.