Monique Chartier

Heads Up, EDC General Assembly: Providence Has Gotten A Non-Surprising Economic Ranking

By Monique Chartier | November 13, 2012 |

Rhode Island’s real Economic Development Corporation, a.k.a., the Rhode Island General Assembly, goes back into session in less than two months. Recently, newly Elected Speaker Gordon Fox pointed to one of his top priorities for the session. So let’s frame this latest ranking, brought to our attention by GoLocalProv, Providence ranks 94th among all U.S.…

Mike Napolitano Outlines One Key Element of The RI Dem Congressional Win: Massive, Shameless, Televised Lying

By Monique Chartier | November 11, 2012 |

For good or ill, I don’t watch television. So on the day after the election, when I questioned, semi-rhetorically, the outcome of the Rhode Island congressional races to a sympathetic friend, he filled me in on what I had missed: a barrage of television ads by the Dem candidates falsely proclaiming the intentions of their…

Petraeus’ Resignation: What Changed? Why Is He No Longer Going To Testify Before Congress?

By Monique Chartier | November 10, 2012 |

Yesterday, David Petraeus resigned as Director of the CIA, citing an extramarital affair. General Petraeus was scheduled to testify before Congress about the Benghazi debacle. Except that, hours after the announcement of his resignation came the news, without further elaboration, that he was not going to do so. Why not? That he has now stepped…

Yet Another Symptom of One Party Domination: RI Last for Teacher “Attendance”

By Monique Chartier | November 5, 2012 |

Kudos to WPRI’s Tim White for catching this. Rhode Island teachers were absent from school more than their colleagues anywhere else in the country, according to a report by a national think tank. The findings – released Monday by the Center for American Progress (CAP), a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C. – examined data…

“Sharing” Is Good (?) – Gordon Fox Worked For Default Riddled Providence Loan Agency

By Monique Chartier | October 31, 2012 |

Heh – ace investigative reporter Mike Stanton is at it again. Looks like 38 Studios is not the first time that Speaker Gordon Fox (D) has mucked around with a bad loan program. At least his own law practice didn’t benefit directly from the 38 Studios arrangement. Can’t say the same about his involvement with…

Jim Haldeman For House District 35: “I will serve my neighbors and townspeople …”

By Monique Chartier | October 29, 2012 |

The Democrat incumbent of House District 35 has been outspoken in his criticism of House leadership. However, in a press release on Thursday, his Republican opponent, Jim Haldeman, points out that the General Assembly leadership does not represent (as it were) the only special interest in Rhode Island politics. COMMITTEE FOR HALDEMAN ANNOUNCES COMMITMENT TO…

“Character counts”: ProJo Endorses Doherty

By Monique Chartier | October 29, 2012 |

Patrick mentioned it in his post but it is significant enough to merit its own post. The last week has witnessed a too predictable parade of endorsements of Democrat candidates by the Providence Journal. The predictability ended abruptly on Sunday. … Mr. Cicilline’s luster began to fade in his last months in City Hall, when…

Steve Kass’ New Radio Gig

By Monique Chartier | October 25, 2012 |

Monday afternoon will find Rhode Island radio legend Steve Kass once again in front of a microphone – this time, at WSAR. New England Talk Pro Steve Kass to PM Drive on WSAR, Fall River, Massachusetts. Veteran talk radio host Steve Kass begins new duties as host of the PM drive show on SNE Broadcasting’s…

Forced Disclosure of Criminal Background: A Novel Explanation for Rhode Island’s High Unemployment Rate

By Monique Chartier | October 25, 2012 |

… proffered in today’s Providence Journal by the challenger in the House District Four race. Asked about his own solutions, [Mark] Binder linked Rhode Island’s high unemployment, in part, to the large number of people who can’t get work because they are required to disclose their criminal histories on job applications. Binder told his audience…

Oopsie, Gotta Declare Those Political Expenditures

By Monique Chartier | October 24, 2012 |

… even if you’re helping a progressive candidate in decidedly left leaning Rhode Island. In the category of Neither of the Above is the House District Four race, Speaker Gordon Fox versus Mark Binder. Gordon Fox is, of course, a Democrat and his challenger is, if anything, to the left of him. (Cracked me up…