Patrick Laverty

Schools Closed Tomorrow — Seriously?

By Patrick Laverty | September 10, 2012 |

Maybe this is more of a venting post but why in the world are the schools closed tomorrow? Simply because it’s an election day? Because some schools get used as polling places? I still don’t get it. The middle school I attended was used as a polling location, more specifically the cafeteria. Rather than canceling…

When DON’T You Have First Amendment Rights?

By Patrick Laverty | September 9, 2012 |

Ok, this one drives me crazy. I see it over and over. It’s with the First Amendment to the US Constitution and most people believe it simply means (among other things) that they have free speech to say anything they want. Period. Except that’s not really what it says or what it means. Let’s quote…

Campaign Endorsements Are Stupid

By Patrick Laverty | September 8, 2012 |

This is the crazy time of the year again when the politicians come to your door with their smiles and palm cards and ask for your vote. You see their ads in the paper and their yard signs scattered around town. Another thing you see is endorsements for every race from President all the way…

Unemployment: Thinking Out Loud

By Patrick Laverty | September 2, 2012 |

Here in Rhode Island, we’re one of the few states to still be increasing the unemployment numbers. We’re currently at 10.8%, and second highest in the nation. Making matters even worse, the number of jobs available is also in decline. We have many people looking for work and fewer jobs available for them to take.…

Democrat Independent Lincoln Chafee Speaking At DNC

By Patrick Laverty | August 31, 2012 |

Ted Nesi reported that Governor Lincoln Chafee will get a prime time speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention next week. I think that’s great that Rhode Island democrats will finally get some recognition and our governor is being honored in such a way. Wait, what? Chafee’s not a Democrat? Then why is he speaking…

The PEDP, GLP, DC and Erasmo

By Patrick Laverty | August 27, 2012 |

Has anyone else been paying attention to the job that Dan McGowan has been doing with his coverage on the Providence Economic Development Partnership (PEDP) for GoLocalProv? It seems just about every other day, he has some other important piece to the whole puzzle and further explaining the fund and how it has been used…

Cicilline Moves Up On Gemma

By Patrick Laverty | August 27, 2012 |

In the first release of the WPRI primary poll results, David Cicilline has opened a wider gap on Anthony Gemma. Where Cicilline previously let by just four points, he’s now up by twelve. It’s also interesting to see that Chris Young garnered 4% of the preferences. Before you go shaking your head and wondering why…

Cicilline Helped Weaken Providence Police Department

By Patrick Laverty | August 27, 2012 |

At least that’s what today’s GoLocalProv.com article is conveying. How can this be? He’s been out of the Mayor’s Office for two years now! This must be Taveras’s fault! Patrick, you’re just piling on and making this stuff up! See for yourself: The police union blames the situation on former police Chief Dean Esserman and…

The War on Women?

By Patrick Laverty | August 24, 2012 |

We hear all about this “War on Women” that the Democrats like to claim that the Republicans are waging. First, I think these “wars” are silly. It cheapens what the word means. Comparing policy to dropping bombs on a people certainly cheapens the term. But hey, while we’re at it, can we ask why the…

Uncommon Integrity?

By Patrick Laverty | August 24, 2012 |

I just can’t keep this one to myself anymore. At the risk of giving this campaign any more attention than it deserves, I have to point this out. I also apologize as this is a race that is only for RI Senate District 19 and not a statewide race. But this is the kind of…