Rhode Island Politics
…and I guess we’re supposed be happy about it? (Via ProJo’s Political Scene): On July 1, the worker’s share of the premium cost will rise. For union workers, this was spelled out in the contract; for nonunion workers, a notice went out to each agency’s human resources department three weeks ago, and the agencies are…
Ian Donnis has a story in this week’s Phoenix on former Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey and what he’s up to. Laffey, a member of the local steering committee for Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign, has been turning up at GOP events in recent months, including a May 24 joint fundraiser of the South Kingstown and Narragansett…
From Ian Donnis at the Providence Phoenix’s Not for Nothing blog…While he remains undecided about his future political plans, Chafee told N4N this morning that the treasurer’s office is among those he’s considering, along with governor and mayor of Providence. “It’s still a long way away,” he noted.
A critical ethics issue? Or a ploy by a potential gubernatorial candidate seeking some publicity that will boost his credibility with progressive voters who identify Wal-Mart with all things evil? Make the call yourself based on this Associated Press report, via Marketwatch.com… Rhode Island’s state treasurer has asked federal regulators to investigate whether Wal-Mart Stores…
Upon reflection, I was unfairly dismissive of Mayor Laffey’s comments with respect to Giuliani. Rudy did wonderful things in NYC long before 9/11 made his a household name, but when it comes to the presidency, the social issues are a dealbreaker for me. A Republican president like Giuliani would be disastrous for the culture that…
Mayor Laffey (on chair) supporting Rudy Giuliani because, essentially, he saw 9/11 first-hand: Andrew interviewing RI Republican Party chair Gio Cicione: And here’s the NBC reporter (Brian Crandall) whom we’re scooping (and who declined my outstretched hand when I introduced myself to him a few minutes ago) doing the same: And lastly, here’re the straw-poll…
The beautiful location of the South County Republican event that I’m currently attending isn’t the best for my poor phone/camera, but pictures may be of interest as I begin a trial of involvement in local politics. Here’s RI House minority leader Bob Watson speaking in favor of John McCain: And here’s Andrew chatting with Mayor…
In an addendum to his original post, Marc noted that the House bill to extend that sales tax to almost every business transaction in the state is likely to die a quiet death today. (Currently, most services are exempted from the Rhode Island sales tax). Allow me to offer a quick footnote on this matter.…
Jim Baron has an excellent column in today’s Pawtucket Times describing the unusual mix of powers held by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission…Unique in our otherwise balanced-power government, the ethics commission has soup-to-nuts authority on all things dealing with the behavior of public officials. It has the power to write ethics law on a par…