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Mr. Loparto: I do not know the senator, nor have I ever voted for him. And I agree that, when you look up the word "Corruption" in the dictionary there is a map of Rhode Island. I used to think this would change as a function of a citizen revolt. That will not happen as long as 1 in 6 adults in the state is on a public payroll. And if you are not on a public payroll, a close member of your family is. This creates considerable electoral might. None of this, none of it, will change until there is a fundamental change in RI's tax structure. Too much money flows to Smith Hill for pols to do with it what they will. In exchange for all these tax dollars, Rhode Islanders receive deplorable public services and a regional reputation as the most difficult place in the northeast to conduct business. Consider this: Next year, the state will spend $8900 for every man, woman, and child in the state for, again, deplorable public services . By contrast, New Hampshire (with neither a state income nor sales tax) will spend about $4400 per person in exchange for well-maintained highways and a well-run, integrated university system. So here's the question: How would you fundamentally alter RI's tax structure in order to keep more money in taxpayers' pockets and less in the pockets of Smith Hill pols to dole out as favors?