Thinking differently

Gov. Raimondo asks Rhode Islanders to expect more

Posted 1/8/15

Snow frosted her hair and flecked her red wool jacket. The state’s first female governor rubbed her hands. With enthusiasm belying the chill of the day, Gina M. Raimondo, 43, looked out from the …

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Thinking differently

Gov. Raimondo asks Rhode Islanders to expect more

Posted

Snow frosted her hair and flecked her red wool jacket. The state’s first female governor rubbed her hands. With enthusiasm belying the chill of the day, Gina M. Raimondo, 43, looked out from the steps of the State House Tuesday and asked Rhode Islanders to “think differently.”

“We’ve witnessed a growing acceptance that ‘this is Rhode Island’ … it’s just the way things are. So we’ve lowered our expectations, deferred our dreams and allowed corruption to take root,” she said. “Today, we begin to change this attitude.”

There had been debate whether the inauguration should be held outside or in the warmth of the Veterans Auditorium. State Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi, who served as Raimondo’s campaign manager and then co-chaired her transition team, pushed for the auditorium. When he was outvoted, he jokingly said, he suggested she shorten her address.

As Raimondo, Gov. Lincoln Chafee and other state officials walked from the train station to the State House, members of the state’s militia groups lined the State House steps, and many in the audience before them huddled in blankets. Chairs waiting for participants were whisked free of snow only to take on a fresh dusting moments later.

If Rhode Island’s problems seem as compounding as the snow, then Raimondo didn’t show it – and she challenged others to think that way, too.

“Ask yourself: what role can I play in the comeback of Rhode Island? How can we, as elected leaders, represent all of the concerns of a diverse people? How can business leaders develop new strategies to meet payroll and expand jobs here in Rhode Island? How can our educators create cutting-edge laboratories of learning, where we teach the next generation of innovators and leaders?” she said after oaths of office had been administered to Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee; Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea; Attorney General Peter Kilmartin and General Treasurer Seth Magaziner.

Raimondo’s challenge resonated with many who are familiar with the state’s politics, and its struggles to recover from the Great Recession.

George Zainyeh, who served as Chafee’s chief of staff for two years, said Raimondo has pulled together a strong team.

“I’m impressed with the caliber of folks,” he said.

Zainyeh’s presence caused a stir among some members of the media who questioned whether he might have a role in the new administration.

“I’m a cheerleader for the state,” he said, dismissing questions whether he might step back into a government role.

Clay Pell was one of those in the corridors of the State House and standing in the reception line to congratulate the governor. Pell, who lost the Democratic nomination to Raimondo in a hard-fought primary, said the governor identified the problems facing the state and now “we need to all pull together.”

Former West Warwick Mayor Michael Levesque and his wife Celeste were also in the reception line.

“Gov. Chafee stabilized the state,” he said. “What we need now is Gov. Raimondo to grab the bull by the horns and get the rodeo started.”

Raimondo has a plan.

“Every decision we make must pass the test of whether or not it will create opportunity for Rhode Island families,” she said in her address. “In everything we do, we must ask ourselves, how will this create good middle-class jobs? And then have the fortitude to act accordingly.”

To spark the comeback, Raimondo said the state must build the skills the students and workers need to compete in the 21st century; attract entrepreneurs and investment in industries of strength; stimulate the economy and create jobs; and innovate, including in state government, to enhance accountability and deliver value to taxpayers.

As her first act as governor, Raimondo signed an executive order on ethics and integrity in government. The order calls on herself, all officers and employees within her jurisdiction to comply with the mandates of the state code of ethics. Also, is requires department directors and chairs of boards and commissions to designate a Public Ethics Officer to inform officers and employees of the law and to take appropriate action if the laws are not followed.

As one of her first actions, Raimondo called the news media into her office to witness her signing the executive order. Such access promoted an outpouring of questions as camera crews vied for the best shot and reporters edged microphones onto her desk.

It was coming off as Raimondo’s staff had planned, although there was a touch of bewilderment when Joy Fox, the governor’s director of communications, found the inner door to the State Room locked. She was able to get it opened before the governor and other state officers cued up for the reception line.

George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, called Raimondo’s speech “terrific.”

“There’s a sense of more optimism and hope that I’ve felt in a long time,” he said.

Michael Sabitoni, head of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council, who was standing beside Nee, offered another take.

“Everybody is not going to get everything they want,” he said. “But everybody is going to get something they need.”

Perhaps Raimondo’s words were still ringing for Sabitoni.

“We cannot continue doing what we’ve been doing … annually scraping together enough cuts and revenues to make it through the next year,” she said in her address.

“Let’s commit ourselves to eliminating our structural deficit over the next several years to put our state on sound footing, and to making the tough choices so that we will also be able to invest in job-creating priorities.”

Comments

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  • Justanidiot

    Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Until the General Assembly stops running as a fiefdom for the House Speaker and Senate President, NOTHING will change.

    Thursday, January 8, 2015 Report this

  • markyc

    "Eliminating our structural deficit over the next several years"; then RI can invest in job-creating priorities. What happens over this time period when our gambling revenues start to go south because of the opening of the Mass. casinos? Do we extend the commitment for an additional several years? This does not look promising or optimistic for job-creating priorities; I would hate to see what goals/other plans would be placed on the "priority" list back burner. So much for job creation as being a priority.

    Thursday, January 8, 2015 Report this