RI Dems convention split leaves no endorsements for governor, LG and AG

Bad news for McKee and Matos

By Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current

Neither Gov. Dan McKee nor challenger Helena Foulkes will get the top spot and asterisk signaling the party endorsement on the September primary ballot after the Rhode Island Democratic Party declined to endorse either at its state committee convention Saturday.

The outcome marks yet another setback for McKee, who will be the first sitting governor in at least recent history not to win the backing of his party, said Joe Fleming, a WPRI 12 political analyst.

“I don’t recall an incumbent governor ever not winning the endorsement, and I’ve been around a long time,” Fleming said in an interview Monday. “This is not a good sign for the governor.”

McKee received 81 votes to Foulkes’ 75, while 11 voting committee members opted not to endorse, according to vote totals shared by the Rhode Island Democratic Party. To secure party backing, candidates need to get 50% of all votes cast plus one — or 84 of the 167 committee members who cast ballots at the Teamsters Local 251 union hall in East Providence Saturday.

Should URI start a medical school?

Senate commission feasibility study finds URI ‘well-positioned’ to launch medical school

Dawn Bergantino

A Rhode Island Senate special legislative commission charged with studying Rhode Island’s health care workforce and issues related to the state’s primary care crisis met to hear public testimony regarding the prospect of creating a medical school at the University of Rhode Island.

In advance of the public hearing, the commission released an independent feasibility study that found establishing a medical school at URI is “both viable and necessary to meet the state’s pressing healthcare needs.” 

The 21-member commission was appointed in July 2024 by late Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, and is chaired by Senator Pam Lauria and URI President Marc Parlange. The independent study, conducted by consulting firm Tripp Umbach, a nationally regarded firm with leadership in economic impact studies and consultation services for academic medical campuses and medical schools, was commissioned in February 2025 following a competitive process.

The Economic Progress Institute celebrates 10 wins that promote progress and equity for Rhode Islanders

Even in hard times, we can move forward

Steve Ahlquist

As the Rhode Island General Assembly concluded its legislative session, the Economic Progress Institute (EPI), a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic wellbeing of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders, highlighted ten wins at an annual celebration.

10. Protecting Consumers from Medical Debt. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a Protect Our Healthcare Coalition member, championed stronger protections for Rhode Islanders with medical debt. Building upon last year’s victories, legislation was enacted to cap interest on medical debt at 4% and prohibit medical debt from resulting in liens placed on principal residences.

“This is important because medical debt leads to bankruptcy for many people,” noted EPI Executive Director Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies.

9. Staffing & Quality Care Act. The Raise the Bar Coalition, led by SEIU 1199NE, advocated for safer staffing for direct care staff and better care for nursing home patients. The General Assembly allocated $12 million to hire new staff at nursing home facilities that do not yet meet the safe staffing requirement or raise wages and benefits for existing direct-care workers at facilities already in compliance. This ensures that nursing homes have the tools and accountability to deliver safe, dignified care and recruit and retain quality direct care staff.

8. Enhancing healthcare coverage for Rhode Islanders. The General Assembly and the enacted budget together improved healthcare coverage for Rhode Islanders in four distinct ways:

• Removing Prior Authorization Requirements. The Protect Our Healthcare Coalition, co-led by EPI and RIPIN, advocated easing the burden on primary care by removing prior authorization requirements. Enacted legislation established a three-year pilot program prohibiting insurers from requiring prior authorization for services ordered by primary care providers and for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.
• Sustaining Psychiatry Teleconsultation Programs that Support Healthcare Professionals. The Right from the Start Campaign and the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition advocated to maintain funding for the Psychiatry Resource Network (PRN) programs that connect providers with psychiatric consultants to support better patient care. The General Assembly allocated $750,000 of state funds to sustain MomsPRN. PediPRN will also continue through existing federal grant funds. These programs support healthcare professionals through clinical consultations or referral services related to mental health for children and pregnant and postpartum Rhode Islanders.
• Expanding Eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program. The Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island championed expansions to the Medicare Savings Program alongside the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition. The enacted budget adds $7.1 million, including $0.7 million from general revenues, to expand the Medicare Savings Program. This expansion increases eligibility to 125% of the Federal Poverty Level for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary group and up to 168% for the Qualified Individuals group.
• Increasing Primary Care Reimbursement Rates. The Rhode Island Medical Society championed increasing funding for primary care providers, alongside the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition and the Right from the Start Campaign. The enacted budget includes $8.3 million from general revenue and $26.4 million from all funds to increase Medicaid primary care reimbursement rates to match Medicare rates.

“House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi made a statement when he passed the budget that healthcare was a priority for this General Assembly, and many people worked to ensure Rhode Island becomes a healthier and more vibrant state,” said Executive Director Nelson-Davies. “These wins are a testament to that.”

Former state Senator Sandra Cano resigned from office for a job with the SBA. It lasted two months.

She took her shot but lost when Biden lost

By Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current

Cano with her partner state Treasurer
 James Diossa and their kids

Former state senator Sandra Cano insists she has no regrets about her decision to leave political office to serve as New England regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, despite her brief tenure in the presidentially appointed role.

Cano’s last day with the SBA was Jan. 20 — the same day President Donald Trump took office, she confirmed in an interview on Monday. She had started the federal position on Nov. 4, a day before the presidential election.

Her last day was exactly two months after the SBA confirmed the rumors that Cano had been tapped to lead its small business programming for New England. While she suspected Trump’s victory would put her out of a job, she didn’t get her official notice until two weeks before he was sworn into office, she said.

“I am definitely honored to have served,” Cano said in an interview. “It was important for me to play a vital part in advancing programs that promote small business and entrepreneurship.”

She gave up her jobs as commerce director for the city of Pawtucket and resigned as a state senator representing Pawtucket’s Senate District 8 to take the federal position. 

“When the president of the United States calls you to serve the country, for me, that is a great honor and opportunity to serve,” Cano said.

Assembly OKs bill to help sexual assault victims access fund

The right thing to do

The General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria and Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee to help sexual assault victims access the state fund that assists victims of violent crime with the costs they’ve faced as a result.

The legislation (2024-S 2767A, 2024-H 7449A), which now goes to the governor, would enable victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed within 15 days of the assault by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds from the Crime Victim Compensation Program. 

The program reimburses victims for expenses resulting from crimes, such as medical and counseling costs, cleaning, relocation, loss of earnings, funeral expenses and more.

Nearly-$14B budget plan breezes through Rhode Island House on 69-5 vote Friday

New budget even draws a few GOP votes

By Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current

Finalizing the state’s annual spending plan is often a contentious, drawn-out process.

Not this year. A $13.96 billion fiscal 2025 budget breezed through the Rhode Island House of Representatives Friday night.

The 69-5 vote came after a mere 3 1/2 hours of discussion that included high praise for funding of critical and often contested issues like state pensions for retirees, K-12 education and health care provider rates. 

“Through this budget, we are emphasizing education at every level and supporting children,” House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said in a statement Friday night. 

“This budget is the result of a truly collaborative process between my colleagues here in the House, the dedicated members of the House Finance Committee, our partners in the Senate and Governor McKee and his team to carefully create a plan that meets Rhode Island’s needs for education, students and children first, while addressing our challenges, such as housing and health care.”

The $13.96 billion spending plan falls just shy of the $14 billion high water mark that characterized fiscal 2024’s approved spending plan, but is $271 million more than what Gov. Dan McKee proposed in January. 

Four of the nine Republican members, including House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, also voted for the revised spending plan. Chippendale credited Shekarchi and the leadership team for giving deference, and a listening ear, to his party’s priorities.

State expands crime victims fund to include home modifications

Help prevent a repeat

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current

The Governor signed into law legislation that lets crime victims use up to $1,000 from the Office of the General Treasurer’s compensation program to add security systems to their homes.

“All Rhode Islanders should feel safe in their own homes,” McKee said in a statement. “This bill provides the necessary support for crime victims to get back that sense of security.”

The Crime Victim Compensation Program, which began in 1972, provides up to $25,000 in reimbursement for expenses resulting from being the victim of a violent crime, such as costs associated with crime scene cleaning, counseling, relocation, and funerals. Funding comes from federal grants and in-state court fines and fees, restitution fines and court orders. 

For fiscal year 2024, the program had a budget of roughly $1.26 million. A little over $1 million is budgeted for fiscal year 2025, according to data from General Treasurer James Diossa’s office.

Prior to the governor’s transmittal, the program did not cover home modification.

UPDATED: Rep. Tanzi and Treasurer Diossa back shareholder study of going smoke-free in RI casinos

UPDATE: Shareholders vote down study proposal 

UPDATE: Regrettably, Bally's shareholders voted down this proposal according to the Boston Globe. 

Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi, joined by casino workers and advocates, delivered a letter to State Treasurer James A. Diossa urging him to vote in favor of a Bally’s shareholder proposal to study the potential cost savings of adopting a smoke-free policy for Bally’s properties. Treasurer Diossa announced that he will back the proposal.

“Casino workers are Rhode Islanders, parents, caregivers, taxpayers and human beings, and they deserve the same protections as everyone else in our state. It is fundamentally wrong to say that no one should be exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace, but carve out an exception that leaves one group of workers not only unprotected, but in fact, bathed in smoke every day,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett). 

State Treasurer James Diossa lists legislative priorities

Secure Choice, Crime Victim Compensation, and Baby Bonds

STEVE AHLQUIST

Treasurer Diossa was joined by Catherine Taylor, State Director of the AARP; Oscar Mejias, CEO of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Kristina Contreras-Fox, Director of Policy at the Rhode Island Black Business Association; Peg Langhammer, Executive Director at Day One; Vanessa Volz, Executive Director at Sojourner House; Dr. Darrick Hamilton, Professor of Economics and Urban Policy at the New School; and Nina Harrison, Policy Director at the Economic Progress Institute.

Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa unveiled his legislative priorities during a roundtable meeting with community stakeholders in the State House Library. 

During the program, Treasurer Diossa advanced three ideas that he maintains are investments in Rhode Islanders - the Secure Choice Act, a Crime Victim Compensation Program package, and the Rhode Island Baby Bond Trust Act.

You can watch the full roundtable here.

Treasurer reunites thousands of Rhode Islanders with unclaimed property funds in time for holidays

$2.5 million is a nice Christmas present 

By Janine L. Weisman, Rhode Island Current

 (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Nearly 9,000 Rhode Island residents will soon receive checks from the state as it returns over $2.4 million in unclaimed property funds to their rightful owners.

The office of General Treasurer James Diossa announced Wednesday that checks of up to $2,500 will be mailed to individuals starting this week under the Rhode Island Treasury’s Your Money program. 

Unclaimed property consists of abandoned financial assets, including checking and savings accounts, unpaid wages, securities, life insurance payouts, uncashed checks, and the proceeds of inactive safe deposit boxes. No real estate or vehicles are included.

Before this week, Diossa’s office had already distributed $16.6 million in unclaimed funds this calendar year.

“The holiday season is all about giving back, and my team has worked day and night to make sure unclaimed property is wrapped and delivered to thousands of households across the Ocean State,” Diossa said in a statement released by his office.

“Putting money back in the pockets of Rhode Islanders means more money to support our state’s economy, especially during this time of year.”

Often, people are unaware that they have unclaimed property. Anyone can search their name on the state database to see if there is money they can be reunited with and then file a claim for free at: findrimoney.com. You can also check the status of a claim. 

Telephone inquiries can also be made at the Rhode Island Unclaimed Property Division at (401) 462-7676.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUBSCRIBE

Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. Follow Rhode Island Current on Facebook and Twitter.

Washington Trust's added costs for racism

Washington Trust reports 40% drop in profits after DOJ settlement

By Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current

A month after The Washington Trust Co. agreed to a $9 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over alleged discrimination against would-be borrowers in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, its holding company saw profit margins plummet.

The $11.2 million third-quarter earnings mark a 40% decline compared with the third quarter of 2022, according to the quarterly report published on Oct. 23. Quarterly earnings per diluted share also plunged from $1.08 to 65 cents per share, year-over-year.

But correlation does not equal causation, observers warn. The Westerly-based community bank is certainly hurting, but not because of the fallout from alleged redlining.

“They’ve got bigger problems than a DOJ settlement,” said Michael Ice, a finance professor at the University of Rhode Island.

Namely, high interest rates, which are forcing banks to pay more on deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Case in point: Washington Trust’s net interest margin – the difference between interest income generated versus the amount of interest paid – dropped 85 basis points from a year ago, to 1.97%.

“Banks live on the net interest margin,” Ice said. “And for community banks, the net interest margin is horrible right now.”

Washington Trust makes a deal on its discriminatory lending practices

Treasurer reaches understanding with Washington Trust on inclusivity in lending

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current

Investopedia / Daniel Fishel

The Washington Trust Company has pledged to diversify its board of directors and executives as part of an agreement reached with Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa.

The Westerly-based bank also agreed to support the state’s CollegeBound Saver 529 Plan and to form a “diverse and inclusive” community advisory board.

These are among a series of changes outlined in a plan made public Tuesday after Diossa’s office pushed for change at the bank, which holds more than $187 million in state deposits, equal to 3.5% of the bank’s $5.3 billion in deposits, according to its latest quarterly earning statement as of June 30.

The new commitments came nearly a week after Diossa said his office would “re-evaluate” its relationship with the Washington Trust Company in the wake of a $9 million settlement with the federal government over allegations it engaged in a discriminatory lending practice known as redlining against Black and Hispanic communities in Rhode Island. The bank denied the claims, saying it settled to avoid potential litigation.

But details of the broad-brush commitments including the dollars behind them, the deadlines to meet them, or what constitutes “diversity” on appointed or elected boards are murky. 

More help for crime victims

R.I. nets over $640K to assist crime victims

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current

Rhode Island is getting more than $640,000 in federal funds in order to assist victims of violent crimes and survivors of sexual assault.

The latest round of funds was announced jointly by the state’s congressional delegation Saturday and represents a more than $400,000 increase from last year’s grant to the fund operated by the Rhode Island Treasurer’s Office.

“This essential funding for Treasury’s Crime Victim Compensation Program will help ensure that Rhode Islanders receive the care they need in moments of great need,” Treasurer James Diossa said in the delegation’s announcement. “No victim of crime should go without the resources and services they need for support.”

The Crime Victim Compensation Program, which began in 1972, provides up to $25,000 in reimbursement for expenses resulting from being the victim of a violent crime, such as costs associated with crime scene cleaning, counseling, relocation, and funerals.

In fiscal year 2023, $803,808 was given to 305 applicants — a significant decrease from the $908,843 paid to 383 applicants in FY21.

Recounts and mail ins will determine final election outcome

One local race hangs in the balance.

By Will Collette

This is the Board of Election's timeline for
determining the final election results

Let me begin by declaring that political polls are bullshit. It has been a long time since our very expensive habit of polling to predict the outcome of elections has panned out.

I think the problems include pollsters’ inability to reach a truly representative sample given the radical shift most Americans have made to using their cellphones exclusively. Those of us who still have landlines get polled so intensively that it is tempting (at least it is to me) to just make up answers.

This year, there was supposed to be a devasting Red Wave that would sweep Republicans into control of Congress, including the election of Allan Fung. We won’t know who controls Congress for some time but we do know Fung blew his chance. 

Rhode Island Blue Tsunami

We were supposed to see big gains for the GOP in the General Assembly and perhaps several upsets among the state’s general officers. James Diossa was supposed to be in trouble in his bid for General Treasurer and the GOP thought maybe they could pull off upsets by beating Dan McKee for Governor and Sabrina Matos for Lieutenant Governor.

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.

The state GOP got crushed. Allan Fung is now 0 for 3 in his efforts to win an office bigger than Cranston mayor. Stick a fork in him - he's done.

The GOP did not increase its General Assembly power in part due to two Charlestown women: Tina Spears and Victoria Gu, who flipped House 36 and Senate 38 from red to Blue.

The final count will be in accordance with the Board of Election schedule posted in the upper left.

There’s one local seat that could be affected: House 39 where Democrat Megan Cotter of Exeter is four votes ahead of radical insurrectionist Trumplican Justin Price of Richmond.

Four votes.

If Megan’s lead holds, that will be another seat flipped for the Democrats. 

Filippi cliff-hanger on Block Island

Another nail-biter of some local interest is Block Island’s Town Council race. Steve Filippi, Blake “Flip” Filippi’s brother and owner of controversial Ballard’s Inn, ran unopposed as an independent for one of three open seats. Democrat Martha Bell also ran, receiving 509 votes to Filippi’s 92.

By the way, Steve Filippi was co-plaintiff with his mother suing Blake Filippi and his other brother Paul in the family feud litigation, Filippi v. Filippi.

But here’s the surprise: even though Martha Bell and Steve Filippi were the only candidates on the ballot running for 3 seats, more Block Island voters voted for write-in candidates than for Bell and Filippi combined.

The current tally is: Write-ins 1051, Martha Bell 509 and Steve Filippi 92. The Board of Canvassers will have to comb through the write-in votes, applying the state’s stringent requirement that the write-in names must be complete and accurate. Only then will Block Island know who is on their Town Council.

While Martha Bell’s win seems assured, Filippi’s does not, depending on how the review of the write-in votes turns out.

UPDATED: Democrats pick their slate for November's General Election

Now we have to keep the blue tide rolling!

By Will Collette

At this writing, all the statewide races have been called except for Governor, where incumbent Dan McKee is holding on to a slim lead over Helena Foulkes whose late surge took her past my personal choice Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. GoLocal called it for McKee with his lead at 2,600. I hope they're wrong.

UPDATE: Well, they were right. McKee did squeeze out a win over Foulkes and Gorbea.

We also have a Democratic nominee for Senate District 38, the open seat created by Dennis Algiere's retirement. Victoria Gu of Charlestown won by a landslide - the final number will be around 66% - swamping Westerly Town Council President Sharon Ahern by at least 35%. RI Political Coop candidate Micheal Niemeyer only managed 6.4% or roughly what the Co-op guru Matt Brown managed in the Governor's race. 

As expected, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner won the primary, outpolling all of his five opponents combined.

Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sabrina Matos easily beat her two opponents, Deb Ruggiero and Cynthia Mendes. Mendes is Matt Brown's running mate. Her 3rd place 20% was more than double what Matt Brown tallied.

My favorite for General Treasurer former Central Falls mayor James Diossa handily beat stuffed shirt carpetbagger Stephan Pryor beating him by 11% at this point in the tally.

Veteran legislator and East Providence school teacher Greg Amore easily beat newcomer Stephenie Beaute by 2 to 1. Attorney General Peter Neronha had no primary opponent.

Around the state, none of the more prominent challenges to incumbent Senators or Representatives appear to have succeeded. Some prominent DINOs faced challengers from Matt Brown's RI Political Coop and a few leftwing incumbents, e.g. Sen. Sam Bell, faced opponents from the right. For the most part, voters stuck with the incumbents.

In November, the marquee races are Congress District 2 and the matchoff between Seth Magaziner and MAGA candidate Allan Fung. The ultimate winner of the primary for Governor will face MAGAnut Ashley Kalus who may or may not be legally registered to vote in RI.

CHARLESTOWN: Get out and vote tomorrow

Important local Senate race, plus Congressional District 2 and crucial state offices on the line

By Will Collette

There are 6,748 registered voters in Charlestown – 100 new registrations just in the past week! Many of those voters have a stake in the Democratic or Republican primaries which are being held tomorrow, Tuesday September 13. You can vote in person at Town Hall.

As of this writing, 237 of Charlestown’s voters have already sent their primary ballots in by mail or voted early at Town Hall (116 by mail, 131 in person).

The final step in the process to choose the slate for the November 8 election takes place tomorrow when you can turn out at Town Hall to vote in person.

The main local race is the choice of which among three qualified Democrats will become the Party nominee for the Senate District 38 seat that became open upon the retirement of long-time Senator Dennis Algiere.

All three Democrats – Victoria Gu, Michael Niemeyer and Sharon Ahern – strike me as serious candidates who would make good senators, but I favor Victoria for her positions on sensible gun legislation and a woman’s right to choose. Her main opponent Sharon Ahern is backed by the gun lobby and Right to Life.

The winner will face long-time Westerly politico Caswell Cooke, a former Republican who is running as an independent and maybe Westin Place representing the Republicans. Place has yet to file required campaign finance reports (CF-1) as required by law, so it’s unknown whether he is running any sort of campaign. 

Also on the ballot is Congressional District 2 being vacated by Rep. Jim Langevin. Leading in all the polls is term-limited state General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. There are four other active candidates: Joy Fox, Sarah Morgenthau, David Segal, and Omar Bah. The winner will face Trumplican Allan Fung in November.

All of the Democrats running for state General Offices have primary challenges, except for Attorney General Peter Nerohna. 

However, some races are hotter than others. The Governor’s race is red-hot with our hapless accidental Gov. Dan McKee facing strong challenges from term-limited Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and former CVS executive Helena Foulkes.

I’ve already voted for Nellie.

The winner will face a carpetbagging Trumplican Ashley Kalus Weinzweig who may also be registered to vote in Florida and Illinois – that’ll take some serious investigation.

The Lieutenant Governor race also features a toss-up among three contenders. Sabrina Matos is running as Dan McKee’s running mate (nuff said); Cynthia Mendes is running as Matt Brown’s running mate and may be polling better than Brown’s single digits in his second bid for Governor. Then Deb Ruggiero is running by actually campaigning on her long and impressive legislative history.

General Treasurer is also a pitched battle and toss-up between former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa versus a stuffed shirt narcissist Stefan Pryor who is, according to himself, the single-handed savior of every mess he’s gotten into. James Diossa simply saved Central Falls after everybody had written it off, but is too modest to claim the full credit he deserved. Obviously I’ve voted for James.

Finally, the Secretary of State opening left when Nellie Gorbea was term limited has East Providence school teacher and long-time legislator Greg Amore versus virtually unknown novice Stephanie Beaute.

As a progressive Democrat, I will probably support the whole Democratic ticket that is chosen by the voters tomorrow, but obviously I have my favorites, as I’m sure you do too.

But as the saying goes, if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain.

The case for Diossa

“Economic development” or economic development?

By Tom Sgouros in UpRiseRI

Through years of watching changes in Rhode Island economic development personnel, I’ve noticed that a successful career in the field is not necessarily related to a successful economy. I was reminded of this recently when I heard Stefan Pryor, candidate for General Treasurer, express pride that Rhode Island came back from the COVID slump second-most quickly among all states.

People who follow the local economy recognize that as a statistic that is likely true, but doesn’t mean at all what Pryor wants you to think. It was a weak economy that COVID upended, and if you can’t fall far, you won’t have far to climb back: this is the same reason toddlers don’t bruise while learning to walk. A look at the detailed data bears this out; right after us in that list are Nebraska, South Dakota, and West Virginia, none exactly economic powerhouses. Should we be proud to be a competitor of West Virginia?

This is how you succeed (personally) as an economic development professional: by learning to make a sow’s ear sound like a silk purse. 

In truth, the economic development industrial complex rests on a mirage everyone agrees to see: that lasting prosperity can be created by directly affecting the location and investment decisions of rich people and large corporations. Time and again we see the fleeting nature of these deals, where a corporation extorts a government by moving somewhere or promising to hire people. But when the tax breaks expire, usually the benefit does, too. This kind of “economic development” often seems little more than a game by which rich people and corporations suck money from the public treasury.

As neighbors of Massachusetts, we are accustomed to saying its economic success is due to all those universities and research, but think what that says: patient investment in higher education led to prosperity. Over recent decades, Massachusetts also made similarly long-term investments in elementary and secondary education and public transportation. With patience, they built a middle class proportionally much larger and more prosperous than Rhode Island’s. Boston booms, while Providence… doesn’t. This was not the result of “economic development” but it certainly was economic development.

So sure, you can criticize Stefan Pryor’s multi-state record: as Deputy Mayor of Newark, he oversaw an economic development agency so troubled its auditors recommended it simply stop making loans; as Connecticut Education Commissioner he was so controversial he resigned rather than threaten his governor’s reelection; and as director of CommerceRI, Rebuild RI tax credits were managed so they cannot possibly meet the original goals, according to a study by Pryor’s colleagues at the Department of Revenue. But the real danger here is a fundamental misunderstanding of economic development. Rhode Island doesn’t need more “economic development” that are just bad tax deals, we need fundamental reform of how our government thinks about our economy. We need real investments in education, in public transit, in housing, in making the lives of Rhode Islanders better. And we need the patience to see that work make good.

The job of state Commerce Secretary is mostly about being nice to businesses that want to grow here. But by Stefan Pryor’s telling, he’s in charge of the Rhode Island economy. My advice is if you think that our state’s economy is fine — if you think he built the conditions for long-term growth — vote for him. Otherwise consider James Diossa, who is familiar with struggle and has managed a city with near-zero resources to great effect. Diossa understands that government exists to help people who need help, and to make those long-term investments that will pay off — in a permanent way. That’s why I’ll vote for Diossa.

EDITOR'S NOTE: As on many other things, I agree with Tom in his comparison of James Diossa to Stephan Pryor. I too support Diossa whole-heartedly. He took Central Falls from the deepest hole possible and helped to make it a liveable city again. CF was such a write-off that the state tried to pay Pawtucket to absorb the city - and Pawtucket refused. Diossa involved the community and built a great team to bring the city back from beyond the fringe. And he modestly credits others rather than take the credit he deserves.

Stefan Pryor, on the other hand, takes almost sole credit for everything he even comes near. Sure, he was involved in some high profile efforts, such as the rebuilding of lower Manhattan. But that's not so hard when you are running a project with limitless cash and national priority. Pryor's campaign is now throwing rocks at James for "not being ready" for the job of General Treasurer because he "only" saved Central Falls, while Pryor is clearly an ubermenchen. 

No thanks, Stefan. I'm voting for James.     - Will Collette

State teachers' unions are united...

James Diossa for Treasurer

James and daughter Arianna

The National Education Association Rhode Island Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI PACE) announced their endorsement of former Central Falls mayor James Diossa for the Office of General Treasurer of the State of Rhode Island. 

“Diossa’s experience navigating the City of Central Falls through a tumultuous crisis, his work with the current Treasurer’s office, and his desire to continue their important work of reducing high-fee investments and focusing on safe, modern public-school facilities led us to this decision,” said NEARI PACE Chairwoman Amy Mullen. 

“Our committee heard from two excellent candidates and had a robust discussion weighing this endorsement,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. 

“James Diossa is committed to transparent and accountable management of state finances. He will strengthen and grow the employee retirement system and bring together the many talents and partners necessary to maintain a stable and vibrant financial position for the Ocean State.”

NEARI is proud to join her brothers and sisters at the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals in endorsing James Diossa for General Treasurer.

Teachers’ union endorses Nellie Gorbea for Governor and James Diossa for General Treasurer

Democratic primary is September 13 and these are the two hottest statewide races

The RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professional issued these two statements:

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for Governor 

The Executive Council of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, the largest teacher union in the state, has voted to endorse Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for governor of Rhode Island. Nellie has experience in both the public and private sectors and has a track record of creating labor management partnerships. In her tenure as Secretary of State she has worked diligently to bring all stakeholders to the table to resolve the complex issues which confront us. As a coalition builder, she values the diversity of opinion provided by all constituents. 

Nellie has a robust vision for Rhode Island which aligns with the values and objectives of the RIFTHP. Her priorities focus on housing, education, healthcare, and economic development. Nellie has committed to working with our members and leadership to help ensure a better future for all Rhode Islanders.

Nellie is committed to creating a leadership team who will consult with teachers and teacher leaders to improve our schools. She will provide the leadership necessary to improve our education funding formula, invest in professional development, and expand opportunities to attend public higher education institutions. She will strive to create the schools our children and families deserve. She has the strength and courage to make difficult decisions.

RIFTHP President Frank Flynn, said “We look forward to partnering with Nellie as we face many difficult challenges over the next several years. Her inclusive leadership style and strong work ethic are traits that our board recognized and appreciated when making this decision.”   

On behalf of the 12,000 members of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, we are proud to endorse Nellie Gorbea for governor of Rhode Island. 

James Diossa for State Treasurer also picks up SEIU endorsement 

The Executive Council of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals has voted to endorse former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa for Rhode Island State Treasurer. James’ experience as Mayor during the most turbulent time in Central Falls history has ingrained in him the importance of protecting the fiscal stability of both state and municipal finances to ensure that employees, and the taxpayers they serve, will never have to experience that again.

He is committed to transparent and responsible management of the state’s resources and finances. As Treasurer he will seek input from constituents of all sectors of the economy to gather best practices in management and investment. James will continue the “Back to Basics” strategy currently employed by the state investment commission to protect and grow the state retirement system and avoid high fee, high risk options. 

As Treasurer, James will continue the important work of rebuilding our schools. He strongly believes that all students in our state, whether they live in urban, suburban, or rural communities, deserve to go to school in safe, modern, state of the art facilities. James also believes that the office of Treasurer can play a key role in convening business and community stakeholders to create more affordable housing in our state. Stable housing is fundamental to our state’s success.

On behalf of the 12,000 members of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, we are proud to endorse James Diossa for the office of State Treasurer. 

UPDATED: Who is on the September 13 primary ballot?

UPDATED: Party primaries matter, especially in Congress Second District, RI Senate District 38

By Will Collette

UPDATED: Well-known Westerly politico Caswell Cooke DID finally squeek his way onto the November ballot as an independent candidate for Senate District 38 (Dennis Algiere's former sear). The final tally shows Cooke with 108 validated signatures to meet the 100 minimum.

Stephanie Beute was a virtual unknown until she qualified to run against Greg Amore in the Democratic Primary for Secretary of State. She remedied that with a flurry of news articles describing her candidacy. Links below.

The Board of Elections has finished its count of signatures submitted by candidates; Friday was the last day for signature challenges. This article summarizes the offices and candidates who will be on Charlestown’s Primary ballot on September 13.

None of the candidates for Charlestown’s municipal offices face primary challenges so their first and only test with the voters will be at the November 8 General Election. I’ll run down the list of who is running locally in another article coming soon.

There also is no primary for House District 36 to replace scared rabbit Flip Filippi who ran for cover when Tina Spears announced her bid to unseat him. She does have a Republican opponent in November but we'll get to that later.

But first, let’s look at the primary races where party voters will make critical choices about who will face off in November. NOTE: I make no apology for the fairly obvious bias in my remarks.

Congressional District 2

Rep, Jim Langevin’s surprise announcement that he is retiring set off a frenzy of activity to replace him. In Rhode Island, it is rare for any one of its four seats in Congress to fall open so this is a rare opportunity for a Democrat to move up or for the Republicans to flip a long-time Democratic House seat.

Term-limited General Treasurer Seth Magaziner 👉 leads the pack, followed by former aide to Rep. Langevin Joy Fox, gazillionaire Sarah Morgenthau (who may or may not actually live in Rhode Island) and progressive David Segal.

Two long-shots remain in the race: Omar Bah who squeaked into the primary with only 5 signatures to spare and comeback kid and long-time South Kingstown state legislator Spencer Dickenson hoping for a political comeback. Two contenders dropped out: Donald Keith and Cameron Moquin.

Six Democrats in the primary makes it pretty likely that the primary will be messy. Hopefully, that will not harm the winner from beating Allan Fung in November.

Fung gets a pass from a primary challenge now that we know his fellow Republican Donald Frederick Robbio fell short of the required 500 signatures on his nomination papers by 82.

Fung who lost his last two statewide races (and lost in Charlestown) will face the winner of the Democratic primary. For reasons unknown, ethical or otherwise, Charlestown hired Fung to advise it on how to spend American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money even though every Republican in Congress voted against it. Fung has not said whether he actually supports ARPA, but Charlestown is paying him anyway.

There were also four independents who declared for the House Second District but three of the four failed to qualify for lack of signatures. Only William Gilbert, representing what’s left of the Moderate Party, had enough signature to make it onto the November ballot.

Senate District 38 

(Westerly, southern half of Charlestown, part of South Kingstown)

Sharon Ahern, Victoria Gu and Michael Niemeyer

We now know that one local race, the contest to replace retiring state Senator Dennis Algiere, District 38, will go to a primary on September 13 to determine the Democratic candidate. Three Democrats are competing: Sharon Ahern of Westerly who chaired the Westerly Town Council, political newcomer Victoria Gu of Charlestown and Michael  Niemeyer of Westerly who is running under the auspices Matt Brown’s RI Political Collective.

Victoria picked up two major endorsements in the past few days, one from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence and the other from the RI Working Families Party.

The winner will face Republican Westin Place who has no primary challenger.

There won’t be any independents for Senate 38 on the November 8 General Election ballot since neither of two contenders got enough signatures to make the cut. One was conservative Robert deVilliers and the other was well-known Westerly politician Caswell Cooke. Cooke’s failure to qualify is quite a surprise given his long prominence in Westerly politics. Cooke finally did manage to get 8 more signatures than the required 100 after the BOE finished its tally. De Villiers did not with a final count of 81.

Senate District 35

 (East Greenwich to Wakefield)

Here's Costa taking photos of people
attending an anti-gun rally and
flipping the finger at journalist Steve Ahlquist
who took this photo

Two potential Republican primaries fizzled. In Senate District
35, Republican Nadine Swanson dropped out allowing radical nutcase Doreen Costa 👈who seeks to make a political comeback now that crazy is the norm in the Republican Party to skip the primary and go straight to the General Election. Costa will face incumbent progressive Democrat Bridget Valverde.

Though I loved writing Doreen Costa stories, I was glad to see her go in 2016 and am sorry to see her trying to come back.

Wikipedia described the incident that best describes what a terrible legislator she was:

In 2013, Costa, a North Kingston resident, advocated for the recall of the Exeter town council over a firearm background check rule that would allow electronic background checks to be facilitated by the state. Exeter did not have the resources to conduct the checks and relied on the state. The recall failed, ultimately, costing the town of Exeter close to $10,000. 

Senate District 35 👉 is shaped like a descending colon that stretches from East Greenwich to Wakefield. Before it’s re-districting colectomy, it stretched to Point Judith.

House District 39 (Richmond, Hopkinton, Exeter)

Right-wing radical nut Rep. Justin Price escaped a primary when fellow Republican and controversial former Hopkinton Town Council President Frank Landolfi failed to turn in any signatures to get on the ballot. 

Price took over Doreen Costa's ecological niche as dumbest, most radical Republican in the General Assembly and has been embarrassing his district since 2014.

Now Price will face a rematch with progressive Democrat Megan Cotter in the November 8 General Election unless Price is arrested by the feds for his role in Trump’s attempted coup on January 6.

Governor

McKee, the accidental incumbent

Six Democrats and five Republicans filed Declarations of Candidacy for Governor. Now that the count of signatures on nominations are almost complete (some signatures are under challenge), four of the eleven failed to make the cut, though none were deemed to be serious contenders.

That makes the Democratic primary for Governor a five-person race pitting woeful incumbent Dan McKee against term-limited Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, RI Political Coop guru Matt Smith, former CVS exec Helena Foulkes and immigration advocate Dr. Luis Munoz.

Nellie Gorbea whose been a great Secretary of State

On the Republican side, Republican endorsee and carpetbagger Ashley Kalus (whose most admired politician is fascist Florida Governor Ron DeSantis) faces Jonathan Riccitelli. I’d love to see Riccitelli upset Kalus in the September 13 primary because I can’t imagine Rhode Island turning into another Florida. Senior political analyst Scott McKay remarked that Kalus “can't find Pawtucket without a GPS. Or maybe she thinks it is Pawtuxet.”

Six no-hopers filed Declarations as independents or third party. Only one of the six has qualified for the ballot: Zachary Hurwitz, a Narragansett
18-year old who got a nice puff piece in the ProJo.

Hurwitz told the ProJo:

"During my sophomore year [at North Kingstown High], during COVID, while people were sitting around and watching 'Tiger King,' I was researching the topic, and I realized I could do it. Politics has always been a big part of my life."

He’ll be on the ballot in November.

Lieutenant Governor

Former state Representative Larry Valencia from Richmond failed to make the ballot in his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Larry was a fine member of the General Assembly until he lost his seat to aforementioned jerk Justin Price in 2014.

Unfortunately, Larry ran kind of a joke campaign that picked up from the late Bob Healey’s Cool Moose Party raison d’etre that the office of the Lieutenant Governor should be abolished. It’s hard to get signatures for an “I don’t give a shit” campaign…unless you’re Bob Healey.

Lack of interest in the office allowed Dan McKee to squeak out a win over progressive Aaron Regunberg in 2018 election. And by winning, McKee became our inept accidental Governor when Gina Raimondo got her gig with the Biden Administration.

Thinking about how close we came to having a Governor Regunberg makes me appreciate the job of Lieutenant Governor all the more. And besides, Liz Roberts and Charlie Fogarty used the office well during their terms, with Liz championing health care and Charlie stumping the state to promote jobs and the economy.

Larry, I’d love to see you back in office, but your L-G campaign this year was a big mistake.

So on September 13, Democrats will choose from incumbent Sabina Matos (Dan McKee’s running mate), Cynthia Mendes (Matt Smith’s running mate) and Rep. Deb Ruggiero who is running on her distinguished record.

In November, one of two independents who filed Declarations will also be on the ballot: Ross McCurdy, a chemistry teacher at Ponagansett High School.

General Treasurer

The Treasurer’s seat is open due to term limits that pushed Seth Magaziner out and into the race for Congress District 2. The pundits are unanimous in calling the Democratic primary pitting former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa against former state Commerce Grand High Poo-bah Stefan Pryor the hottest primary of the year. 

Pryor is getting lots of endorsements and raising tons of money. Diossa is also getting endorsements and donations but not enough to keep up with Pryor.

I’ve met them both. James Diossa is a modest, good soul who has the distinction of having lifted the city of Central Falls out of the depths of municipal Hell. Central Falls was so bad that the state offered money to Pawtucket to absorb them, but Pawtucket refused because they thought Central Falls was beyond hope.

Then came James Diossa who was Central Falls’ first Latino mayor and at age 24, the youngest in Rhode Island history. He bootstrapped the city out of despair. Not only that, but he built a great municipal team that is continuing to help Central Falls become a livable city again under his successor Mayor Maria Rivera. She was among the first to endorse James for General Treasurer.

Now James could have claimed he’s the guy who saved Central Falls. He won’t do that – he's too modest – so I will.

His challenger Stefan Pryor has no problem with modesty. If you’re willing to sit through one of his lecture-speeches, you’ll hear how he single-handedly saved lower Manhattan after 9/11, single-handedly saved the Connecticut public school system as CT Education Commissioner and, under both Gina Raimondo and Dan McKee, has been the single most important driving force behind Rhode Island’s economy recovery such that it is.

During Pryor’s meeting with the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee, Pryor made what I considered to be some cheap shots at his predecessors. I wanted to make sure I heard it right so I asked him in a July 1 e-mail:

When you spoke before the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee recently, you made some remarks that I want to follow-up for clarification.

One was that if you become Treasurer, RI pension investments will be made strictly “on the data” and “on the merits” to get the highest returns. The second was related to the first that you guaranteed there would be “no cronyism,” no “I know a guy” influence on investment decisions.

First, I’d like to confirm you made those statements.

Second, I’d like to know more about what you meant. For example, did you mean that RI will not apply any social responsibility criteria to its investments? Will you continue Treasurer Magaziner’s practice of shareholder activism on social justice issues? If you go for the highest returns, does that leave open investments in hedge funds, venture capital and vulture funds that Gina Raimondo was fond of? Maybe Bitcoin or the next Ponzi scheme?

The cronyism remark made me wonder who you were referring to. Seth? Gina? Seth has been in office for 8 years and if he engaged in any cronyism, I’d like to hear about it. Or Gina, although she was criticized for her investment choices? I’d also be interested in hearing about what practices Seth Magaziner put into place that you intend to continue, or those you intend to reverse or change.

No response. I doubt if it’s hard for you to guess who I support.

There is no primary for Attorney General. AG Peter Neronha does face a token Republican challenge in the November 8 General election. Greg Amore, an overwhelming favorite to become term-limited Nellie Gorbea’s successor as Secretary of State faces one primary challenger. Stephanie Beute. I tried to find out whatever I could about Ms. Beaute but only found a photo with no context. Update: Ms Boute finally emerged with a flurry of news articles describing her candidacy. CLICK HERE for ProJo coverage. CLICK HERE for the Boston Globe. CLICK HERE for WPRI.

Vote by mail: application deadline is August 23 for the Primary

Under the newly enacted Rhode Island Votes Act, you no longer have to give an excuse for voting by mail. Nor do you have to have your ballot notarized.

But you probably will not have your ballot automatically mailed to you so you should ask for one.

You can download the application form. You can either fill it in on-line and then print it out ready for signing, or print out the blank and fill it in my hand. Either way, you then sign it using either the name on your driver’s license or your new voter registration cards that were mailed last week. It is important that you use the name that appears on your voter registration. You can check that HERE.

Then mail or deliver the completed application to:

Charlestown Board of Canvassers
Charlestown Town Hall
4540 South County Trail.
Charlestown, RI 02813

Deadline for the application is August 23. Once you receive your primary ballot, you must either mail it or deliver it to the Board of Canvassers so they have it in their hands by the September 13 primary day. Of course, you can go to Town Hall to vote either on the day or earlier.

Here’s the link to download the application form for the November 8 General Election. The deadline to apply for a mail-in General Election ballot is October 18,