Archive for the 'Gov. Don Carcieri' Category

Gov. Carcieri Endorses John Robitaille for Governor

Posted on April 19, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Carcieri: “He will make a great governor and he will defend conservative principles of smaller government, lower taxes, individual freedoms and self-reliance”

Governor Donald L. Carcieri endorsed Republican candidate John Robitaille for Governor today in a letter he sent to thousands of his supporters throughout the state. In the letter the Governor said that Rhode Islanders must now think ahead to the future.

“Now we must think ahead to the November elections and ensure that the new governor is someone who has the integrity, skills and leadership experience to not only continue the progress we have made, but also who will have the courage to persevere during continued economic turmoil. John Robitaille is that man.”

“I have known John to be an honest, disciplined, thoughtful and energetic leader. He will make a great governor and he will defend conservative principles of smaller government, lower taxes, individual freedoms and self-reliance,” said the Governor.

Governor Carcieri described Robitaille as an experienced and capable leader. “John is a native Rhode Islander, a Providence College graduate, a military veteran, a seasoned labor negotiator and a former small business owner. He has served on my senior staff and he has been actively engaged in the community showing leadership in many non-profit organizations including Bradley Hospital and the Samaritans of Rhode Island.”

John Robitaille commented on the endorsement, “I am honored and humbled to have Governor Carcieri’s support. The Governor has been a model public servant for the State of Rhode Island, and I look forward to building upon the successes of his administration.”

Robitaille continued, “I’m committed to making state government more efficient, transparent and affordable for the people of Rhode Island. The challenges that face our state require both courage and leadership, and my campaign is about moving Rhode Island in bold new directions. I have the determination to take on the special interests, reduce dependency on government, balance the budget, reduce taxes on small business, and make our state an economic competitor again.”

In his letter, Governor Carcieri also reflected on the many achievements of his administration, including fighting increases to broad based taxes, decreasing the size of state government, reforming education, improving infrastructure, and positioning Rhode Island as a leader in renewable energy. Governor Carcieri called out strong union special interests and an overwhelming Democrat majority in the General Assembly as an impediment to progress. “In spite of these powerful forces, we have been able to keep broad based taxes from being raised and have reduced spending. Few states can report such results.”

Press Release: Robitaille for Governor

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Gov. Don Carcieri and Republican Candidates Closed Tags: John Robitaille.

Text of Gov. Carcieri’s ‘State of the State’ Address

Posted on January 26, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

This is the prepared text of Governor Carcieri’s final State of the State address, to be delivered at 7:00 PM this evening:

The Honorable Donald L. Carcieri
Governor, State of Rhode Island
State of the State Address – January 26, 2010

Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhode Islanders. Before I begin tonight, if you’d indulge me, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the source of my inspiration, my strength, my motivation, and my comfort – and that’s my wife, First Lady Sue Carcieri, our four children and their spouses, and our fourteen grandchildren. Many of them are here tonight. Thank you for all your love and support.

Let us begin tonight by being mindful of the catastrophic earthquake that has ravaged Haiti. We are all in shock and disbelief, and our hearts break as we see the nightly images of the horrific devastation and loss of life. Those of us who have visited Haiti are keenly aware of the extreme poverty and hardship that so many Haitians endure on a daily basis. I know that Rhode Island is home to several thousand Haitians and that many other Rhode Islanders, both young and old, travel there to be of service to the people of Haiti. In fact, just a few days ago, members of the 143rd R.I. Air National Guard flew two of our transport planes to be deployed to assist Haiti. Tonight, we express our prayers and condolences to all those people who have been so profoundly affected. Please join me for a moment of silence in honor of those who have lost their lives so tragically in Haiti.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen. As I stand before you tonight, our state is facing the most severe economic turmoil of the last 30 years, perhaps longer. This challenge cannot be overstated. We have over 73,000 Rhode Islanders out of work, with little sign that employment will improve significantly anytime soon. We all have neighbors who’ve seen their work hours reduced and their income diminished. They’re scrambling to pay their bills, while they watch their home values decline dramatically. They are substantially reducing their spending just to make ends meet.

Every business, both large and small, is reducing costs as they adjust to lower demand for their products and services.

They’re fighting for survival and trying desperately to keep as many of their workers employed as possible. Lay-offs are a last resort for a business because qualified, trained, and high-performing employees are what make a business successful.

In this climate, at this time, they expect their government at every level, federal, state and local — a government they pay for with their hard earned tax dollars—to reduce and control spending as well. As elected leaders, it is our job to deliver on that expectation—and I intend to do so! Continue reading ‘Text of Gov. Carcieri’s ‘State of the State’ Address’

Filed Under: Economics, Gov. Don Carcieri and Rhode Island Closed

Governor Carcieri Is Now On Twitter!

Posted on January 22, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Rhode Islanders can now “follow” Governor Carcieri on Twitter. This enables people to receive very brief but fresh news and messages (“tweets”) from the Governor’s office and to join in the conversation on hot topics.

To “follow” Governor Carcieri, go to: https://twitter.com/RIGovernor and click on “Join Today”. The three steps that are then presented to you can be just skipped unless you want to connect to other topics, find friends, or find other people.

Be sure to follow the Governor’s State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 26th at 7:00 PM.

News Release: Office of the Governor

Filed Under: Alerts, Gov. Don Carcieri and Technology Closed

Newport Council of Republican Women Holiday Dinner | December 10

Posted on December 6, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

The Newport Council of Republican Women invites you to attend a Holiday Dinner and Celebration of Governor Carcieri’s birthday on Thursday, December 10th at the Green Valley Country Club, Union Street in Portsmouth, RI from 6:30-9:00pm.

Featured Guest Speaker will be Erik Wallin, Candidate for RI Attorney General. Other Honored Guests include Gio Cicione, Chair of Rhode Island GOP; Chris Ottiano, House Dist. 11 Senate Candidate; and Dan Reilly, House Dist. 72 House Candidate.

Cost is $30/person – Cash Bar and Raffle Table!!! Please RSVP no later than December 4th. Please make checks payable to “NCRW.” Send checks to Sally Bloomfield, 47 John Kesson Lane, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, contact Pat Watters at 401.847.2455 or patwatters [at] earthlink [dot] net.

Filed Under: Coming Events, Gov. Don Carcieri, Holidays and Republican Committees Closed

Gov. Carcieri Reloads Economic Development Efforts

Posted on November 20, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

Last week, Governor Donald L. Carcieri officially signed into law legislation that reconstitutes the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board of directors and defines the term of employment for an EDC executive director.

The legislation expands the board of directors from nine members to 13 members, and defines the term of employment for the position of executive director of three years, allowing for the state to better attract and retain a candidate and to maintain a consistent economic development policy free from political changes.

“Throughout the course of my administration, we have made it a priority to put forward-thinking measures in place to make both government and our state work better. This legislation will serve as a strong foundation for us to foster progressive economic change for Rhode Island,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “It will also help us chart a more stable course of action to make Rhode Island more competitive, create jobs, assist us in our efforts to attract new growth industries to our state, and spur the growth of a knowledge-based economy.”

News Release: Office of the Governor

Filed Under: Economics, Gov. Don Carcieri and Rhode Island Closed

GOP Candidate for Attorney General Commends Governor for Veto

Posted on November 10, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

Republican candidate for Attorney General, Attorney Erik Wallin, today commended Governor Donald Carcieri for his veto of H-5134, Substitute A, “An Act Relating to Criminal Procedure – Arrest”. “I am very pleased that the Governor vetoed this legislation that would have made prosecuting the most dangerous criminals more difficult,” Wallin stated. Noting that he urged the Governor to veto this legislation after its passage by the General Assembly on October 29, 2009, Wallin added, “The Governor’s veto message is directly on point and makes the same case about troubling procedures that I did last week. If this bill became law, murderers, rapists, child molesters and other violent criminals would benefit at the expense of the safety of the people of Rhode Island.”

After serving on Active Duty in the United States Air Force as a Captain and JAG, Attorney Erik Wallin was appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General in 2003. Over a period of five years at the Department of the Attorney General, Wallin worked closely with members of local, state and federal law enforcement, developing strong and effective relationships. During this period he successfully prosecuted a wide array of cases including those involving: violent felonies and sexual assaults, domestic violence, driving under the influence (serious bodily injury resulting), public corruption and financial crimes. He served in various units within the Department.

As a Special Assistant Attorney General, Wallin handled bail hearings involving robbery, sexual assaults and narcotics distribution cases, probation and bail violation hearings, extradition proceedings, post-conviction relief, and probable cause hearings. In addition, Wallin carried a case load of major felony cases and appeared before the Providence County and State Wide Grand Juries, securing indictments in cases involving public corruption, child molestations, murder and others.

Press Release: Erik Wallin for Attorney General
Contact: 575-2633 Email: press [at] ErikforAG [dot] com

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Gov. Don Carcieri and RI General Assembly Closed

Gov. Schwarzenegger Really, Really Vetoes Spending Bill

Posted on October 29, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

For some reason, we can’t quite see Governor Carcieri doing this (but perhaps, he should give it a shot, in light of some of the messed up legislation heading his way). Yes, this is a copy of an authentic veto message California Gov. Schwarzenegger sent back to its General Assembly.

Source: SF Gate

Filed Under: Economics, Gov. Don Carcieri and Humor Closed Tags: California.

Gov. Carcieri Recommends Job-Saving Agreement

Posted on September 25, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

Governor Explains Importance of Contract Language

Governor Carcieri today reiterated the significant need for the management flexibility language contained in the new job saving agreement with the public employee unions. Under the terms of the agreement, state employees and their families, would gain job security in exchange for more flexibility to transfer employees for purposes of reorganization, job elimination or consolidation of functions within the Executive Branch.

“Providing a no-layoff guarantee for two years in this tumultuous economic environment is something the unions asked for as part of the negotiations,” said Governor Carcieri. “I could not grant this request without the latitude to manage government in a responsible manner. It would be fiscally irresponsible to do otherwise. With declining state revenues, I need the flexibility to make meaningful employee transfers, reorganize functions, or consolidate functions of state government. A no-layoff guarantee is a significant concession on the Administration’s part and it requires an equally significant concession on the part of the unions.”

Gary Sasse, the Director of the Department of Administration added: “The language in question was carefully negotiated by both sides and was a part of the agreement all along. It took into consideration the impact of a worsening economy, the need to control personnel expenditures, and the desire for labor to protect their members’ jobs. With this language, the Administration will able to deploy our human resources effectively and efficiently without negatively impacting services or requiring additional layoffs.”

“This language was always was negotiated in good faith. This agreement always included this trade off. The no layoff guarantee and the management flexibility are inextricably tied together,” the Governor added.

Press Release: Office of the Governor

Filed Under: Big Labor, Economics and Gov. Don Carcieri Closed

Governor Carcieri Orders State Defunding of ACORN-RI

Posted on September 18, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

gdc With the recent revelations of alleged fraudulent and potentially illegal activity by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) being reported across the country, Governor Carcieri today ordered all department directors and state agencies to immediately identify and cease any payments being made directly to ACORN-RI or indirectly to any of its affiliates.

“It is unconscionable for a single dime of taxpayer money be spent to support an organization that is engaged in this type of activity,” said Governor Carcieri. “I am ordering a review of each state department, agency, and quasi-public agency to determine if ACORN is benefiting from taxpayer dollars.”

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to deny all federal funding for ACORN nationally in response to numerous incidents where the organization was allegedly involved in fraudulent activities at multiple ACORN offices nationwide. The U.S. Senate voted to deny all federal funding to ACORN earlier in the week.

The Governor is also asking the State Board of Elections to review the legal status of the ACORN-RI political action committee. “If ACORN-RI has used either Federal or State taxpayer dollars to support its political agenda, this activity must stop, and the Board of Elections must take appropriate legal actions against the organization.”

Press Release: Office of the Governor

Filed Under: Corruption, Gov. Don Carcieri and Rhode Island Closed

Gov. Carcieri Appoints Andrew Hodgkin as Chief of Staff

Posted on September 14, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

gdc Governor Donald L. Carcieri today announced Andrew Hodgkin as his Chief of Staff, replacing Brian Stern who was recently confirmed as Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Hodgkin served as Chief Legal Counsel for Governor Carcieri from 2003 through 2007.

Hodgkin left the Carcieri Administration in 2007 to start his own law firm with a focus on state and federal regulatory issues and private business transactions.

“I am pleased Andy has agreed to return to my Administration as Chief of Staff,” said Governor Carcieri. “As our state is facing unprecedented challenges, it is critical to have someone who can seamlessly fill the role of Chief of Staff. With his background in business, law and government, he will be an asset to my Administration.”

Prior to serving as Chief Legal Counsel, Hodgkin was a partner in the Banking, Finance and Corporate practice groups of the Boston law firm of Brown Rudnick LLP, where he co-founded the Providence office. In addition to his bank regulatory practice, which included advising on the formation of several start-up banks, Hodgkin represented the Rhode Island State Investment Commission and also served as counsel to the Director of the Department of Business Regulation. He has also represented technology clients and early-stage companies.

Before joining Brown Rudnick, Hodgkin served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Old Stone Bank, of Providence, Rhode Island, and its mortgage subsidiary in Seattle, Washington. During his time at Old Stone, the bank converted from a state-chartered commercial bank to a federal savings bank, and acquired banking operations in North Carolina, Washington and California.

Hodgkin is an Adjunct Professor at Bryant University. He serves as Director and Vice Chair of the Providence Plan, a city-state partnership that operates a variety of early education, workforce development and other programs and is a former Director of the Urban Revitalizations Fund of Rhode Island. Hodgkin is a 1992 graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and received the Dorothy Lohman Community Service Award in 2000 from the Rhode Island Bar Association.

Hodgkin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law. He currently resides in Barrington with his wife of 30 years, Virginia. The couple has two grown children, Mark and Leanda.

Press Release: Office of the Governor

Filed Under: Gov. Don Carcieri, Press Releases and Rhode Island Closed Tags: Gov. Carcieri, State Government.

Governor Carcieri Moves to Balance RI Budget (Again!)

Posted on September 5, 2009 by The Ocean State Republican

Facing Reality: If No Shutdowns, Layoffs

No court decision, wishful thinking, or public posturing can change the harsh financial realities the State faces:

the General Assembly called for $68 million in unspecified savings in FY 2010 (the fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010)
state revenues for May and June were $65 million below estimates
state revenues may continue to decline in the months ahead
Governor Carcieri prefers a negotiated agreement with the leaders of unions that represent state workers in the Executive branch, an agreement that would use a number of unpaid work days to save the money necessary to close the gap, in addition to other measures. The Governor and his staff have had ongoing discussions with the union leaders for the past couple of months. While some unions have been amenable to such a solution, others have adamantly refused to work together to solve the state’s fiscal problems.

With this best alternative eliminated, the Governor went to a second way to achieve these savings, shutdown days. The state government was prepared to follow that plan, but it has been postponed by Justice Goldberg’s decision that delays a court ruling until the case can be heard by the full RI Supreme Court on September 11 and barred the first shutdown day.

Time is not on the State’s side. The Governor cannot wait to take action to balance the budget and maintain the financial health of the State. So, he has started the process of laying off workers to achieve the necessary savings.

Filed Under: Economics, Gov. Don Carcieri and Rhode Island Closed