Family Fun Day- Sun. at Howland Park

Dear Friends, Neighbors & Colleagues:

You are cordially invited to a District 72 Family Fun Day

Sunday, October 26th at Howland Park in Middletown (at corner of Wapping Rd. & Third Beach Rd.)

With Special Guest- U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

and Ice Cream served by Pete “the Ice Cream Guy”

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Free and open to the public! Fun for all ages!

BRING YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, ANIMALS. NO SPEECHES. I'D APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT! (Donations accepted)

Sincerely,
Rep. Amy Rice

Candidates on Cable

Cox Ch. 18.

Newport County Votes:

Middletown Council (Sun. at 7); School committee (8:30).

St. Rep. Dist 69 (Wed. at 7, Thurs. at 11, Fri. at 7, Sat. at 11)

St. Rep., Dist. 72 (Wed. at 7:30, Thurs. at 11, Fri. at 7#0, Sat. at 11:30)

St. Rep. Dist. 74 (Wed. at 8, Thurs. at noon, Friday. at 8, sat. at noon)

St. Rep, Dist. 75 (Wed. at 8:30, Thurs. at 12:30, Fri. at 8:30, Sat. at 12:30)

St. Senate Dist. 11 (Thurs. at 7, Fri. at 11, Sat. at 7, Sun. at 11)

St. Senate Dist. 12 (Thurs. at 7:30, Thurs. at 8, Fri. at noon, Sat. at 8, Sun. at noon)

My fingers are tired. For more check Ch. 18 or the weekend edition of the "Daily News."

Thanks to the "Daily News," Cox, & NCTV for this community service. Tip o' the hat to all of you!

Local Republican Promos

This week on Bill Moyers' Journal there is a segment on political advertising. What is fair & what is below the belt? Attacking on issues- fair. Attacking with innuendo and half-truths- below the belt. What brings this to mind? How about the recent "Daily News" attack ad against Teresa Paiva-Weed? Yup. This definitely qualifies as below the belt. At least the her opponent mentions that she is a Republican. She forgot to condemn her for having met Buddy Cianci & shaken his hand. And I think that Teresa may well be responsible for hiding WMD SOMEWHERE (wink, wink). After all, from her bedroom window she sees...um... across the ocean and Arab oil tankers. Yeah, and she, she, well, I'll just bet that she knows a Moslem or two. They's all over that NAVY base.


I still haven't recovered from my own Sen. Gibbs recent postcard wherein she touts herself as representing "change." Now the woman has been in the lege a quarter century and is 86. Ironically she supports term limits. So this is change? What is same old- same old, for crying out loud?

Now this is a woman who was a key player in R.I. for Bush. She was on his re-election committee and yet nowhere on this promo does she state that she is a "Republican." Rather she promotes herself as "Independent." Sorry, more than a tad disingenuous, to say the least.


I recently rec'd a professional done promo from Dan Reilly running for St. Rep. against Amy Rice. Same thing, but nicely done. Nowhere is it mentioned that he's a Republican. Why not? At least he doesn't try to persuade you that he's an "Independent." BTW, shortly he had left my area, I noticed his signed planted quite promonently in a public place. Personally, I have no problem with this. As a matter-of-fact, I like it. But there are those who...


Reilly's borrowed funds for his campaign. Understandable. Let's face it- he's? 19 & a Bryant student who family has been living in Fla. for quite awhile. It's where he went for most of his schooling (private, of course). So let's just say that he's not fully emancipated from mommy & daddy.


But what's this got to do with the price of eggs? Well, quite a lot it your lawyer daddy owes the state almost a mil in unpaid back taxes & is one of its biggest tax scofflaws. It's his parents' corporate interest (Shamrock Equities) that lent him the moola. Too bad it couldn't have gone into our tax coffers along with his pricey Bryant tuition. But that's just me I guess... Didn't keep his Party from endorsing him. So much for fiscal reponsibility.

He states that he's going to give localties more $. Yeah, yeah yeah. We'll be lucky if we actually receive what we've been promised. But let's do some creative thinking here- thinking out of the box as politicans LOVE to say. If his dad repays the state (I won't even get into the $ given to the son) & divvy it to 39 towns & cities- appx. $25,000 apiece. Yahoo! An increase from the State that we can call "property tax relief." Yup. Works for me.

I also like how he's going to forgo health care benefits from the State. Mighty easy to do when you're single & covered by Mom & Dad.

I am going to throw out a "Hat's off to you, buddy," though. He did fill out the "Political Courage Test" from Project Vote Smart. He's going to "greatly decrease" most taxes while at the same time increasing most state expenditures and adding a heckuva lot of new ones. Pray tell, exactly how does this voodoo math work? I MUST know. How else do I convinced my husband that I'm actually SAVING money while spending it? He's certainly not the only candidate of EITHER party doing this. Well, that's what we get for teaching all these kids the "new math." BTW, no new fees either. Whoopee! Bridge crossings will stay the same!

He's "undecided" on most social issues. I coud be wrong here, but you may need to decide on these things eventually. I'm also especially fond of this one: "Reduce state government regulations on the private sector." While some states were actually out there regulating banks & risky credit loans, some of which used to be referred to as "usury" or "extortion," we should continue doing just what has brought our country to a market crash. Hello.

Sometimes, I really can't believe how gullible they think that we are. And the real kicker is just how many times we have not disappointed them,

Recent Portsmouth Protest

I rec'd this letter regarding a recent fundraiser for my Rep., Amy Rice, that took place in Portsmouth. Darn, just my luck that I missed it! Amy represents parts of Portsmouth, Middletown, & Newport (hey, I didn't draw the lines).

"Last Sunday night, my friend and I proudly hosted a private fundraiser at my home, for our state representative and candidate for re-election, Amy G. Rice. She has worked hard for District 72 and we wanted to help her return to the statehouse for us. Earlier in the day, her opponent, Dan Reilly, had been at my house going door to door. I explained I was supporting Amy Rice, and mentioned the fundraiser as a case in point. I was astonished that evening during the fund raiser, to see four of his supporters directly in front of my house holding his signs up and chanting- for three hours- in the rain. Aside from providing comic relief, I was at a loss as to what such juvenile behavior accomplished for Mr. Reilly, other than harassment of a potential constituent. We did, however, notice that election signs of Ms. Rice’s had disappeared about the same time and more of Mr. Reilly’s had appeared in questionable areas.

Is this the type of behavior we want of a leader? While I realize that he only 19 years old, I would expect a person representing my district, to have a modicum of decorum or at least the common sense to ask others concerning certain protocols. Holding a public office is a serious responsibility, and not just signs and matching rain ponchos.

I proudly support Amy Rice for re-election to State Representative of District 72 and encourage you to do so. Learn more about her and/or how to support her at www.amyrice.org.

Dr. Katherine Waters
87 Annette Drive
Portsmouth, RI 02871"

Maybe a rally could be held outside Reilly's residence urging him to ask Daddy to pay the cool mil he still owes the state in back taxes before he decided to fly the coop & re-locate to Florida. It must be going toward the pricey tuition at Bryant. Heck, someone has to pay it. Kinda like a state scholarship. Too bad my son & a lot of other kids at URI aren't able to obtain the same funding.

Is this a fair assessment? I think so when your principal means of support is dear old Dad.

Local Statewide Candidates & Political Courage

I'm posting here a letter printed recently by Middletown candidate Lou DiPalma from "Newport This Week." It doesn't say much for local media that the only way besides ads to get your message out it to write a letter to the local newspaper (one only per customer). For all the talk from t.v., radio, newspapers, they do little to get any word out.

DiPalma is proposing focusing efforts on building jobs in "green" technology & ocean technologies. This is not a new idea. Two years ago when I ran this was on the agenda. It's a good one, though, although this is still an "idea" and not a "plan." And it's definitely not unique to R.I. This needs to be done on a national basis. I do NOT want our state's once again undercutting each others with grants, tax breaks, etc., as in films, finance, high-tech, etc. From http://www.rifuture.org/: "This Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, YOU are invited to a community discussion called "Greening the RI Economy." The event will be held at New England Institute of Technology, 2480 Post Road in Warwick. This is a part of the national campaign - Green Jobs Now - being held nationwide on Saturday, September 27th."

The local newspaper will send out these candidates a letter asking them to participate in nationwide "Project Vote Smart" and answer a detailed questionnaire about the political beliefs regarding various items. It's the least candidates can do for the public. And most don't. The News could put the pressure on & refused to endorse anyone who was not, but...

So I'm posting up the links for candidates who have done so. Shame on those who have not. What's the secret? Three cheers for the posters, whether or not I agree with you.

You should carefully check out the State Budget & Taxes sections. If the State expenditures section calls for increases, there should be a co-responding plan for increasing the State Budget (I will refer to this as Basic Math 101). And no, "and then a miracle occurs," doesn't count."

It's called the "Political Courage" test for a reason. Candidates have until oct. 15 to post.


DiPalma (Sen., Dist. 12- D)
Gibbs- (R) no posting for ? 8 yrs.- no courage, I guess.

Charles Levesque (Sen., Dist.11- D )- ALWAYS POSTS
Charlies Ottiano (R)
John Vitkevich (Ind.) Nope.

Yeah, I know the above isn't actually in this District, but I'm keeping my eye on it & like Levesque.

Bruce Long (Rep., Dist. 71- R)- has never posted
Deborah Ruggiero (D)- zilch also. It's a stalemate

Amy Rice (Rep, Dist. 73-D)- ALWAYS POSTS
Dan Reilly (R)


Also not in this District, but I'm watching:

Steven Coaty (Rep, Dist. 75)- R) Nope.
Peter Martin (D) hasn't posted



Read them. I'll bet that if you don't know their Party beforehand, you'll have trouble guessing which they belong to. I sure do. Who needs a Republican Party when you have a Democratic one so widely diverse?

E-Z Pass & Newport's Pell Bridge

e Newport Daily News has an editorial that will give you the lowdown on $ for bridge crossings. What they DON'T say is that this is all a come-on. You know the deal- low costs, no interest, no fees. And in little tiny print- good for 90 days.


We'll be lucky if the prices for bridges crossings even last that long.


From Newport's Mayor Waluk: “Our economy is based on big businesses with people who do travel here (to work), so we need a discounted commuter rate,” said Waluk, who is one of the five authority members.


Well, duh. You were the one who introduced the plan as a motion to the Bridge & Transit Authority back in the summer. Did you forget to read it? The "hold-on one a minute" seems a bit disingenous, to say the least. This also makes me less inclined to believe the comments he & others made recently regarding the enormous contract pay increases awarded to the current Town Admin. in Newport. It's this kind of - gee, we can't give you enough- that rouses many ires. Then we get the comment pablum amounting to: "Because we say so." And you wonder why city workers demand more? Prime example. But I don't vote in MNewport (although, my family does pay taxes there).


So who did speak-up about the bridge pass system & demand a mulligan? Oh, yes, that was Sen. Theresa Paiva-Weed, Deb. Ruggiero & Bruce Long. I think that Ruggiero may have been more instrumental than Long, but I'm not going to debate the point because- I don't care! They're not my reps & its results that count. In others words, both the latter are candidates & others are the deciders- not me.


Why this system anyway? Evidently the token system is becoming outdated with replacement parts becoming difficult to obtain (although this is on the Authority's say-so. I found no actual facts either way). It is also hoped that this system will "entice" more users, although I think this is a "Hail Mary" pass.


It would be interesting to ask state/local candidates on where they stand on these "user fees" which is what this is. I'm agin 'em. And this is a prime example of why. Newport is R.I.'s jewel. We bring them $- lots of it! The bridge should be a state cost- bottom line.


But that's a topic for another day. My friend over at http://whatcheer.net/ has a recent article up on this topic (roads, bridges, infrastructure & how its funded). Tom Sgouros writes statewide for a number of papers, but don't look for this column in the "Daily News." They have their handful of reporters & buy national columnists. They also already have their token liberal. No room (or $) for poor old Tom.

Why EZ PASS on Pell Bridge?

I rec'd this today from Jamestowner Deb Ruggiero, candidate for State Rep. (Middletown & Jamestown). The Daily News also ran an article. I still don't under stand WHY the EZ PASS. I have not noticed that the toll booths cause traffic jams.- please correct me if you've otherwise.

Any traffic woes seem to be caused by frequent bridge work closing down one or more lanes. The other problem is two lanes of bridge traffic merging into one to take the Newport exit. And let's not ignore the closing of the Portsmouth bridge to trucks. The new pass system will not eliminate these problem & seems to be rather expensive for an agency crying over money concerns.

What RITBA still hasn't publicly said is that the contracts for this system are already signed & a done deal. So why this new system & what's the cost? Or is it just another way to sneak hidden user fees onto us. And what good the public hearings at this point. Shouldn't they have been done prior to the contract signing? BTW, Newport's Mayor Waluk serves on this governing board (shh!).

From Deb:

RITBA finally holds a real public hearing!

Give credit where credit is due. Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority (RITBA) listened to concerns from me, Senator Teresa Paiva Weed and many local residents and will hold a real public hearing!

Join us next Tuesday, Sept 16th night 7 pm at the Hyatt Regency in Newport for what is the pre-destined implementation of the EZ PASS.

The so called ‘public hearings’ by RITBA this past Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday were a misnomer leaving many local residents frustrated and angry.

To their credit, Chair Dave Darlington and his crew listened to the complaints and scheduled a ‘real’ public hearing next Tuesday. They’ll explain the EZ PASS program and entertain questions from concerned citizens in a public forum. Therefore, the RITBA monthly board meeting set for Sept 17th has been postponed so they can review suggestions.

Perhaps EZ PASS will prove to be more efficient, but there are concerns about discounts for local residents. It would seem that if you are a local resident with more than one vehicle a frequency discount on transponders should apply. Each transponder costs $27 (cost to RITBA is $22 and there’s a $5 maintenance fee). Perhaps RITBA should consider waiving the maintenance fees for local residents. Some states don’t even charge for transponders!

There are also concerns about possible ‘data mining’ from the transponders. What happens to the information that is gathered and stored? How will it be used? Dave Darlington says RITBA will only release personal information if subpoenaed to do so. (Does that make you feel real secure?).

Please attend. Time is of the essence because RITBA plans to implement EZ PASS by mid December! In the end, we all want to ensure that our bridges are safe and reliable.

Thank you RITBA for listening to our concerns and for holding this real public hearing.

Deb Ruggiero
Democrat Candidate for State Representative
District 74—Jamestown/Middletown

Sen. Whitehouse Urges Vote for Sen. Reed

Dear Friends,

Please join me in proudly supporting our U.S. Senator, Jack Reed, in the Democratic primary this Tuesday, September 9th.
Make no mistake: Rhode Island is fortunate to have Jack Reed fighting for us in Washington.
Jack has worked to protect health care coverage for Rhode Island children. He's passed landmark legislation that will help build more affordable housing and help more families stay in their homes. And he's supported stronger investments in alternative and renewable fuels, to help bring down prices at the gas pump.
Here in Washington, I've seen first-hand that Jack Reed is among the Senate's most trusted voices on national security -- the authority on the best way to keep our country safe and bring our troops home from Iraq.
In everything he does, Jack Reed puts Rhode Island families first. That's why it's so important that we support him this Tuesday, September 9th.
Polling places in Rhode Island will be open until 9 p.m. on Tuesday. To find your polling place, visit the Rhode Island Voter Information Center. If you need any additional information or would like to sign up to help, contact The Reed Committee at (401) 461-2008 or visit Jack's web site.
Jack Reed has been there for us – now it's our turn to be there for him.
This Tuesday, please cast your vote to keep Jack Reed in the Senate!
Thank you for all you do.
Sheldon
Paid for by Whitehouse for Senate

Project Vote Smart

All candidates for major offices are asked to submit a "political courage" test form- this is nationwise. Check out the candidates! Many do not. If you fool around with codes, you can pick up older ones. Sen. Gibbs had trouble keeping her priorities straight every two yrs. (esp. on property taxes!) & after I cornered her last time on this, she gave up filling them out, I think. Or maybe she forgot. Keping a folder copy is wise. At least previously she did try.

Many candidates are advised not fill these out. Let's face it... it takes courage to publicly take a stand on all these items.

You may assume that I just blindly vote along Party lines. You'd be wrong. I've got a brain & use it. Not filling out their form uneless covering these topics in another fashion (e.g.; a web site) counts against you in my book. It makes me think that Mark Twain's proverbial sentence is being applied: "“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.”

Thanks to Project Vote Smart for doing this.

Candidate Ruggiero On E-Z Pass Bridge Toll

The Daily News ran an editorial on this & rightly so. If it effects everyone like a tax, costs $ like a tax, and raises income like a tax, it ain't a fee- it's a TAX! I'm concerned with transponders that cost a pretty penny ($25-$30), can't be switched between cars, and a program that has already cost us $170,000 . I'm mystified as to how this program is going to save the Bridge Authority money when it's crying for additional funding & will likely raise tolls. See my previous posting here on the details so far.


I received this press release early today:

State Representative Candidate Deb Ruggiero Advocates for Discounts for Host Communities

Jamestown/Middletown, RI— The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority’s (RITBA) EZ Pass toll program has raised major concerns and questions for many Jamestown [and Middletown, Newport, & Portsmouth] residents [and workers].

State Representative candidate Deb Ruggiero has joined with Senator Teresa Paiva Weed in calling for public hearings, but also wants to ensure that residents receive discounts.
“I want to see discount rates for local community residents and discounts for those local communities,” says Democratic State Representative candidate Deb Ruggiero, “As I knock on doors in the district a number of residents have expressed strong concerns about this EZ Pass program; I am an advocate for the tax payers and the people of this community. We need to ensure that if a family has more than one car they’re getting an additional discount on their transponders.”

Senator Teresa Paiva Weed and State Representative candidate Deb Ruggiero are united on behalf of local residents and will attend the hearings and ask questions regarding the implementation of the EZ Pass program.

“This is an issue that impacts local residents as well as our tourism industry”, says Senator Teresa Paiva Weed, “and the implementation of EZ Pass must be done in cooperation with the other states.”

Ruggiero has been in contact with RITBA and has been raising the concerns and issues that she has as well as those that she’s been hearing as she goes door to door.

Ruggiero, whose strength is communications and working across boundaries with the business community, the media, and non-profit organizations to realize positive results for the public, will be a hard working and a strong voice that people in Jamestown and Middletown can trust in the House of Representatives.

The public hearings are Saturday Sept 6th from 9am to 12 noon at RITBA Administration Office/ Maintenance Facility in Jamestown and Tuesday Sept 9th from 5-8 pm as well as Monday Sept 8th from 5p-8pm at the Colony House, Washington Square Newport.

Sen. June Gibbs is a Republican!

File this under: I can't stop laughing! I rec'd a postcard mailer from her campaign today. Why on earth you'd target a house full of Dems escapes me, but what do I know. It's in FULL COLOR yet- a first! Her campaign actually spent some moola. Gee, maybe that 47% vote I got actually lit a fire that some real campaigning may be called for.

Great pic- she's standing in black in front of the Statehouse. Hello, fashion police: needed. Sorry, like I said nice pic for a funeral. My top-notch political advisor (I'm not joking here) said no-go on statehouse pics. Bad connoation; but again, what do I know?

Now last time the fact that she was a Republican was on her logo & her mailings. Not this time. Nary a whisper that 4 yrs. ago she was part of the R.I. Bush re-election camaign and likely just returned with former Rep. & now CFO of the Transit & Bridge Authroity's Christine Callahan. In Projo's article by reporter JOHN E. MULLIGAN, Chris is quoted as a "a self-described “John Chafee Republican.”

Hello! Chafee finally woke up to the new Republican Party & is now an Ind. campaigning for Obama. The Rep. Party left you & June & Eileen Slocum behind a long time ago. They really do not want you. Nor Rep. Bruce Long either. But you're better than the alternative, I guess.

June & I actually agree on many things and are far more alike than disalike. The trouble is that June is ineffective because she's in the minority in the minority.

The front pic refers to her as "a strong, independent State Senator." Now, really, isn't this a bit disingenuous. Yeah, the "I" in "independent" isn't capitalized, but outside of a few English teachers, who's going to notice that? You'd never surmise that she's a REPUBLICAN.

Now I don't want to be picky (well, I actually do) , but June collected $7000 in aggregate contributions. That means that no one contributed $100 or more from individuals. Hope she kept a list of $ givers because I doubt it. Strange as the in-kind contribution from the Atlantic Beach Club owner is only $1000. So how many could you feed there for that kind of $? How much was a ticket? Not much as I recall. Someone enlighten me, please. Now where's the money spent for web hosting on the financial filings? This mailer must have blown about half of your $. Better get out there & fund-raise. Or maybe the Republicans (oops, I forgot), the small "i" independents will fund you. I'll be watching those filings because I know how much these campaigns costs. And because I'd rather do that than housework anyday.

Here is her website: http://www.senatorjunegibbs.com/

Enjoy! But don't bother unless you want to see her old REPUBLICAN logo. There is nothing there. Last time it was just a dupe of her lege website which wasn't much. She does have an actually e-mail address to take the place of her old silly one: June@senatorjunegibbs.com

Now one of her d abullets mystifies me: "Advocating for education." When? Where? I remember when the Guv cut the school budget & awarded the cut funds to charter schools which we didn't have at the time (we now have a small one in Newport). She was all for it. She was also on the recent fair funding for school committee. So how did that work out for you?

She also is "helping you access state gov't." I hope that's working out better than her website. Too bad her own Party's guv (I won't say the Party name) vetoed a recent open access bill.

By the way, the support for good ole George W. Bush- that working out any better? June was also an early McCain supporter this year. Where's the pic with him on the front? Now, I know that you have one, June. I for one would LOVE to see it. The McCain/Paline one, too. Heck, put them up on your website. Why not?

Look, I'm really trying to be fair here. So which part have I got wrong? Keep that sunshine shining! Watch what your legislators are doing (and saying). No one, no matter how nice they are, or what their age or their sex is, get a pass -EVER. This stuff is just too important.

Middletown Candidates' Forum

NTW has a report on this recent NAACP forum for all Council candidates on the island from reporter Tom Shevlin. I'm going to add to this with remarks sent by my correspondent who was there. Unfortunately, I was not able to change plans to attend, although I tried. The given notice was short.

Check the article for opinions on affordable housing, hiring more minority teachers & school regionalization. I understand that it was taped but no notice of when it will be available for viewing. These things are always sparesely attended. As I've said before, with one that I attended, my small family made up the majority of the audience.

So here are notes that I expanded on from my correspondent (the person with the bag on their head). I had hoped to hear more on the Newport and Portsmouth candidates but, alas, it was not to be. My reporter had to depart early.

Frank Boyzan, Rich Cambra, Cheryl Foster, Theresa Santos, Chris Semonelli, Barbara VonVillas, Ron Williams, and Tony Viveiros were there. Middletown went first Candidates were asked to make a 30 second statement identifying themselves & anything else they wanted to say. I think they actually held to 60 seconds.

Theresa Santos said she had missed only 2 meetings and they were because she had surgery and her husband died. She claimed credit for the food bank idea and the veterans. Cheryl Foster said she was running partly because she hoped to bring "fun" back to the council! Chris Semonelli mentioned being president of Rotary and spoke effectively about his committee experience. Rich Cambra mentioned experience in the Air Force and on the Zoning Board, etc., and sounded intelligent. Frank Bozyan mystified the audience when he seem to freeze. He gave his name and then said nothing for at least 5, maybe 10, long seconds. He then said he was a chemical engineer. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that he survived. Ron Williams spoke so close to the microphone that his words reverberated. He listed his experience on boards. Barbara VonVillas said that efforts had been made at school regionalization in the 90's but they went nowhere. She added that efforts were being made through common purchasing and some sharing of services,.

The "endorsed" Dems identified themselves as such. Antone Viveiros mentioned the Kempen mess and his many efforts to get elected. Questions were submitted on paper from the audience. They were all directed at the candidates from all the towns, so I'm sure Newport and Portsmouth profited from Middletown going first.

The first question was about affordable housing. Something about what efforts would the candidates make to provide affordable housing. There were 2 questions related to the schools - the first about efforts at regionalization and the second about recruiting minority candidates.
At the end candidates were given the opportunity to speak, but hearing nothing earth- shattering & likely not to before they were finished, my correspondent had to leave.

Thanks to my correspondent.

Since this is my blog, I can throw in my thoughts on these 3 topics now. Anyone else who was unable to make it, feel free to e-mail me & I'll run it as is (I'll edit if needed because the teacher in me can't stop).

Minority teachers. I want more of them- men in the el. grades, too. You can't tell a good teacher from interviews. Good teachers develop with lots of support. Kids need to have a wide variety of teachers with varying backgrounds- just like them.

Affordable housing. No one seems to have discussed the actual state requirements here. Perhaps they weren't aware of them although Theresa should have been. The State requires that each town/city have 10% of their housing classified as "affordable." If they do not, they must have an actual plan in place to achieve this. Since few towns have achieved this goal, it's time for the State to re-evaluate this so-called goal.

Newport does more than its fair share. Middletown met its 10% goal for many years & now is only slightly below that goal. Most other towns/cities need to step up to the plate and do their part (hello, Portsmouth). I liked the original plan that was on the drawing board out in Midd. with Church Community Housing being a partner with the town. It was a mixture of business and affordable housing. It may yet happen. I'd also like to see the planning board come up with some ideas that may or may not impact zoning. Other New England towns have done it and we could too. The good news is that rental and housing costs are now down for the first time in years.

Regionalization- without State incentive (as in the former), this goes nowhere. As Barbara said, this topic has been bandied about for more than 30 yrs. The will isn't there and who says it's a good thing anyway? It could just create more bureaucracy and less responsive schools for the same costs. I don't see where Bristol/Warren has saved big bucks by doing this. Regionalizing health insurance, heating oil, etc. is already happening and we'll see more of it in the future if it actually is cost-effective.

New Improved Poll!

Phooey! I made mistakes on the other & couldn't correct it. So I'm taking a mulligan. Vote again!

Candidate Questions

I'm planning on sending local candidates questions a la John McDaid at Hard Deadlines. So as to distance myself a bit, I'm hoping to sweet-talk John & use his for both Council & School Committee. I'm open for suggestions on other questions you'd like to ask. I can't promise I'll use them, but I'll sure consider it!

I'd also like to do it for State candidates, but time constraints may kick in. If you have questions for those (Senate, Rep. & State Senate, Rep.), I'm all ears- well, all eyes in this case!

Sugestions are always welcome on most any topic. Thinking (at least on my part) is a good thing! If I thought there was interest, I'd broaden the question-asking to more in the District (Newport, Tiverton, & Little Compton). But unless there is a groundswell, I'll limit to Middletown.

New Middletown Poll!

Everyone else does polls, so here goes. I'm asking only Middletown voters to participate. I believe it allows only one voter/computer, but if it doesn't, I'll find another poll vendor. How valid is it? Not very. I can't make it totally random so my audience is different rather than a controlled- Middletown voters only. Still...

Ruggiero Thanks from DNC

Rec'd this from Deb Ruggiero. She is holding a fundraiser this Thurs. at the Atlantic Beach Club from 6-8. A donation of $35 (more is okay, too) is requested.

THANK YOU for electing me as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Thank you for sending me to Denver to watch history unfold as the first African American, Senator Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. He’ll be a voice at the table for so many. Yes, I am disappointed that my candidate, Hillary Clinton, did not win the nomination, but I am proud at Hillary’s graciousness and her unwavering ability to unite the party. I saw her speak several times at events outside the convention and there were moments when you knew from her voice and her eyes this was not easy for her. She had put so much into this campaign over the last 18 months. Her work is not done; the future is still being written for all of us.

The message at the Democratic National Convention was one of HOPE, FAMILY, and CHANGE. If you heard the compelling speeches from Michelle Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Joe Biden, Vice President Al Gore, and Presidential nominee Barack Obama you heard the resounding message of providing a better life for our children. In the words of Michelle Obama, “my blessing is one that came because of those who worked so hard before me.”

In the end there are no blue states or red states just the United States of America. We are all American patriots-- those who know that our leaders must be honest, hard working, and more concerned with public interest than self-interest. We need leaders who help us understand each other, not drive us apart. We need leaders who know that conserving more is better than wasting more. John F. Kennedy’s words still ring true: “the energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world”. God Bless you, your family, our community and our great country.

Warm Regards,

Deb Ruggiero
Democrat for State Representative
District 74 Jamestown/Middletown

Newport Co. NAAC Candidates' Forum Thurs. at 7

I just found out about this. Hubby forgot to give me the notice. Hello!!! I was afraid that yet again, no one would have an opportunity to ask candidates questions. Hats' off to the NAACP! They are sponsoring these forums because they want EVERYONE to get out there and- VOTE!

As my mother would say- you pays your money & you makes your choice!

The Newport County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will be holding a "Candidates Forum" on Thursday, August 28th,2 008 at Thompson Jr. H.S. on Broadway- Newport, Rhode Island from will be held at 7:00 pm to 9:00pm.

The following are the rules for the Forum:

* All Candidates allowed 1/2 minute opening statement
* One minute to answer each question
* Questions will be rotated
* No personal attacks on any other candidate or person, present or not.
* This is not a debate; no questioning of candidates by each other
* Audience questions submitted in writing to moderator may be directed to a specific candidate or to all candidates.

Order of Candidates:
Middletown Town Council Candidates
PortsmouthT own Council Candidates
Newport City Council Candidates

So come already!!!

Deb Ruggiero on the Issues

PRESS RELEASE
August 11, 2008
Contact: Deb Ruggiero at 487-6415

Deb Ruggiero, House of Representatives Democratic Candidate for District 74 Questions Timing of Opponent’s Involvement in Underage Drinking

Deb Ruggiero, Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives, (D-74 Jamestown and Middletown) today questions her opponent’s timing of a press conference in light of his lack of leadership for 28 years on the need for underage drinking legislation in the Ocean State.

“Underage consumption of alcohol is a problem faced by more and more families,” said Ruggiero. “Opening the lines of communications between law enforcement and parents and teenagers, and working with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a good start. I question my opponent’s leadership in getting legislation out of committee after 28 years in office; and frankly, the timing of his press conference today is interesting knowing that he’s in a tough election.”

“There are many underlying issues related to teen drinking,” she said. “Underage drinking is a serious and complicated issue. He’s been a state legislator for 28 years and he’s just figuring this out now? That’s why it’s time for change that moves us towards solutions.”

Ruggiero promises that her campaign will be inclusive on this issue and other pressing issues including her 4 E’s Platform:
· Establishing Economic stability
· Prioritizing Educational access and opportunity
· Helping the Elderly
· Protecting the Environment

“After 28 years, it’s time for change,” said Ruggiero. “It takes more than an election year press conference to solve this complicated issue. We need education and communication, not just punitive legislation, to keep our kids from drinking.”

Ruggiero, whose strength is communications and working across boundaries with the business community, the media, and non-profit organizations to realize positive results for the public, will work hard to be the “voice of hope” for individuals and families and the change that’s needed in the House of Representatives, representing her constituency in Jamestown and Middletown.

“As a native Rhode Islander, homeowner in Jamestown and a businesswoman, I understand and share the difficulties facing voters,” she said. “Like you, I am fed up with what’s going on. I entered this campaign because it’s time for change.”

Flower's Newport School Committee Fundraiser

This from Newporter Sandra Flowers who is running for the Newport School Committee:

My first event will take place on Wednesday, August 27, at the Elks' Lodge, Bellevue Avenue, Newport, from 6 to 8 PM, with light hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. The donation is $30 and checks may be made out to "The Campaign to Elect Sandra J. Flowers" and mailed to PO Box 114, Newport, RI 02840 (or, of course, at the event).

I hope to see you there. Seeking a place on the Newport School Committee is really quite exciting and enlightening.

Sandra J. Flowers, Ph.D.

Candidate, Newport School Committee

16 Keeher Avenue--PO Box 114
Newport, RI 02840

Please support candidates that you like. It's hard for them out there. And we want to see good candidates vying for offices. Sandra is a Ph.D.- a doctor. But don't ask her for advice regarding your bad back. She's not that kind of doctor. Put me down fromTWO!

http://www.sandrajflowers.net/

Candidates- Welcome!

If you are a candidate & have info that you'd like to get out, I will print it here. I know how hard it is to get "the word" out. I don't even have to agree with you- I'll still likely run it. You just can't say bad things about me. I do have my standards after all. I'll run fundraiser info, too. Free. What a deal! I'll print it as you send it to me nsofar as I am able. I won't edit or comment- at least not in that posting. It's fair game later!

I'll also post your website in my candidates' links to the left. While I primarily an interested in District candidates, I'm not that fussy. This website is, to say the least, rather eclectic.

I like candidates running. I want to get the word out. I don't mind it when anyone disagrees with me. Heck, I rather like it. After all, I was a champion h.s. debater. Doesn't faze me at all. It makes me think. Discussion & debate are a good thing & I welcome it.

So feel free to send me stuff. Choice is a good thing election-wise. While I always encourage people to vote for me- hey, my mother didn't raise any fools, I honestly believe that the really important thing is that you find candidates that you like, support, & that you VOTE.