By Dan Yorke, WPRO
EDUCATION COMMISSIONER DEBORAH GIST IS RENEWED
Pardon me if I don’t celebrate the two year deal. It is the typical hedged bet that politicians and political boards make to attempt to satisfy as many parties as possible. And you end up with half of everything.
We needed a three year statement or bust. That this deal extends just six months into a new gubernatorial term provides no real commitment and creates fertile ground for the commissioner to end up as a political football for the 2014 elections. When she becomes one in that environment, it will only fuel the aggression by the teacher unions to fight the reforms programs in place. It’s one thing to have policies and plans, it’s another to execute in the classroom.
This is a typical status quo decision surrounding a change agency, which should be bigger than the change agent.
THE LATEST PROPOSED BILL ON THE SAKONNET RIVER BRIDGE IS A NIGHTMARE
The two local reps from the area, Jay Edwards and Lou DiPalma, just threw up on themselves in an effort to stop the toll scheduled for July.
In a way to avoid a toll, they suggest that 19 bridges be tossed into the RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority. And then they double the inspection fee for all motorists in the state.
These guys folded under the pressure. All they had to do was refuse to vote for the last budget, build consensus on the economic disaster the toll would create, and effectively make the right noise on behalf of their constituents. Instead, they create a huge government entity with the potential to toll the living hell out of the whole state everywhere.
They should be summarily tossed out of office by their districts on pure incompetence. With allies like this, the voters hardly need enemies.
It’s a shame, but the East Bay and Aquidneck Island can now choke on that overpass toll.
PROVIDENCE MAYOR ANGEL TAVERAS
Taveras begins to complain about the use of hedge finds in the city’s pension portfolio. Hmmm … With treasurer Gina Raimondo taking heat for same on the state level, it feels like Angel might be thinking he’s sticking around the governor’s race even with the potential three-person field created by the incumbent’s switch to the Democrats last week.
HOCKEY PLAYERS AFE THE TOUGHEST IN SPORTS
The latest example is Gregory Campbell of the Bruins taking a puck to the leg, breaking it, and hanging in for the balance of a power play like a warrior.
I began here at WPRO the year I walked my one and only into kindergarten. This weekend she walks for her high school diploma.
I’m verklempt.
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Dan Yorke
