By Dan Yorke
THE START OF THE NEW YEAR brings a sense of renewal, especially with a new administration in place. Gina Raimondo is setting up an interesting blend of new blood in her leadership team combined with at least one Rhody seasoned pro in David Cruise to keep track of the “buried bodies” in the legislature. Her focus on “jobs, jobs, jobs” dominates the rhetoric. Missing is any sense of direct competition with our neighbors in tax or incentive ideas, at least so far.
THE PAWSOX will be a interesting first test for the new governor. It’s pretty clear new ownership will be in place shortly. This subset of minority Red Sox ownership will certainly be planning a stadium upgrade or relocation. The Chafee administration said nothing about it..Raimondo is taking meetings with Pawtucket officials…but timing may not be good. Looks like everyone is flat footed just waiting for permission to engage.
THE OBAMA TEAM takes plenty of heat for no real presence in France last week. And while they took ownership of the criticism..it was refreshing to see European leadership with other key leaders expressing vigilance against terror on their own.
WHAT’S IN THE WATER IN OHIO? One young man’s alleged plot to attack the U.S. Capitol and another planning to take out the Speaker? Both averted, thank you.
GAS PRICES are such a relief. For now. Clearly the market is flooded..and that will lessen the argument for The Keystone Pipeline , increase the argument for higher gas taxes..and both could come back to bite us down the road.
HIGHWAY PROTESTS are the new thing. When you figure out how this tactic advances any cause..let me know.
COLLEGE HOOPS are healthy with PC and URI posed to make a run at the tournament. Makes the winter fun.
And get your rain year out Sunday. Pats will take care of the ball and advance, my guess.
Have a great weekend.
