Editor’s note: these are the candidate’s responses to questions provided by RIPR. The views expressed are the candidate’s alone, edited only in cases of inappropriate or libelous language. No changes have been made to correct errors of fact, spelling or grammar.
If elected, what will be the candidate’s top three priorities?
I have only one priority – to create conditions for Rhode Islanders to flourish in the most amazing state in the Union. To create these conditions within the constraints of the office of Lt. Governor requires using the access, exposure, and administrative freedom of the office to identify and facilitate the elimination of red tape, waste, ineffectiveness, and poor customer service throughout the functioning of state government, starting with the highly visible inefficiency of the DMV Registry and progressing through the much more important processes of DCYF and the state’s Human Services operations. This will set the expectation that all of our state government functions will be efficient, effective, and customer-focused, driving further changes, reducing taxes, simplifying regulations, and making Rhode Island the place that businesses and families want to call home.
How would the candidate support small business in Rhode Island?
By state law, the Lt. Governor chairs three advisory councils, one of which is the Small Business Advisory Council. He appoints three members to that council, enhancing the office’s authority with regard to small business. While the Lt. Governor doesn’t set policy or pass legislation, I will request and support legislative action to eliminate competition-killing regulations that do nothing to protect our citizens, simplify the process and reduce the costs of licensing, and eliminate taxes and regulations that are a disincentive to opening and building businesses in Rhode Island. I do not support bribes to individual businesses to locate or expand in Rhode Island. Instead, I will drive measures that create a business-friendly environment that attracts small businesses through support systems like the incubator project Hope & Main, a strong workforce, low energy costs, and effective transportation systems.
