In the upcoming election, Question 5 is an important issue for arts-aware voters to consider. The first of its kind in Rhode Island, if passed it would allocate $35 million in bond funding specifically for arts and culture facilities, as well as historic sites throughout the state. David Beauchesne, executive director of the Rhode Island […]
There are many realities no one mentions to parents before they have kids: sleepless nights last well past the newborn phase; the words “carefree” and “relaxing” drop from your vocabulary, and, upon birth, your sex life suffers an instantaneous demise. There’s one truth, however, that’s been the most shocking of all: SUMMER IS HELL!!! I […]
RI Governor Todd Giroux (D): We’re moving in the direction of having tax-free-zones for art collaboratives. That’s the long-term answer to the business community. Gina Raimondo (D): I think we can do a much better job of branding Rhode Island as a tourist destination, and that includes highlighting the amazing work being produced by Rhode Islanders. We […]
I was asked to write about the three primaries I find most interesting. I am not the person to be writing about primaries because 20 years ago I filed a federal suit asking that primaries be either eliminated or paid for by the parties instead of the taxpayers. My primary bitch, then and now, relates […]
It’s hardly any secret that the Rhode Island economy is in bad shape. In the most recent monthly data from June 2014, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 7.9 percent – a tie for worst in the nation between Rhode Island and Mississippi. It has been a lot worse, and Rhode Island improved since June […]
I’ve been lamenting the representation of women playwrights on the American stage since I learned that only 17 percent of all plays produced in the U.S. are written by women. And women playwrights are lamenting as well. In a 2008 New York Times article, playwright Gina Gionfriddo protested the lack of women’s plays produced in […]
As we enter the final stretch of the Rhode Island Gubernatorial primary races, we are faced with four viable Democrats and two viable Republicans. I will immediately eliminate one of the Democrats involved in the contest. Sorry Mr. Giroux. You are an interesting man. But, barring a catastrophic event that vaporizes the three other Democrats […]
RI Governor Todd Giroux (D): I am in favor of legalization of cannabis for adult use. The “let’s wait and see” attitude is going to result in watching other states create the revenue while RI falls further behind. The momentum is very strong. I believe it will pass within the next two years Gina Raimondo (D): It […]
RI Governor Todd Giroux (D): I think there’s a number of arts and non-profit supporters who understand the issue enough to design executive committees to bring action to the problem. For example, the mobile trolleys. I believe they can work with the busing authorities, for example, to promote destination-based community events. Gina Raimondo (D): I think, generally […]
RI Governor Todd Giroux (D): I want RI to be the Amsterdam of the East Coast. I want to have the most welcoming atmosphere of business, culture and lifestyle. Not every leader understands that lifestyle is a consumer choice. Gina Raimondo (D): I think, generally speaking, we need to do a better job of helping our artists […]