Anchor Sinking: The Dismal Science of the Right
For a site with such an optimistic name, it’s funny how you can always count on Anchor Rising to pounce on anything that can be spun to reflect poorly on the state of Rhode Island. No, the glass is not half full according to that other blog; it’s defective, leaking, and surely the fault of [...]
The Tax Stat the Right Wing Doesn’t Want You to See
You’ve seen it so many times before it’s almost a cliché: An anti-tax, corporate front group produces a report on taxes, and Rhode Island ranks unfavorably. Invariably next, the fringe-right echoes the findings as confirmation of the correctness of their own solution to every problem, tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy paid for by [...]
Governor Should Appoint Brian Hull to EDC Board
It was good timing for me that former RI Future owner Brian Hull had to focus on finishing his studies at Harvard University earlier this year, giving me an opportunity to take over this site from him. Now it’s good timing for Rhode Island. Hull just graduated from Harvard’s prestigious Kennedy School of Government with [...]
Even the Winners are Losers in 38 Studios Fallout
With all of the financial trouble coming out of Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios, quite a number of Rhode Islanders are probably justified in saying “I told you so.” And probably another bunch aren’t justified, but are saying it anyways. But here’s the thing, beyond the “things worked out the way I said they would” factor, [...]
Forget About Schilling, Stokes; Let’s Rethink EDC
As we think about the potential debacle that 38 Studios represents, it’s worth putting a quarter into the time machine and revisiting some great moments in EDC history. This is from a 2009 column I wrote about EDC (link – scroll down to “EDC: What’s the point?”). A report had just come out scolding EDC’s [...]
Stokes Pushed Too Hard for 38 Studios Deal
Expect Keith Stokes to lose his job as executive director of the state Economic Development Corporation over the debacle with 38 Studios. In fact, he ought to offer his resignation, if he hasn’t already. He pushed for the hugely risky deal and even begged at least one lawmaker not to propose legislation that would have [...]
Hard to Tell Who Knew of 38 Studios Deal
Rhode Island is hyperfocused on Curt Schilling. But unlike eight years ago when he heroically hurled us to a World Series victory, this time we have to rely on his business – not athletic – acumen. His video game company, 38 Studios, was given a taxpayer guaranteed $75 million loan to move from Massachusetts to [...]
Polluting Waterfront Poster Child Cashes Out
The poster child for the industry led effort to kill the $400 million redevelopment of the hospital adjacent area of Allens Avenue just cashed out, selling the firm to Sims Metal Management. Ship repair company Promet Marine Services Corporation Ltd., located at Allens Avenue in Providence, was acquired by a metal recycling company. Promet’s deep [...]
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