Story Isn’t Whether to Sit Down, But Who’s At Table

Sorry, Providence Journal, much as you might not like it, we are no longer debating whether or not the state should be negotiating pension reform with organized labor as your over-hyped headline and otherwise great long-form story on the drama this morning suggests.

Remember, after all, on Tuesday when you broke the news that the governor is, in fact, talking with union leaders about this very topic?

As a point of fact, the executive branch is already at the table. The question at this point is whether or not treasury wants a seat there too.

My guess is Raimondo will eventually join the talks. In fact, Chafee ought to request her presence at the next meeting between he, and labor leaders Bob Walsh and George Nee.

I’m sure all three of these players believe she’d be a valuable voice in those discussions. And, more importantly, our elected leaders shouldn’t shy away from engaging with their adversaries. Remember, talking doesn’t equal acquiescing. Or, sitting down and holding your ground are not mutually exclusive.

As much as EngageRI might not want her to give labor any credence, she ought to listen to the more politically viable advice coming from the likes of Mayors Angel Taveras and Allen Fung, who both told WPRO this morning they would sit down too.

In the meantime,the one thing you can take to the bank is that the local mainstream media will tie itself in knots trying to defend Gina and disparage Linc.