The Hummel Report: A Metal Muddle

The four-story brick building has been a fixture between Allens Avenue and the Providence waterfront since 1899. Patrick Conley bought the turn-of-the-century building more than a decade ago, and later envisioned Conley’s Wharf as part of a plan to transform the north end of the waterfront into a mixed use area with restaurants, hotels and residences.

Conley’s company, Providence Piers, invested $7 million to transform the building, including a spacious fourth-floor meeting room overlooking the Providence River.

When it was finished, the building, which received state and federal tax credits, went on the National Register of Historic Places and began to attract tenants. But in late 2011, Sims Metal Management bought land adjacent to Conley’s property and began stockpiling scrap metal.

It’s a familiar sight to anyone travelling on Route 95 north the past five years: a scrap heap that sometimes rises as high as the four-story building next to it.

“They actually closed (on the sale) and dumped their scrap right on the land itself, without even putting down a concrete pad, which they’ve done since,” Conley said.”They just dumped the scrap in October, November of 2011 and they built the scrap pile initially up to a height of almost 80 feet. Millions of tons of scrap.” And that, Conley said, had an immediate effect on his building. “All of the sudden cracks started to appear throughout those additions, totaling 8,000 or 9,000 square feet, to the point where they had to be vacated because they were unsafe. Because that area could collapse at any minute because the cracks are an inch or two wide and getting wider all of the time.”

Providence Piers filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Providence, seeking injunctions to stop Sims, all of which were denied. Sims maintains that it is not responsible for any of the damage and that Conley’s building was settling anyway. And the company’s attorney refused to speak with us about the case.

The situation has also caused an exodus at 200 Allens Avenue. “And because of the arrival of Sims, the damages that were caused, particularly the lower level of the building where many of the artists’ studios were located, toxic emissions, particulate matter from the scrap pile, they decided not to renew their lease,” Conley said. “So we lost our main tenant. And then some of the other tenants moved out as well.”

Conley says Rhode Island’s Departments of Transportation and Environmental Management have both dropped the ball. DOT, he says, is ignoring a law that regulates junkyards within 1,000 feet of a federal highway, such as Route 95.

“We were able to preserve it, make it economically viable and place it on the National Register,” Conley said. “So it’s an historic site. And yet, the state has shown no interest whatsoever in protecting[it]. If you went up to Benefit Street or somewhere else and started trashing an historic property, there’d be an outrage. This is an historic property, no one cares.’’ Conley says he’s simply asking for his day in court, but understands why the defendants don’t want to see the case go to a jury. “There will be a verdict in our favor for damages. They’ve caused damages — it’s incontrovertible that the building has been damaged in some way and to some amount by the activities of Sims. It will be up to a jury, guided by the judge, of course, to make a determination of the extent of the damages. We certainly would want to bring the jury over for a view, for a visit, and walk them through that building to make their own decision as to whether these millions of tons of steel within 100 feet of this building could have caused the damages that they will witness.”

The Hummel Report is a 501 3C non-profit organization that relies, in part, on your donations. If you have a story idea or want make a donation go to HummelReport.org, where you can also see the video version of this story. You can mail Jim directly at [email protected].

An Interview with The Walking Dead’s Michael Cudlitz

The question, “Who shot JR?” still resonates in American culture – the cliffhanger was a summer obsession for a generation of Americans. But not too many people remember the answer (sister-in-law Kristin Shepard). “Walking Dead” fans have been held in a similarly painful speculative limbo by Negan’s murder of someone out of 11 favorite characters left kneeling before his barb-wire clad baseball named Lucille. For these fans, however, the episode-long, gut wrenching, tear-inducing reveal provided answers none will soon forget. Spoilers ahead!

The previous season, in case you need a reminder, came to a close with new arch-villain Negan promising to kill one of our intrepid collection of heroes and anti-heroes, to show them their place in his new world order. A man of his word, he took that bat to the head of … until last weekend’s season premier, you could place your bet in Vegas.

The reveal was a grueling episode in which Negan doggedly tried to break group leader Rick, and convert him to a loyal – or at least, resigned and frightened — follower. This included several flavors of psychological and physical torture, not least of which was the batting of not one but – surprise – two members of the team. We had a chance to catch up with Michael Cudlitz between tapings of a morning show and Conan O’Brien, in anticipation of his visit to RI Comic Con this year. Cudlitz portrayed Abraham Ford, the tough army Sergeant who was Negan’s first, cliff-hanger answering victim. The second victim was papa-to-be Glenn, another fan favorite, played by Stephen Yeun.

Motif: What did you know and when did you know it?

Michael Cudlitz: We knew as soon as they broke it – they talked with us about. So Stephen and I knew what was going to happen about a year and four months ago.

Motif: Wow. Was that a hard secret to keep?

MC: It wasn’t hard. You just don’t talk about it at all. Once you know you have this information people want from you, you don’t dance around with it, you just shut down all discussion of it. In some ways, it’s actually weirder now that I can talk about.

Motif: Were you surprised?

MC: If you watch the show – and I was a fan before I was on it – you know the average life expectancy. If you think a certain character or your character is not going to die, you’re kind of a moron. I knew for a number of reasons that Abraham’s time was coming.

Motif: My money was on either Glenn or you, largely because you were both in happy relationships, and those don’t seem to last long on “Walking Dead.”

MC: [Laughs] Well I don’t think there’s a deliberate message there that these characters don’t get to be happy, or get punished for it. I do think sometimes a character’s story is told, and it’s time to make way for new stories. Abraham came a long way, and he was really in a good place. I feel like his story was told.

Motif: So, what’s Jeffry Dean Morgan like? Will you have flashbacks seeing him at Comic Con?

MC: Not at all, he’s awesome. He’s an amazing actor, but, like actors like Donald Sutherland, he brings all the weight of his previous performances to the role too. I think that gravity contributed to him being such a powerful antagonist – but also such a charismatic one. He’s really a likeable villain, in spite of everything.

Motif: Couldn’t Abraham have taken Negan?

MC: Well, in a fair fight I think so, but in this situation… Abraham knew guys like this. He understood how this guy [Negan] thought, and he knew that if he did anything like what Daryl did [fighting back], that it would just be worse for the group.

Motif: So he was taking one for the team.

MC: Absolutely, he wanted to protect his family – the people he loved. He wanted Negan to choose him. But he knew, if he said, “Choose me,” it wouldn’t happen. So he was trying to find ways to get under Negan’s skin really without being obvious.

Motif: I’ve seen you quoted as saying, “As an actor, you try to put a little of yourself in everything you do…” What of yourself is in Abraham?

MC: Abraham has a lot in common with me, and I think with qualities I wish I had, or would like to have more of. He’s direct, he’s chivalrous. He has an anchoring quality – sort of grounds and solidifies situations, which people tell me I have.

Motif: Favorite Abraham moment?

MC: Saying good-bye to Rosita was a really powerful moment. We knew as actors that they wouldn’t see each other again, but our characters didn’t know. And of course Abe said all the wrong things, in all the worst ways. But it was touching for us, and it was great to work with Christian [Serratos, who plays Rosita Espinosa] – she’s new and really an amazing talent who’s going to do some great things. I’m very proud to have worked with her.

And saying good bye to Josh [McDermitt, who plays Eugene Potter]. That was poignant – we really had bonded as friends and characters.

Motif: What did you drink to commemorate your last day?

MC: Well, it was a night shoot, which we finished at about 7am, so I just went home and slept really well. But in general, I like to have a quiet moment with a good cigar and some whisky or tequila. That’s how I like to kick back, and for people who don’t like it, well … fuck ‘em.

Motif: There’s a phenomenon going on with the walking dead. Nailbiting cliffhangers aside, what do you think is behind its appeal?

MC: I don’t know. It’s a really different show now from what it started as, and the character journeys are certainly part of it. And I know a lot of people are intrigued by an apocalypse – not necessarily a zombie apocalypse – but that’s a thing people are thinking about. But really I think it’s just lightning in a bottle. Anybody who claims to know the secret is nuts. Every 6 or 7 years, something comes along that just hits it, all the factors combine and you get magic.

Motif: Is it weird hearing Andrew Lincoln’s accent in real life [the Australian actor portrays American sheriff Rick Grimes]?

MC: No. It’s what we do. We all speak differently from our characters. He’s a good man and a great guy to work with.

Motif: Ever hang out with the zombies? MC: We don’t really get to hang out with them, because they’re always being well protected from the elements. They have some really dedicated repeat walkers and dedicated zombie artists, and we couldn’t do it without them. But they have so much make up and prostheses, they have to be very carefully maintained between shots.

Motif: What are you watching right now?

MC: Well, right now I’ve been kind of busy, but recently I’ve been catching up on “Game of Thrones.” “Westworld” – that’s a slow build but I really like what they’re doing with it, and I hope they don’t screw that up. As a guilty pleasure, “Lucifer.” And “Mr. Robot.”

Motif: Have you been to Rhode island before?

MC: I have – I had a great time! I was visiting the Luz family – George Luz was on Band of Brothers with me. I remember you have this diner that’s inside sort of an RV and serves these burgers…

Motif: Haven Brothers?

MC: Yes – definitely gotta hit that place again!

Motif: What’s next for you professionally?

MC: I don’t know, we’ll see what happens. Part of keeping this secret was that Stephen [Yeun = Glenn] and I couldn’t really be out there looking for work. We just had to sit tight.

Motif: Well, we look forward to seeing you at RI Comic Con, or maybe at Haven Brothers.

Anti-Social Media

I recently posted on Facebook asking people if they’d unfriended or unfollowed people this political season over their political posts. (Unfriending leads to no further contact. Unfollowing means not receiving their posts unless you go looking for them). I knew I’d get some replies – the trend has been documented in a number of places. In ancient Egypt, a defeated pharaoh might have his name chiseled off tablets, monuments and sculptures by his successor. Now, you can do it in real time with any of a number of apps that promise to block news or posts with the name “Trump” in them (Trump Trump). This approach is obviously not great for either open-mindedness or historical accuracy.

I was surprised by the number of responses I got, and the speed with which they came. I’m a regular social media user – this was easily the most responded to post I’ve done in a very long time. It seems there’s a pent-up need to communicate about unfollowing / unfriending, and the associated angst, as much as there is a pent-up need on the part of some social media users to express thoughts that make people want to unfollow them.

Social media continues to grow more inclusive – possibly as many as 95% of Americans have Facebook profiles now. As more and more people get on social, an interesting counter-trend may be the limiting of individual networks. At one time, you would friend everyone you knew and could find on Facebook. It was the start of a new party, and anyone who showed up was welcome. Now, with everyone at that party, who you’re actually interested in spending time with is becoming more exclusive.

Facebook and Twitter have been famously bad at giving you control over different levels of friendship. You can set it up, but it’s time consuming. It’s actually something the widely unused Google+ handles pretty well. But who wants a well-managed social network with no one else there?

This political season, with its encouragement of extreme opinions and its tacit, from-the-top (at least half of the top) endorsement of speaking before you think, has probably accelerated an inevitable culling. Social media is splitting into two levels – who you know (think LinkedIn), and who you actually want to talk to (texting being a prime example). In between those tools you have split level platforms like Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Granddaddy Facebook, where users want both populations.

The folks who responded to my post fell across a spectrum, from, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion” (non de-friender and local actor Melanie Scelera), “I would not unfriend anyone because of their beliefs. If I cared about them I would try and support an awakening in their ignorance.” (theater producer and marketer Corinne Wahlberg) and “I like to have friends of varying beliefs and backgrounds to get a better understanding of the world. However, this summer, I used the unfollow button for the first time.” (local filmmaker and “Curious Escape Rooms” owner Audrey Chow) to “I only want friends who agree with me and I block everyone else” sentiments. Local musician Keefer Pez says, “I find that Donald Trump has brought out the hidden racists on my friend list. And I have totally used this election as an opportunity to weed out the douchebags.” For others, like local filmmaker Mel Dupont, unfollowing has become a matter of self-preservation. “For me, blocking is a coping mechanism. Blocking helps me keep my blood pressure down,” she explains.

Open mindedness got a lot of props. Local improv powerhouse Tim Thibideau said, ”One thing I find intriguing is that people will judge or unfriend you if you like a specific candidate’s facebook page. They see it as support. I see it as gathering information … for example I follow FOX and MSNBC to see how a specific story is discussed. Different perspectives help me decipher things. Usually I hold my feelings to myself but like to see all angles. I don’t think I will defriend anyone unless hate is suggested. Sometimes I stay friends with someone just to make sure I am never in the same place as them.”

On the other extreme you can find filmmaker Rod Weber, who may be a special case as he’s been documenting Trump rallies, including one where a supporter grabbed Rod’s camera and threw it up, over the crowd. Great for aerial footage. Not so great for the camera. “Vine, where I have the most followers, is where it is most noticeable. I have had more death threats than I can count, and I have even received a video from a KKK guy in full KKK robe…”

But almost everyone had some people they cut off. “I had to unfollow two people in my personal network,” says professional social media consultant Sarah Johnson. “It wasn’t because of what they believed or who they supported, it was because of how they said what they were saying. There was a lot of unnecessary nastiness and meanness.”

Johnson is the Director of Digital Marketing Services at RDW Group, working with a team of social strategists managing dozens of social media presences and a network of over 250,000 users. She doesn’t see the recent rise in bilious social reactions affecting what they’re doing at RDW significantly. “We focus on sectors like higher education, retail, finance and government. The political climate hasn’t really crept into those conversations in a meaningful way,” she says.

Caswell Cooke, the social marketer responsible for, among other things, the Misquamicut Tourism page (fb.com/misquamicutbeach), which boasts over 83,000 followers, says politics haven’t affected their efforts at all. “We haven’t had to deal with any political posts. If we did, I think we’d just delete them – it has nothing to do with a beach community.” If anything, he thinks the stormy waters of political discourse on the social seas may actually help Misquamicut’s efforts to connect with its community. “If anything, we’re more like an oasis. We put up beautiful shots of the beach, and people look at them to get away from everything else, everything stressful,” he explains.

“With personal networks contracting, it may take a little more effort to get the same number of ‘shares,’ but we don’t really see it having a grander impact,” agrees Johnson. “If anything, in customer relations we’re seeing people grow more reasonable. Instead of just lashing out because they’re upset with a company, they’re saying ‘I’m upset. Here’s why. Here’s what I’d like to have happen to make this right.’ Which is great, because customer service can work with that.” So it sounds like people are learning to use social media appropriately. And for some, railing against or for certain political views is considered appropriate — with friends. If that leaves you in the camp of “with friends like these, who needs enemies?” you are clearly not alone going into this November.

I did also ask on Facebook whether anyone had unfriended or unfollowed me. Not surprisingly, no one answered.

Phillipe & Jorge’s Cool, Cool World

Bond-ing in the Booth

Bond and referenda questions on the ballot are about as boring as watching the Hallmark channel on TV. But there are three items that deserve your attention this year, so don’t bail out of the voting booth until after you have voted on this troika.

First off, Question #6, for the $35 million in Green Economy Bonds, is an absolute no-brainer for approval. It will provide funding for some already successful investments in open space and farmland preservation, historic state park development, new funds to design and construct bikeways (linking the 60 miles of existing paths with existing roads like the Blackstone Bikeway), and last but not least, money for stormwater pollution prevention and reclamation of brownfields. The latter two are also serious revenue and jobs generators for communities. Now that the business community and development communities recognize that the environment and economy are inextricably linked, they are also realizing that these programs will attract innovative new firms, creating conditions favored by young job seekers and entrepreneurs and the tech-savvy way of life they value. The environmental enhancements also help support the state’s tourism industry, which drives 40,000 jobs and generates $3.3 billion annually. Yes, oh yes, on the Green Economy Bonds, Question #6.

Second is Question #2, the “Amendment to the Constitution of the State” and despite the vague title, this is the most important one to weigh in on. The referendum will restore ethics commission jurisdiction over General Assembly. This one is big time, boys and girls, and essential to cutting out many of the blatant conflicts of interest of legislators that now exist at Halitosis Hall. If you are as fed up as P&J are with the state being run by the Mattiello and Paiva Weed crime families, let’s bring back a more powerful ethics commission, which was castrated years ago by a court ruling. When dense bullies like Speaker Nick Mattiello and complacent puppets of special interests like Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed are two of the most powerful pols in Little Rhody — both of whom have fought against ethics reform for years, despite their death bed conversions last year when they saw further opposition would cost them votes — you are in serious trouble, Batman. Mattiello still has to answer for his role in the 38 Studios scandal when he was House Majority Leader. He claims he had no knowledge of the Gordon Fox-Steve Costantino backroom deal to funnel $75 million to a clapped out Red Sox pitcher with no business acumen, and if he wasn’t aware, he was either too stupid to be trusted, or he’s lying. Take your pick. There are still some open doors that allow legislators to dodge accountability, but this is a big leap forward, so vote yes for Referenda Question 2 if you ever hope to see a glimmer of honesty and/or transparency on Smith Hill in the future.

Finally, the question you have doubtless seen and heard about due to the massive advertising buy locally to gain voters is Question 1, which is a typically bizarre Biggest Little trick question. This would authorize “state-operated casino gaming at ‘Twin River-Tiverton’ in the Town of Tiverton. Well, on the face of it this will be a winner, since everyone knows the gambling ship has already sailed in Vo Dilun, we’re never getting back our betting virginity, and what’s one more Zombieland casino out in the boondocks of Tiverton going to matter? But wait, there’s more! For Twin River to start having you put your money where their mouth is, it must also be approved by the residents of Tiverton on a local ballot referendum. And unless Phillipe & Jorge read this incredibly wrong, we believe the citizens of Tiverton will likely not choose to sell their town down the gambling river and bankrupt the future of their next generation. Newport found itself in the same state/local situation in the last election, and while casino gambling for the City-by-the-Sea passed statewide, it got its ass kicked by Newporters. Somewhat ironic, since if Tiverton voters reject the lure of the gambling palace, no matter what statewide voters say, Twin River has to go home, and the depressing “Newport Sluts” Den of the Dead will continue to limp along, slowly bleeding out the bank accounts of the deranged and deluded who go there now to forget the real world. Ain’t life a gas?

Bush Meat

Now that “suck-up to the stars” Billy Bush has been canned by NBC’s Today show for playing organ grinder monkey to professional misogynist Donald Trump’s lovely sexual predation, it is not surprising to find that he has an excellent pedigree in such affairs. Grinning chimp “Bushie” is a graduate of St. George’s School in Middletown, now nationally renowned for horrific sexual abuse by its staff and students down through the years, largely unreported to authorities. So if it’s sordid, salacious and shameless you want, call a St. Groper’s alum.

Rock & Roll Collectors Convention

Yes, it’s time again for another of Dr. Oldie’s Original Southeastern New England Rock & Roll Collectors Conventions with records, tapes, CDs, posters and all sorts of other stuff. Dr. Oldie will be there. It’s at the Ramada Hotel, 213 Taunton Ave. in Seekonk, Massachusetts with plenty of parking. It’s a good place to be. Presidential Election, 2016 Finally, on Tuesday, November 8, the United States will be electing someone to serve as President for the next four years. This has been one of the most tumultuous and dissatisfying presidential campaigns we’ve ever witnessed (and P&J go back to Ike when it comes to this). One thing that we have learned over the years is that a third party candidate is not going to be elected, not yet, anyway. Either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will be elected and we have some very strong feelings about this. As you know, if you have been reading the Cool, Cool World, your superior correspondents were strong supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders until he was finally defeated in the Democratic primary. The one thing we know is this: Donald Trump is not someone who should ever be President of the United States. Unless you live in an alternative reality (as he seems to), believing myriad and ludicrous conspiracy theories (that the entire Western media and Western governments and business interests fear losing power, influence and wealth if Trump is elected), you cannot seriously vote for this charlatan. He has no understanding of how representative democracies work, he thinks and talks like a dictator and his empty words (“no one respects woman more than me,” etc.) are an affront to every voter’s ability to think and reason. He hasn’t detailed anything specific policy-wise, just made broad generalizations and given many angry (for good reason) Americans exactly what they want to hear. There are, of course, many other angry and frustrated people who do not think that rolling back Roe v. Wade and LGBT advances, packing the Supreme Court with ultra-right wing justices and banning and kicking out millions of immigrants from our country (or building giant walls) are answers to our many challenges. We realize that what we write is not going to convince hardly anyone, but we can tell you that Phillipe & Jorge will be voting for Hillary Clinton and we suggest that you do the same. Right now, that is the best we can do.

The Hummel Report: An Investment Is in the Sewer

The proposal was aimed at helping businesses in North Kingstown. And in 2009, voters there approved it, giving the green light to a $10 million bond issue for sewer installation along Post Road — part of a larger project that will eventually include another section of Post Road to the north and The Wickford Business District farther south.

“I thought it would be a good thing for Post Road. Post Road’s been dying, for years and years and years,’’ said Gordon Kilday Jr., whose family has owned Quonset Auto Body for decades. His father moved to their current location in 2001 when the state took their property by eminent domain in the late 1990s to expand Route 403 into Quonset. The Kildays had to scramble to find land and wound up on a lot that is only a couple of hundred feet wide, but 2000 feet in from Post Road. The property in the back, which we couldn’t even get to, and drops off 30-40 feet into a swamp, making it virtually unusable.

“They call them pencil lots,” he said. “My lot is a half mile long. We didn’t want all the property, but it was owned by the farmer who owned this land, so we had to buy the whole piece of property, then have it rezoned.’’

And that would come back to haunt Kilday when the town assessed his lot for sewers. In 2014 he received a bill for more than half a million dollars — before even hooking up to the system. That’s because North Kingstown — unlike any of the surrounding communities in Rhode Island — calculated the assessment of commercial property based on total square footage, instead of frontage along Post Road.

Kilday is not alone.

John Becker moved to North Kingstown three years ago and was looking for property that would generate some income. So he bought two multi-family units just north of Quonset Auto Body. Same kind of lot: 200 feet wide and half a mile deep, for a total of nearly 11 mostly wooded acres of land. Becker’s sewer assessment came in at $321,000. His land for tax purposes is valued at $286,000.

“It’s just a shocking amount of money,’’ Becker said. “It’s insane. You’re never going to get that from the land. The trees don’t pay any income. Squirrels don’t pay me any rents. And the odds of making money on this parcel are really slim.’’

Becker, Kilday and the owner of the Pagoda Inn, between them, have hired an attorney to appeal. But this is new territory for the town: The vast majority of North Kingstown has no sewers, so the town council is going to act as the appeals board, the first time it has had to do so.

The town so far has billed Kilday $60,000, but pushed off the payment date until next year.

Council President Kerry McKay tells The Hummel Report he is hesitant to speak in detail publicly about the situation because he and his fellow council members will ultimately decide the appeal sometime this fall.

The state legislation authorizing the bond contained wording that says, in part: “Such assessments shall be just and equitable and shall be based upon frontage or area within a specified reasonable distance from the street … or other equitable method … as may be determined by the town council.’’

It also says the council can make adjustments. Becker said just he’s looking for a reasonable assessment. “I mean I understand it costs money to build sewers and I understand it’s not cheap, but the way things are working right now they’re really unfairly penalizing these massive lots that are not that useful.’’

Kilday told us the last thing he wanted to do was have to go public with his situation. “I fly under the radar. I don’t like to make waves. I don’t like to fight with people. I like to come to work and do my job and I like to go home and enjoy my family. So I didn’t want to go in front of a camera. I didn’t want to write a letter to the editor. But I’ve been backed into a corner — I don’t have any choice. Because I don’t know what else to do.’’

The Hummel Report is a 501 3C non-profit organization that relies, in part, on your donations. If you have a story idea or want make a donation go to www.HummelReport.org, where you can also see the video version of this story. You can mail Jim directly at [email protected].

In Their Own Words

We asked the following questions of candidates for US Congress. These are the people we’d be sending to Washington, so we went easy on the RI-related policy questions and tried to open up some of the bigger pictures. Respondents in the race for District #1 were David Cicilline (Dem, incumbent) and Russell Taub (Rep). Respondents in the race for District #2 were Jeff Johnson (Ind), James Langevin (Dem, incumbent), Rhue Reis (Rep). Independent candidate Sal Caiozzo could not be reached for comment. Any editing was strictly for clarity or spelling.

What is the single most important issue facing RI right now and how would you address it in Congress? Is the biggest issue facing the country different?

David Cicilline (D): The most important issue facing Rhode Island is the need for more good-paying jobs that can support a family. Spurring economic growth for our state has been my number one priority in Congress. My focus has been on: 1) Helping secure more than $300 million in funding to improve public safety, fix our crumbling infrastructure and create quality jobs. 2) Revitalizing our manufacturing sector by passing an amendment that levels the playing field for American manufacturers when competing for government contracts and cosponsoring legislation to promote our advanced manufacturing economy. 3) Creating an economy that works for everyone by working to raise the minimum wage and cosponsoring the Paycheck Fairness Act to end the wage gap for women. 4) Making it easier for Rhode Islanders to get the skills they need to compete in a global economy by introducing new legislation to reduce student loan debt.

The most important issue facing our country over the next few weeks is making sure that Donald Trump is soundly defeated. He has shown a stunning level of disrespect to women, immigrants, Muslims, the disabled, veterans, Gold Star families, Latinos, African Americans … the list goes on. In addition, he is woefully uninformed on both domestic and foreign policy issues and is fundamentally unfit to serve as president.

Jeff Johnson (I): The most important issue facing both Rhode Island and the world today is climate change. Rhode Island, as a coastal state, should be especially concerned with ensuring that sea levels do not continue to rise and threaten our coastal residences. We face a choice: we can choose to work together and invest in the energy of the future, or remain idle and succumb to big business interests, who would make money at the expense of the health of our nation. As your congressman, I promise to put the climate first. I will implement both a carbon tax and further regulate industrial agriculture to ensure that our climate is protected.

Jim Langevin (D): The most important issue facing Rhode Island and our nation is the economy, and fostering an environment that supports job growth. This is one of my top priorities in Congress, because as I visit businesses around our state, I hear often that companies are hiring but are struggling to find qualified candidates. This gulf, known as the skills gap, is a national issue because our education system has become disconnected from the workplace. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus in Congress, I am focused on closing that skills gap and ensuring that young people have access to the training, education and certification programs that will prepare them for the jobs that are available today and will grow in the future.

Rhue Reis (R): I believe the single most important issue facing RI and the country is illegal immigration. Illegal immigration costs the country $113 billion annually with the bulk of that falling to the states and local cities and towns. As RI is considered a sanctuary state, significant burdens of those costs are being levied to our taxpayers both individual and corporate. This can only cause those taxpayers to seriously evaluate whether staying in RI will continue to be viable in the future. The high taxes contribute to our state’s ranking as the unfriendliest place to do business, while sending jobs out and keeping wages low. This also takes resources away from the poor, elderly and veterans, many of whom are members of the homeless community. I fail to understand how my opponent can claim that jobs and the economy are his greatest concern when he continues to promote illegal immigration with the gift of amnesty and reform. He is also calling for an increase in the number of Syrian refugees at the extreme cost of $64,000 per person. This is not only a threat to our safety and security, but will put a drag on wages, jobs and state and local budgets.

Russell Taub (R): The economy is the biggest issue facing Rhode Island according to recent polls. Its the same issue [for the nation]. Would you advocate changing any gun laws, if elected? In what ways?

Cicilline: I’ve stood firm against the gun lobby to fight for common-sense gun safety reforms such as universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and preventing anyone on the No-Fly List from purchasing a firearm. I was proud to have helped organize an unprecedented sit-in on the House floor with my colleague Congressman John Lewis to insist that Congress act to get guns out of the hands of felons, domestic abusers and those suffering from mental illness.

Johnson: I am a gun owner and an avid supporter of the Second Amendment, so I recognize that gun ownership is a very important part of American culture. However, we should not be allowing criminals and those suffering from severe mental illness to purchase a gun. As your congressman, I will advocate for strong, mandatory background checks on all gun sales. This also means closing the gun show and private sales loopholes.

Langevin: I support the Second Amendment, but I also support commonsense reforms that will keep guns out of the wrong hands. I believe that every person who purchases a gun should have to undergo a background check. That means we must close the gun show loophole, and prohibit individuals on the No-Fly List who are suspected of terrorism from purchasing weapons. I also introduced the Crackdown on Deadbeat Gun Dealers Act to ensure that gun dealers are complying with federal regulations. Finally, we should reinstate and strengthen the federal ban on assault weapons, some of which have been used in recent shootings.

Reis: I would only be looking to roll back gun laws as they have no effect on criminals other than to give them a comfort zone. Gun laws only seem to apply to law abiding citizens and thus hinder their ability to protect themselves, their families and the community. First we must look at the whole picture. The FBI statistics say stricter gun laws cause more deaths among minorities. According to the Chicago Reporter, “more felony cases involving a gun–from illegal possession to unlawful sale to a felon–have been thrown out than cases with any other type of charge.” Most gun laws are written with fear, not common sense. Clearly what we need is for our government officials to uphold the laws, and to be accountable for their irresponsible actions.

Taub: Yes, to increase background checks and enforce the gun laws that are already on the books. Appropriate more funds to fight the illegal guns going around our country.

If you had to choose, would you allocate more financial support to 1. arts education 2. health education / fitness or 3. traditional academics?

Cicilline: I support all three. It’s important to support art as part of STEAM education, and make investments for our future. We must work to make education accessible and affordable to all.

Johnson: If I had to choose, I would advocate for increased funding of traditional education. However, this question does not address the real problem plaguing our education system. Instead, we need to focus on systematic poverty. This is why I advocate for a Universal Basic Income. Every American family will be given a small amount of money each month, enough to cover food, clothing and basic living expenses. Studies confirm that children raised in single parent households face significant educational disadvantages due to a lack of parental involvement. With a Universal Basic Income, single parents will be able to spend more time at home rather than being forced to work as long as 80 hours per week in order to just scrape by. Langevin: Arts education, health education and traditional subjects like math and science are all critical to a well-rounded education, and none should be overlooked. Last year, I supported passage of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, which empowers schools to incorporate art, music and many other subjects beyond the standard curriculum, and includes grant programs for extracurricular activities, with a special focus on using them to further student achievement. All of these investments are critical to student success.

Reis: To define which area of education is the more deserving or needing of additional financing is too far reaching and certainly varies by location. I believe the question should be [about] education as a whole. We need more effective use of the already substantial dollars that are being put toward education. Much of the waste in education is due to outdated and duplicate programs, fraud and the millions in RI alone who are not entitled to such programs.

Taub: Arts education.

What’s your position on the idea of free college tuition?

Cicilline: Rhode Island college graduates currently have the second highest student loan debt of any state in the country. Access to higher education shouldn’t just be available to the wealthy — every Rhode Islander deserves the opportunity to earn a college degree without financially crippling loans. I recently introduced legislation to help ease the burden of student loans by restructuring payments and making student loans interest-free.

Johnson: We are in the midst of a second industrial revolution. Mechanization and the internet are replacing many of the jobs traditionally held by American workers, while many more of these jobs are moving overseas as a result of globalization. The government has a responsibility to provide the opportunity to every American to earn a decent standard of living. In this modern world, this means providing access to higher education. A person’s financial situation should not be a barrier for any American to have access to opportunity. It is for this reason that I support making all public higher education institutions tuition free for all those families making under $125,000.

Langevin: I believe that higher education should be accessible to all students – not just those who can afford it. I have advocated strongly for the expansion of Pell grants that help young people pay for college, and we must do more to get the overall cost of college under control. That must include reining in interest rates on student loans. I believe that the interest rate should cover only the essential costs of administering the loan. The federal government should not be making a profit on the backs of hardworking students.

Reis: Nothing is free. Why should those who choose not to go to college have to pay for those who do? Also, those who do go to college will be paying for college education for the rest of their lives through higher taxes. Public education is free and look at where that is getting us … declining results. We need to get education costs down and lower the cost of student aid.

Taub: I do not support free college tuition because it means we have to increase taxes and eventually graduates will have to pay for it.

According to a study in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, US maternal mortality rates are currently some of the highest among developed nations. What do you view as the biggest contributing factor to this statistic and what can be done to address it? Cicilline: American women must have better access to healthcare. We need to improve and expand the ACA to ensure all Americans, especially women and children, have consistent access to affordable healthcare.

Johnson: Our maternal mortality rates are much higher because we do not have a system of universal healthcare. Our private healthcare market lets many Americans who cannot afford overly expensive private insurance fall through the cracks while enabling pharmaceutical companies and hospitals to charge rates much higher than the rest of the developed world. Obamacare was a step in the right direction, but even the Bronze Plan is much too expensive for the average American. As your congressman, I will expend Medicare, which has been incredibly successful for our seniors, to cover every American. Nobody should be bankrupted from high premiums nor from high copays.

Langevin: While the Affordable Care Act has reduced the percentage of uninsured Americans to a record low of just over 9%, access to quality, affordable healthcare remains a challenge, particularly in rural communities and for low-income women. We must work to improve on the ACA and continue breaking down barriers to care, for women and for all Americans. We must also do much more to support mothers in general, and that includes enacting paid family medical leave so that women don’t have to fear losing their jobs for taking care of themselves and their children.

Taub: It depends on the environment that they live in and the country. When I have more information I can give a better answer.

Are you concerned about the economic effects of climate change, particularly on RI? And if so, what should be done to slow or reverse the effects of climate change?

Cicilline: Of course. Climate change is happening and it’s outrageous that we still have elected officials denying the overwhelming scientific evidence. Here in the Ocean State we are particularly vulnerable with hundreds of miles of coastline — our tourism, fishing and agricultural industries are at risk to changing weather patterns and rising seas. I’m a staunch supporter of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to join with global partners and commit to meaningful reductions in carbon pollution. I’ve worked to secure federal funding to give Rhode Island the tools to study the impact of severe weather on our state and develop response and resilience capabilities. In addition, I support legislation to prohibit the government from issuing leases for the exploration, development or production of oil and gas drilling off of Rhode Island’s coast.

Johnson: As we continue polluting and contributing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, we put ourselves in an increasingly perilous position. Studies have found that as a result of sea temperature increases, hurricanes have been growing stronger in intensity and cause greater damage to coastal towns. As many as 40% of all Americans live on the coast, so as climate change causes additional flooding, many American homes and businesses will be terribly hurt by this. However, climate change does present a unique economic opportunity. As your congressman, I will not only work hard to reduce our carbon emissions, but I will ensure that the United States stays on the leading edge of green energy development. We will invest in research and engineering grants so that the United States can take its place in the world as a leading exporter of green technology.

Langevin: Climate change presents serious economic, environmental and national security challenges. In Rhode Island, we feel the effects more acutely because our economy is closely tied in to our coastal resources. Sea level rise, coastal erosion and the increasing frequency and severity of severe weather events threaten our homes, our businesses and the lives of our citizens. There are many steps we can and must take to address climate change, including reducing global emissions and decreasing our consumption of oil. As Energy Task Force Chair and a founding member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I believe that renewable energy is the future. We must invest in innovation and development of clean technologies like solar, wind and geothermal. I have supported legislation that would require 20% of our nation’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020, and that is just the beginning of what we must do to slow the damaging effects of climate change.

Reis: Climate change is a given! Just look at historical diagrams of the world going back millions and billions of years. The climate is changing and will always be changing! Instead of putting money into research, we should be funding the fixes, to change the environment for the better. We should not be rewarding companies that move to other countries, which have little to no regulation, while taxing the middle class and poor, who have no control over this issue.

Taub: No, I am not concerned about the effects of climate change on Rhode Island.

In a recent Washington Post survey, only 3% who responded considered congresspeople highly productive. Why do you think people look at congress so unfavorably?

Cicilline: Voters have every right to be frustrated. Instead of finding common ground on common-sense solutions like fixing our country’s crumbling infrastructure, making college more affordable, raising incomes or enacting sensible energy policies, Congress is stalled by members unwilling to compromise. I’ve rejected this and worked across the aisle to deliver for Rhode Island — most recently getting the GOP-controlled Congress to pass a bipartisan amendment I drafted that will help even the playing for Rhode Island-based manufacturers.

Johnson: People do not believe that Congress is highly productive simply because they are not. As much as Congress likes to claim that they are working for the American people, the fact remains that as long as big business and special interest groups are funding congressional campaigns, they will always be beholden to corporate interests. As your congressman, I will advocate for a constitutional amendment that would make all political campaigns publicly funded. This means that corporations would no longer be able to give money to congressional campaigns to advance their personal agenda. I will make sure that our democracy gives each American one vote, instead of giving those with more money an unequal say.

Langevin: Partisanship has reached an all-time high, which is incredibly frustrating because I have seen what good can come from working across the aisle. In fact, I have made bipartisanship a hallmark of my tenure in Congress, and I work with as many Republican partners as possible: on workforce development, it’s Republican Congressman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania; on cybersecurity, it’s Republican Congressman Mike McCaul of Texas; on disability policy, it’s Republican Congressman Gregg Harper of Mississippi. And that’s just to name a few. We don’t agree on everything, but we work together to find common ground and get results. That’s what our constituents deserve and expect from the people they elect.

Reis: Most Americans seem to think that overall, Congress is viewed unfavorably, but locally, most people view their congressman favorably. So there really should be two separate questions. I believe Congress is looked at unfavorably because of non-partisan bickering that produces minimal results. Taub: Because there is no accountability, too many scandals, [it is] not productive, [and there is ]non- stop arguing instead of finding common ground to find solutions.

Town Planner: Power Plant not a Fit for Burrillville

A controversial proposal for a 1,000 megawatt power plant in Burrillville is not a good fit for the community and puts its water resources at risk, according to town planner Thomas Kravitz.

Kravitz, who advises the town planning board, said a power plant was not what members had envisioned for the future of the town. “They didn’t feel the proposal was in conformance with the town comprehensive plan,” Kravitz said in an interview with Motif.

The town comprehensive plan outlines a vision for how town officials and the community want Burrillville to develop over the long term. It considers everything from cultural resources to conservation of open spaces — and a gas-fueled power plant is decidedly not part of the plan. Not only is the power plant not a good match for the community but the specific site selected is next to conservation land, Kravitz added.

Another major concern of the planning board is the impact on the local water supply. The power plant — officially named the Clear River Energy Center — could consume over 200,000 gallons of water a day, according to a fact sheet produced by a local citizens group opposed to the $700 million project. That would use up all the remaining water in the main town aquifer, according to Kravitz.

However, the planning board will not have the final say. Instead, the decision is up to the Energy Facility Siting Board, a division of the Public Utilities Commission, a state agency. As of this writing, the board, which has received an advisory opinion from the Burrillville Planning Board, had yet to render its own decision. The deadline for a vote has been repeatedly postponed. A final decision on the project, which is being backed by Invenergy, is currently expected in February 2017.

Many opponents of the project both locally and elsewhere in the state have raised concerns about its environmental impact — especially when the power plant does not seem to bring much of an economic benefit to the local community. Those include just 24 full-time jobs and what one citizens opposition group calls “a modest non-guaranteed reduction in utility bills” and “marginal per person tax benefits.” (There also would be 300 “non-guaranteed” temporary jobs according to the group, which calls itself Keep Burrillville Beautiful.)

“There should be more thought placed up front about where these projects are sited,” Kravitz said.

Assuming for the sake of argument that there is a need for a power plant in the region, Kravitz wonders why those behind the power plant proposal did not consider a city like Woonsocket instead of Burrillville. He noted that there is a commercial property in Woonsocket, the Walnut Hill Plaza, which has several vacant lots. The plaza is near gas lines and the needed power lines are also closer. Plus, cash-strapped Woonsocket could really use the tax revenues generated by the power plant, he added.

“How do you miss Woonsocket? How do you miss that?” Kravitz said, adding that his recommendation for a Woonsocket location was his personal opinion as a professional planner and did not reflect the view of the Burrillville Planning Board.

“It’s more of an economic injustice to Woonsocket than an environmental injustice to Burrillville,” he added.

Lunar Notes

Aries: Seems like everyone is confrontational lately. They’re in your face and you’re in theirs. Some of this has been downright nasty, but the energy is shifting, allowing a little kindness and diplomacy to gain some footing. Folks are open to compromise. Use this opportunity to settle this business once and for all.

Taurus: In general, people and circumstances around you are quite pleasant. There are a few folks and events that challenge your belief systems. As secrets are revealed, your mind opens to new possibilities. Those challenges open doors. A love interest or pleasant companion offers encouragement and a sympathetic ear.

Gemini: Some deep probing brings out your creative side. You write, paint or simply find creative solutions to everyday problems or ways to handle difficult folks in your life. The Full Moon nudges you along a new direction. A romantic interest with an optimistic, sunny personality looms large. Friends bring the party to you.

Cancer: Someone or something rattles your cage and threatens your sense of security. A lot of this is about power and control. Remember, you’re in control so keep your hands on the wheel and stay the course. There’s passion here involving a person or a cause. The Full Moon brings it all out in the open and clears the air.

Leo: For the most part your days are busy and pleasant. You do encounter some argumentative types on a power trip along the way. Be diplomatic but throw whatever they are dishing out right back. A romance might get serious, although you might not be ready for that. Entertaining at home or decorating the home space appeals.

Virgo: Unexpected money matters pop up. This is on the plus side, although you find it hard not to be extravagant as a result of this windfall. A romantic encounter with a passionate person feels fated. Be wary of obsession. Be sure to see things clearly — the way they are, not the way you want them to be.

Libra: A new day dawns for Libra. You have a new attitude, a new look and new opportunities before you. Your calendar is full with the light and airy — people and activities. This does not preclude some serious thinking on your part. There’s a crack in your foundation and you make every effort to repair it.

Scorpio: As usual, Scorpio puts on a bright and shiny face so no one knows what is really going on beneath the surface. Some serious stuff occupies your mind and while you engage in a lot of fun activities, you take the time for some quiet contemplation. Difficult people are dealt with. Your meditations provide keen insights. Use them.

Sagittarius: Some of the restrictions placed on you are monetary. You spend some time figuring that out then it is on to the things that you do for amusement. Your friends and extensive network provide plenty of social activities and opportunities to party. Go for it. Amid that whirlwind you find hints of where you want to go in the future.

Capricorn: Like it or not, you’re in the spotlight. This is not a bad thing as it brings many benefits your way. You are filled with energy now and may need to take it down a notch. Some secrets are about to be revealed. Romance blossoms between you and a friend of a friend. A friend also introduces you to a new source of revenue.

Aquarius: Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Be clear about your motives before you act. The subconscious is on fire here and from those depths come the non-rational. Try not to act on that stuff. Cling to your logic and reason and lend an ear to an old friend offering sound advice. Explore new worlds, literally and figuratively.

Pisces: Pay close attention to any tax, insurance or estate matters. Don’t overlook anything and don’t forget to sign the check before mailing. Some aggressive friends try to control, you’re having none of that as you quickly put them in their place. Romance can be found in a library, museum, art gallery or other cultural venue.

Pin-up: Daniela Dawson – October 2016

What do you never leave home without? Ray bans (at least one of three very special pairs) What’s your favorite book? House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski What’s your favorite movie? Pan’s Labyrinth What’s your favorite thing to do in RI in the fall? Backyard bonfires and hiking in Arcadia! What’s your favorite local beer? Revival White Electric Coffee Stout What’s your biggest pet peeve? People not dancing at shows. Get ya back off the wall!! Tell us a secret! I totally have a secret mayor crush on Mayor Elorza!! He’s the best!

Rhode Island Spotlight: Feeding Starving Kids

The production schedule at a factory in the heart of the Quonset Business Park is unrelenting. Then again, the need for what’s being produced — a ready-to-eat food product for starving children in the hardest hit areas of the world — is equally relentless.

Every day half a million small, squishy packets containing a mixture of peanuts, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oil and vitamins — called Plumpy Nut — are produced by Edesia, a company founded seven years ago by Navyn Salem.

Salem’s father and his family came from Tanzania and a visit there a decade ago left a huge impression on her. “There are so many problems when you visit a place like that, that it’s very hard to pick just one,” she said. “The one thing that struck me was malnutrition. And nobody was talking about it.”

So she set out to build a factory in Tanzania, using local resources and employees. Then she turned her attention to establishing an operation in Rhode Island. In 2009 she moved Edesia, which comes from the Latin word ‘to eat,’ into a 15,000-square-foot space in Providence. And she partnered with the French company Nutriset, developers of the Plumpy Nut line.

The packets, which have reached seven million children since Edesia started, need no refrigeration or water, which are scarce in third world countries. Edesia targets children 6 months to 5 years old. They are put on a program of three packets a day for seven to nine weeks. So one box — containing 150 packets — is a full treatment for one child. “If we’re not building the brains, then that is irreversible,” Salem said. “And we will not be able to get that cognitive ability back if we don’t intervene really before the age of two.” Along with the United States government, Edesia partners with, and is supported by, the World Food Program in Rome and UNICEF in Copenhagen, which determine where the need is greatest.

Edesia now has 70 employees from 23 countries, many of which the company has helped. And Salem has traveled extensively to the countries Edesia aids. “I make it a point to go to the field all of the time and bring as many people with me as I can to show this story, that there are people who need help right now. And if we don’t act now, they won’t make it. It’s that simple. And we can’t just push them away and say, ‘It’s too far, it’s too far away, I can’t do anything about it.'”

Maria Kasparian, who grew up in Portsmouth and was a Peace Corp volunteer, is Edesia’s executive director. She started with Salem right from the get-go in 2009. Kasparian says the move over the summer to a facility quadruple the size of the old one will allow the company to greatly expand its reach.

In Providence, workers did everything by hand — including lifting 50-pound bags of sugar and other raw materials to put into a mixer. All of that is automated now in Quonset and Edesia is producing the same amount in two shifts as it did in three at the old location.

“So when you look at a box going down the line you can think, ‘Wow there’s enough in that box to cure and save one child’s life, right there,'” Kasparian said. As the company began looking for new space several years ago, Salem said she was committed to keeping Edesia in Rhode Island.

“I feel that if I live in Rhode Island I should also be doing something to better Rhode Island,” Salem said. “It just feels like something that was the right thing to do. And maybe it doesn’t make complete business sense in every dimension, but to create jobs here and make a difference here in Rhode Island is important and outweighs the benefits of moving over the border.”

There are 20 million children in the world right now on the verge of starvation.

Jim Hummel: Do you ever get overwhelmed by the need?

Navyn Salem: Absolutely.

JH: So how do you deal with that?

NS: You have to take it one at a time, right?

JH: So you think one box, one kid, six weeks.

NS: Yup. When you get overwhelmed you have to dial it back to that.

If you want to see the video version of this story go to RhodeIslandSpotlight.org. If you know of a person or organization who you think deserves the Spotlight, send an email to [email protected].