The OCG Annual Meeting, November 1, 2007

WPRO's Dan Yorke sees "Rub 'n Tug" as root of Rhode Island's corruption

Talk show host asks OCG & Gov. Carcieri to stop small pork grants Guest speaker Dan Yorke, WPRO's popular talk show host, held an audience of 150 OCG people in rapt attention at their Annual Meeting as he cut loose on some ofhis favorite topics. He called for an independent Fire Marshal system and more capital investment in schools, -- but his hottest topic was the "Rub N' Tug."

What's "Rub N' Tug?"

Yorke sees small-time 'pork' grants sought by citizens from legislators as a root cause of corruption. He called the 2.3 million dollar state fund doled out in small grants of $500 to $1500 a major obstacle to citizens evaluation of their representatives' handling of larger issues. "When you beg-- they beg!" he exclaimed -- meaning that legislators seeking grants (to boost popularity with local voters) place themselves in servitude to the Speaker who controls the fund. "Run another car wash, or cookie bake," he said, "but stop the gimme!" He obliquely criticized local weekly papers for publishing photos of grant presentations which distract voters from major issues. "I've asked the governor and the Republican Party to call for an end to 'Rub N' Tug' -- but they haven't."

Yorke has many views

After his main talk, Dan Yorke responded to questions. Asked if OCG should visit Senior living centers to build membership he said, "No! I gave up on the geezer crowd long ago. They've already been bought and sold for a plate of spaghetti. OCG should go to the churches.They already have a moral commitment to what you stand for." He suggested that OCG could better build membership by "raising some money" to advertise on radio.

Another hot issue is the state's fire authority. He called it a "disgrace." He suggested that ill-trained firemen become "marshals" and are then able to dictate if businesses are in compliance. He believes the marshals should be independent professionals not connected to the state. 

Jamaica is a place where a businessman is very reluctant to invest in any enterprise. "You can't trust the government, you can't trust the people, and you can't trust the laws. As a result, there is nothing to build on. It's a place to avoid."

Singapore, he cited as an example of the opposite. Sixty years ago the leaders set up an honest, efficient and noncorrupt government. They set about to educate the citizens -- which are the only 'natural resource' they have. "Today," the Governor said, "Singapore has the highest living standard in the world -- higher than our own." He acknowledged that it is a "benevolent dictatorship where the operative word is 'benevolent'".

He then translated those examples to Rhode Island's reputation for corruption. "There's a culture of corruption in that building -- too many seeking to enrich themselves. We've got to get rid of this." Governor Carcieri praised CG for being one of the few voices talking to improve Rhode Island government. "The state needs you bigger, stronger, and more active than ever."

OCG workers praised by Barton in first report

• Presiding over his first Annual Meeting, President Chuck Barton devoted most of his time to commending the volunteer efforts of many OCG members who are not board members, but who workdiligently behind the scenes.

Some of these included:

* Eleven people who have been working on "State of the State" television program;

* Eight people who signed up 200 or more citizens for the Voter Initiative campaign;

* Five people who worked diligently on the data entry;

* Six retiring board members and individuals who handled mail, and legislative research 

He singled out Bev Clay for her singular efforts to keeping the organization functioning and arranged for the ommendation by Gov. Don Carcieri described below.

OCG projects described:

Chuck Barton then reviewed OCG's ongoing projects this past year :

* Two tabloid newspaper reports to members were produced;

* Numerous State of the State television programs aired;

* New website

* The 2008 Candidate School has been launched with a newdirector;

* A well-attended forum on corruption was held in May;

* The annual picnic was held in September for 100 attendees;

* An active legislative program was conducted during session;

* A direct mail campaign for new members was initiated;

* The complaints against Senate President Montalbano and former Senate President Irons moved forward. Senator Montalbano paid the third highest fine in Commission history;

* A complaint was filed against Senator Frank Ciccone for seeking legislation that would benefit his employer;

* As OCG President, Chuck reported on his many appearances on local television programs and radio talk shows. 

Bev Clay 'commended' by Gov. Carcieri

Honored for 14 years of leadership for OCG

It was a surprise to everyone in the room -- especially Bev Clay -- when Gov. Don Carcieri called her to the podium and presented her with a special recognition award for her 14 years of volunteer work and leadership with OCG to improve state government. Bev plans to display it in her home in West Greenwich along with this picture.