EDITORIAL

Fung for governor

Posted

The race for Rhode Island governor has drawn national attention, and in recent weeks has seen visits from presidential aspirants and infusions of cash from outside groups.

Polling shows the contest between Cranston Mayor Allan Fung and General Treasurer Gina Raimondo is close, with those who make their decision in the final days likely to decide who the state’s next executive will be.

We support Fung’s bid, and urge voters to do the same. His record in Cranston, ability to draw people into the political process and strong focus on fiscal responsibility all put him in position to have success in the State House.

Fung assumed the mayor’s office at a perilous time, and in the years since has overseen a stabilization of the city’s finances. Doing so required extremely difficult – and at times unpopular – decision-making, but in the broader context of Rhode Island’s decades-long economic malaise and the global economic crisis, his stewardship must be seen as a success.

There has been new development, including Chapel View and a revitalized Garden City. Such projects make Cranston a destination, providing an economic boost and enhancing the quality of life for the community’s residents.

We also applaud Fung’s campaign focus on the issue of statewide tourism, and for pledging to take steps to reinvigorate an industry that has suffered in recent years but is vital to our identity and economic future.

The mayor’s record is not blemish-free. In the last year, the situation surrounding the Cranston Police Department has raised a multitude of questions, and many remain unanswered. Most now agree, though, that with a new chief at the helm, the department – frequently, and rightly, lauded for its national accreditation and work to keep the city safe – is heading in a positive direction.

Raimondo and Fung are both clearly qualified to serve as Rhode Island’s chief executive. Both also have unique and compelling stories, and have risen from humble beginnings to positions of great influence. We commend Raimondo for moving to address the state’s pension crisis, and appreciate her focus during the campaign on innovation and investment.

Fung, we believe, is best positioned to bring a broad range of constituencies to the table, and to foster a culture of accountability and productivity at the State House. Cranstonians have seen his work up close. Now, we urge all Rhode Islanders to give the mayor a chance at the governor’s office.

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