WBOB Original Reads

Feroce Claims Raimondo's "Socialist Business Model" Sets Dangerous Precedent

5/22/2018

Republican candidate for Governor Giovanni Feroce released a statement this week in which he did not mince words about his distaste for current Governor Gina Raimondo's approach to business development in Rhode Island.

In his statement, Feroce accuses Raimondo of creating an environment where only business entities that engage with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will receive any support from the state - thus allowing her to take credit for job creation. Feroce, the former CEO of Alex and Ani claims that the Governor's strategy is harmful, and needs to stop.

Feroce's concerns seem to be focused on how the state prioritizes businesses that have intertwined with the Commerce Corporation.

“In a dangerous sign for businesses in RI, Governor Raimondo has created a scenario in which only businesses that engage with Commerce RI (an organization she chairs) and accept state money or tax credits will be given attention” Feroce said in a statement.

Chaired by Raimondo, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is a quasi-public agency that serves as the official full-service, economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. The agency works with public, private and nonprofit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for Rhode Island citizens by promoting the state’s long-term economic health and prosperity.

Feroce's also accuses Raimondo for using the agency for political gain.

“The Governor wants all the credit for bringing jobs to Rhode Island when in fact she has forced a business climate that cannot succeed without the state stepping in,” Feroce continued. “It is not the United States we grew up in and we are proud of. Her progressive policies have now firmly embedded themselves in her economic policies and it must be stopped immediately.”

Feroce claims that if elected, he intends to change the way Rhode Island does business.

“When I am Governor we will treat all businesses equally," Feroce's statement added. "We will set the conditions for success by eliminating the income tax, incorporating modern transportation and housing infrastructure, and most importantly focus on Blockchain technology to make Rhode Island the hub for this massive, growing industry.”