Former Gubernatorial Candidate Giovanni Feroce a "Permanent Resident of Puerto Rico"

Image by 990WBOB's Christian Martinelli

Tyler Salk

Last year at this time, the talk of the Ocean State was the 2018 Gubernatorial race.

Nine candidates- three Democrats, three Republicans, one Moderate, and two independents- did their best to show Rhode Islanders that they wanted to lead the state. That they wanted to dedicate themselves for the best interests of the people. That they would be taking a four year job in Rhode Island.

One of those candidates has left.

In a post from three weeks ago on his LinkedIn page, Feroce announced that he is a "new permanent resident of Puerto Rico." 

"I will verify that this is one of the best places the United States has to offer," wrote Feroce in the post, urging his connections to learn more.

This does not mean that Feroce is permanently leaving Rhode Island, with his website, GiovanniFeroce.com having separate pages dedicated towards tourism and residency in Newport. The pages are yet to be completed.

The website, designated for the former Alex & Ani CEO's consulting firm, also includes a page mentioning Puerto Rico's system for bringing in new businesses. Per his website "Puerto Rico established Acts 20 & 22 in an effort to boost export activity and increase local tax revenue. These laws incentivize businesses and individuals to relocate to the island by offering reduced income tax rates to program participants."

Feroce, who finished behind Cranston Mayor Allan Fung and former House minority leader Patricia Morgan in the Republican Primary, put a large focus on bringing jobs to Rhode Island during his campaign.. With his history of creating jobs in RI, it was believed by some that he would be able to do it again.

In a pre-election interview with 990WBOB's Christian Martinelli, Feroce advertised the possibility by saying “your opportunity is to hire the most recent success story which is myself, having been the CEO of Alex and Ani taking it from 23 employees to 1,200. Creating almost 4,000 jobs in the state, creating a business that was doing a few million dollars and taking it to upwards of 250 million dollars and over a billion-dollar evaluation.”

But now, it appears as if his focus isn't on bringing jobs to southern New England. Or working a certain position.

"I suppose he will not be running for governor again," said RI GOP Chair Sue Cienke when I reached to her for comment.

Cienki, who had not yet heard of Feroce's new out of state residency at the time of the call, did not seem surprised, since Feroce is now one on the list of many who have recently left RI for a new home.

​"He's not the only one who has left," Cienki stated. "You look at what's happening with the 2020 Census. When people don't see an opportunity or a way out... they leave."

In her opinion, the state is at least partially at fault.

​"We have to change the way we do business in RI or else more and more people will leave. He got frustrated and left."

Others think it is for a reason completely separate from RI's economic climate.

​"Gio's life took a really bad turn, and it seems to me like he's running away," said Morgan in a phone conversation. "It's clear that he has talent, but it's hard to drag yourself back when you've completely destroyed your life."

One thing appears to be certain. He will not be shoveling snow during February.

Feroce will be on 990WBOB.com Tuesday June 25th at 7:30 pm to comment.

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