Exercise Your Voice

Dale J. Venturini

President/CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association

It’s no secret that hospitality and tourism is a vital economic engine across New England. In Rhode Island, it is the fourth largest industry, employing more than 60,000 people. In addition, our industry, which is largely comprised of small businesses, contributes millions upon millions of tax dollars to our state coffers, annually.

Therefore, as we're poised to make some big decisions this month, it is of critical importance that we understand where each of our political candidates stand in fostering and protecting our industry as we move into 2011.

Each of us would be wise to make every effort to get the facts and know where our own state politicians stand on the issues of tourism, small business taxes, immigration, health care and job creation. As the elections approach, let us poll our candidates and know where they stand on the myriad issues affecting our industry.

With so many states facing economic crises, gambling is a particularly hot topic now in New England, especially in Massachusetts. It's seen as the panacea to fill rapidly-dwindling state coffers. We also recognize that new attractions like casinos, as well as expanding current landmarks translates into more visitors and more jobs. Therefore, where do our candidates stand on the expansion of casino gaming? To some, this is seen as a boost to our economic recovery, to others it’s seen as an economic burden that will tax our police and fire services, elevate the crime rate and ultimately hurt surrounding small business. Where do your candidates stand on this hot-button topic? Further, what is their vision for developing new attractions that would lure new visitors to your state?

We see a great influx of visitors traveling across our neighboring New England states. Given the fact that so many of our roads and bridges are in poor structural shape, what will our candidates do to make the gateways throughout New England more accessible and user friendly?

In Rhode Island, the extension of the runway at TF Green Airport has been deemed essential by the business community to grow the economy in our state and across New England. But what role will our new Governor play in the future growth of the airport specifically in the areas of luring additional airlines and expanding the service of existing carriers, and making the intermodal more relevant with expanded service?

And, this begs the bigger question surrounding our public transportation systems, which have long been hampered by a lack of financial resources. Here in RI, the trolleys in Providence and Newport have been in decline and disrepair, and the Providence to Newport ferry has been discontinued due to lack of funding. What steps would the candidates take to enhance public transportation as it relates to the visitor industry?

We hear lots of talk about the "brain drain" as students from institutions of higher learning leave our states after graduation because we lack the jobs to keep them here, coupled with unaffordable housing across New England. We need to hear our candidates' plan to stimulate job growth and retain the next generation of workers as they graduate.

The Governor of California made headlines as a pitchman for tourism in his state. What plans do our next leaders have for fixing and funding comprehensive statewide promotional efforts in our own states? Can we picture our own gubernatorial candidates as the next ambassadors of tourism?

These questions and more need to be investigated by our industry in each of our own backyards. Please research your candidates; please see if they are true industry champions that will assist our future growth. Check out their websites, send them emails and call their offices. Let’s get out the vote and be sure we champion the right candidate for the job. We all have the opportunity to vote this month, let's be sure we're connecting the right lines on our ballot entries.