Arthur Schaper: Is Freedom of Petition Dead in RI? Why?
Friday, March 21, 2014
It was bad enough when Massachusetts expelled Roger Williams over freedom of religion. Then there was the union-backed petition drive against shock-jock John DePetro because of his “war on women” (or really his outspoken criticism of unions, thus attacking his freedom of speech).
By the way, how is that “For Our Daughters RI” boycott working out?
Last I read, For Our Daughters was putting pressure on Alex and Ani Jewelers, because of their support for John DePetro. What happened? In the past four years, the company’s profits have soared (not soured) from $4 to $200 (hundred) million dollars. Maybe DePetro should send them a “Thank You”, (rich sponsors make the radio stations go round), and then other RI businesses should ask the Daughters (Or Checkmate Consulting?) to boycott them, too, since a union-backed boycott is so good for a business, especially in a state where business has been so bad.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHey, FYI, FODRI, would you boycott me, too? Then maybe I go from roughing it to rolling in it!
US Senate Saga
Now to the US Senate saga of Senator Jack Reed, and (possibly) Warwick technician administrator Raymond T. McKay of Warwick. From press releases to the release of the statewide press, McKay is gearing for a campaign run. Except for one little problem: An obscure little Warwick code bars classified employees (including McKay) from running or he must resign.
After my three calls to Warwick’s Personnel Director, Ms. Jane Jordan, she emailed me the press release, which repeated Section 48-107, precluding classified employees from retaining their jobs if they run for office. Yes, it’s “the law”, but other similarly unjust statutes that have been struck down throughout history—so why not this one?
What does the Constitution say about running for office? For those unaware (whoever came up with that rule in Warwick) and those who care (the Rhode Island ACLU and a growing consensus of voters):
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
No actions shout, “I want to petition my government” louder than running for office: speech, petition, and redress all rolled into one. Since when should a man have to give up his job to represent his city or his state? A former Warwick city employee confirmed two issues about this statute: “Just for the record, Jane Jordan is correct,” then the source countered that the Merit System Ordinances (including Section 48-107) are “arbitrary and capricious”. This employee pledged to testify on McKay’s behalf regarding this matter that the Warwick city code is unconstitutional. McKay has sought injunction relief in state court, but the city of Warwick has moved the case to a federal forum, whose judge will not hear the case until March 31. McKay's legal team is seeking another judge to adjudicate the matter as soon as possible.
Now another question springs up. Why won’t Warwick mayor Scott Avedisian say or do something about this silly rule? Could not he and the city council have repealed it? After three attempts to contact Mayor Avedisian, nothing.
Avedisian-Reed Connection
Choosing not to comment on the matter directly because of his party affiliation, does Avedisian stand to gain or lose something? Is he a closet supporter of incumbent Democrat Jack Reed, thus angling to keep Reed challengers at bay?
Looking over prior press releases, one finds a trail of earmarks connecting Mayor Avedisian and Senator Reed. In 2008, a Warwick Beacon column reported on Mayor Avedisian’s efforts to restore public access for Rocky Point, including thanks for Congressman Langevin and Senator Jack Reed for securing $2.2 million of matching funds to purchase 41 acres of the land.
Going further, one of Senator Reed’s press releases features Governor Chafee and Mayor Avedisian celebrating renewed FAA funds for the upkeep of T.F. Green airport. The specific amount: $110 million. Later in 2012, Avedisian was celebrating with Senator Reed (as well as Congressman Langevin and Senator Whitehouse), a $3.1 million grant for training 17 more firefighters in Warwick. Recently, Senator Reed and Mayor Avedisian (along with Governor Chafee) partnered regarding the Warwick Station Development District.
Fine, Avedisian may have a reason to support Senator Reed, yet I am not inclined to believe that the mayor is so avid that he would block a fellow GOP from running. What can a GOP do in a Dem state? Besides, Whether Reed or Ray goes to Washington, Warwick would get its money worth.
Regardless of why (rules, politics, or both), a man should not have to lose his job to run for office. And it’s not as if Reed has to worry, right? Early 2013 polling showed Reed with a commanding lead over potential challengers (including Avedisian), dubbing him “the least vulnerable Senator in the country” per Public Policy Polling. Then again, despite a 62% approval rating in February 2013, a December, 2013 NPRI poll showed Reed at 55%. With high unemployment, and a bungled Obamacare rollout, Reed may face a real challenge.
Arthur Christopher Schaper is a teacher-turned-writer on topics both timeless and timely; political, cultural, and eternal. A life-long Southern California resident, Arthur currently lives in Torrance. Follow him on Twitter @ArthurCSchaper, reach him at [email protected], and read more atSchaper's Corner and As He Is, So Are We Ministries.
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