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« KB Toys closing R.I. stores | Today | Reporter's query: Do you work more than one job? » January 3, 2008Bill would allow lt. governor to fill in if governor is awayA bill introduced in the General Assembly by Democratic lawmakers would ask voters to amend the state constitution to let the lieutenant governor fill in for the governor when the governor is away. The proposed legislation comes in the aftermath of storm-induced traffic that paralyzed the state several weeks ago while Governor Carcieri was in the Middle East and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts was in the state. The Journal has reported that Roberts received praise and criticism for attempting but failing to take charge while the governor was out of the country. "In case of vacancy in the office of governor or of the governor's inability to serve, impeachment, or absence from the state, the lieutenant governor shall fill the office of governor, and exercise the powers and authority appertaining thereto, until a governor is qualified to act, or until the office is filled at the next election," the legislation in part reads. The bill also states that if the governor and lieutenant governor are vacant for various reasons -- from an absence to a death, to impeachment or resignation -- the speaker of the house would fill in for the governor's duties. Currently, the lieutenant governor assumes power only if the governor dies, resigns, is impeached or becomes incapacitated. The bill, introduced yesterday, has been referred to the House Separation of Powers Committee. -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney and the Associated Press Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsGreg | January 3, 2008 1:20 PM link I'd support this bill. If people elect the Lt Gov, they presumably think he or she can manage the state. If the Gov knows the opposition party Lt Gov will be in charge if he's out of state, the Gov would stay here more to attend to business. janet | January 3, 2008 1:50 PM link Perhaps we should all recognize that the Cool Moose Party platform had it right: why do we need a Lt Governor who has no real power or duties? And why should we worry about the Lt Governor being from the opposition party, when RI has no opposition party? Mr Bill | January 3, 2008 4:33 PM link I too agree with you Greg, abolish the position. As for Elizabeth Roberts..all she did during the storm was take the opportunity to complain and get on her soap box to kick off her campaign for Governor......this woman is so out of tune with the realities of the state. I will vote No!! Tired Rhode Islander | January 3, 2008 7:32 PM link It's so easy to be a "Monday Morning Quarterback" and look for someone to be a scapegoat for an unfortunate set of circumstances. Get real people, no one could have predicted the outcome of that problem. Now that we have blamed everyone except God for the problem, let's move forward and put into place remedies so it doesn't happen again. No one deliberately turned their back on the situation. When one points a finger at someone else, it usually takes the pressure off himself. Enough already. Hank | January 4, 2008 8:08 AM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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I would support this ONLY if the two are elected on a single ticket. I can't support anything that would allow the opposition party to take control of the state for even a moment in the Governor's absence.
I'd much sooner support abolishing the position and the tremendous waste of taxpayer funds that it is.