State of the State Message - January 18, 2005

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow general officers, members of the judiciary, my cabinet directors, distinguished guests and friends. And a special thank you to my family, and most especially, to my wife, First Lady, Sue Carcieri.

My fellow Rhode Islanders, two years ago we began a journey together - one I said had great potential. My message tonight is a simple one - the journey is getting exciting and this great state is on the move.

I am more optimistic than ever that the ship of state is turning, and we're beginning to chart a new and exciting course.

On all fronts, we are changing the direction of this state for the better.

As a result, my fellow Rhode Islanders, the state of our state is getting stronger by the day.

It's getting stronger because we have embraced change - change in the economy, change in the government, and change in the schools.

And that's altogether fitting É because innovation and change are in our blood.

From our maritime heritage, to the industrial revolution, to the commercial heyday early in the last century, Rhode Islanders have always excelled as innovators.

In the recent past we seemed to have lost this spirit. The economy lagged while the government dragged. Cynicism prevailed as people lost faith, and our state lost direction.

But, in the last two years, we have set a new course with optimism, and a clear direction.

With energy and enthusiasm, we have set ourselves down four paths: good jobs, good schools, good government, and a good place to live.

Tonight, I will highlight the progress we have made, and the challenges we continue to face.

I know that change is difficult-in the hard work of reform, partisanship and self-interest can find refuge - and within that refuge, fester.

But we need look no further than the gallery of this chamber for the antidote.

Tonight, let us take a moment to remember the unselfish dedication of our brave soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, grandchildren. They are serving for us! They make us proud! They are heroes.

Tonight, we are honored by the presence of two of them.

Captain Samuel Maldonado,

Master Sgt. Jose Baltazar

Know that the cheers of thanks here in this chamber tonight are echoed across this state in gratitude for your service. We can never thank you enough and gratefully acknowledge your families for all their sacrifices.

Let us also remember with a moment of silence those brave Rhode Islanders who died in combat this year.

Staff Sargeant Christopher Potts
Sergeant First Class Eric Minor

The sense of public duty of these service people should inspire us.

It is a powerful lesson for all public servants under this marvelous dome.

Tonight, let us begin anew.

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