Gary Sasse, Guest MINDSETTER™
To varying degrees, the fifty states face the challenges of dealing with affordable healthcare and housing, failing urban schools, responsibly balancing budgets, and dealing with a chaotic federal government. Successfully addressing these matters will require elected leaders who tell it like it is, balance competing interests, and not be the captive of special interests.
The Ocean State has been chronically faced with a leadership deficit. It is rooted in the lack of transparency, accountability, and prioritization of public needs. In the 2026 general election, Rhode Island voters should focus on one goal — closing this leadership deficit. We can no longer let politics become a denial of our problems, thus making the evasion of tough choices easier.
Over the next decade, the quality of leadership will determine if Rhode Island public policies continue the status quo or are put on a pathway to sustain our economic potential. The governor elected in 2026 must have the leadership skills to connect the dots and mobilize the collective talents and energy of the people…