Gov. Gina M. Raimondo's choices for key positions in her administration have demonstrated she wants to change the way things are done in the Ocean State.
But at the same time she has retained or moved to new positions veteran Rhode Island bureaucrats, when their expertise and performance have merited it.
So it was more than a little disappointing to see Department of Transportation Director Michael P. Lewis being pushed out for Peter Alviti Jr., most recently a program director with the Laborers International Union of North America and previously director of public works in Cranston.
Mr. Lewis was highly regarded not just because he has been an engaging member of the two previous administrations. He has been most capable, overseeing large infrastructure projects and bringing them in on time and on budget.
Mr. Alviti may be a fine head of the DOT, but his track record gives little indication that he is up to the task. In fact, his appointment smacks more of a political calculation designed to engender warm feelings with a large union in the state.
As if to reinforce that perception, the governor has appointed as the No. 2 person in the DOT Peter Garino, formerly chief of capital programming and administration for New Jersey Transit, the third-largest transit agency in the United States. He comes with a resume that looks more in tune with the needs of a state staring at massive infrastructure.
Gov. Raimondo has been clear and consistent about what needs to be accomplished to turn Rhode Island around. It is not clear that this appointment fits her stated intentions for the state. •
Agree. Mike Lewis fine-tuned his Department to function in areas of safety, multimodal transportation, intrastate commuter rail, and communications with municipal governments and advocates. He was nationally involved in transportation. It is puzzling why he would be replaced with a local person with limited experience.
Eugenia Marks, Policy Director Audubon Society of RI and member of Coalition for Transportation Choices.