Opinion

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. May 19

It may be the best-kept secret in home real estate: For a couple of hundred dollars, a potential buyer thinking about writing a contract on an existing house can ask for a formal energy audit along with the standard inspection clause. That audit, in turn, can save the buyer thousands of dollars in future operating costs, and pinpoint the specific features of the house that need correction to improve efficiency. It might also be a tipoff to a sobering reality: This house is an energy guzzler. Either the asking price comes down, the seller fixes the problems, or I walk. May 19

A CEO says, “We’ll talk later, Ed, but for now we have a quick and dirty solution to your objections.” to a staff member wearing a trash can on his head. May 19

This legislative session, as with those in the recent past, has been consumed by debates about how to improve Rhode Island’s economy and unemployment rate. Discussions of pension reform, budget cuts and the state’s role in aiding municipalities with their own budget woes fill daily headlines. With all this, an important sector of the economy has remained relatively sidelined over the last several months – housing. May 19

To the Editor: After reading Jim Borah’s Op-Ed (“Care needed in establishing state’s benefit exchange,” April 16, 2012), I wanted to add my thoughts to this discussion. May 12

With last week’s announcement, the 2012 edition of the Rhode Island Research Alliance Collaborative Research Grants are proof again that the Ocean State is home to great intellectual capital that can compete in the global marketplace. May 12

Two Generals, sitting at a restaurant table are drinking coffee. One says to the other, “Every war game scenario I’ve run has you picking up the check.” May 12

To the Editor: The Great Recession led to a quiet crisis of justice in Rhode Island and across our nation. Reduced funding forced courts to cut the hours they were open, lay off essential staff, and even delay civil trials. Making matters worse, crime victims are not getting the restitution they are legally owed because until recently there has not been a mechanism to collect that debt. May 12

“Good warriors … position themselves where they will surely win, prevailing over those who have already lost.” May 12

Have you noticed the shift in human focus and concentration? May 12