Chuck Barton welcomes over 50 attendees to the OCG Candidate School held on Saturday, April 12th, at the Quonset 'O' Club. The Candidate School is a non-partisan educational seminar held each election year in Rhode Island since 2002 to broaden citizen involvement in state and local government.
Tuning in to the technology
Mollis reviews important deadlines for candidates
Secretary of State Ralph Mollis explained the crucial deadlines and needed forms for candidates. The information is thoroughly documented in a guide produced by his office for Rhode Island candidates called "How To Run for Office 2008". The information is also available on the internet at www.sec.state.ri.us. In addition, Mollis clarified accounting requirements for fundraising and encouraged candidates to become knowledgeable on election laws and election rights. He advised candidates to be aware of the rules, citing as an example that there can be no campaigning within fifty feet of the entrance to a polling location, which includes handicap access ramps.
Votta touts internet benefits for campaigns
Marshall Votta from Congressman Langevin's office discussed state-of-the art campaigning techniques, explaining that a web site was a great way to control your message and focus the public on your strengths. "It's faster, and easier to control," said Votta. Today's candidates can benefit from an on-line presence including not just a campaign web site, but other electronic communication mechanisms such as mailing lists, profile sites and other social networking sites. Votta encouraged the use of photos and videos to tell your story and to explain what you stand for. He commented that fundraising on the internet was a time-saver and reminded candidates that proper verbiage must be included on the site indicating the candidate's knowledge and approval of the material. Votta also advised each candidate to "google" themselves and their opponents on a regular basis.
Barton, Violet and Anguilla stress person-to-person campaigning
Chuck Barton (center), Arlene Violet and former State Representative Fausto Anguilla agreed, the best way to win is to go door-to-door. They offered strategies to make this time consuming effort as effective as possible and shared "do's and don'ts" from their experiences. Other tips focused on house parties and visiting places where voters typically congregate, like senior centers, for example.
Terry Donnilon and John Howell underscore the impact of media
Media relations expert Terry Donnilon (on the left) provided several perspectives on how to use the media effectively to reach out to the public.
"Be yourself," said Donnilon emphatically. "Stay on message no
matter what you get asked," he explained while sharing a story about how going off on a tangent can get a candidate in trouble. He also warned, "Get to know your media contacts, but remember, they are not your friends." John Howell, publisher of the Warwick Beacon, didn't disagree. "What makes news is contrast," Howell explained. As for "off the record", Howell advised candidates to weigh their trust in their relationship with the reporter and carefully considertheir reason for sharing the information.
Former C
ongressman Bob Weygand speaks during lunch
No break in the agenda for participants hungry to learn! Bob Weygand shared stories of his experiences running for office and made a powerful point about keeping winning in perspective. He thanked everyone considering a run for office explaining, an uncontested election prevents democracy from working. "We need motivated, energetic people to get involved," Weygand said, encouraging people to contribute to the political process even if they don't run for an office. He stressed the importance of knowing why you are running and acknowledged the importance of people running who believe they can really make a difference.
Bob Weygand moderates a review of financial issues by Gary Sasse
"Good practices and sound decision making means revenues balance expenses," explained Director of the Rhode Island Department of Revenue Gary Sasse. "Is our financial model sustainable," Sasse asked rhetorically as he explained how spending is increasing faster than growth in our inflation-adjusted income. Sasse provided a high-level review of the 2009 budget for Rhode Island, explaining the three main categories of spending: personnel, grants and benefits, and local aid. The categories each make up approximate 1/3 of the 3.72 billion dollar plan. Sasse explained that the average Rhode Islander pays 12% in state and local taxes and concluded, "We don't have a taxing problem. We have a spending problem."
Betty-Jo Cugini moderates roundtable discussion with former candidates
Participants benefitted from the insights of former candidates (pictured left to right) Arlene Violet, Bill Harsch, Kirk McDonough, and term limited Cranston Councilwoman Paula McFarland during a panel discussion. Topics included: Why I ran. What I learned. What I would have done differently. Would I do it again? Several themes were echoed by all panelists. One was the importance of considering your family in your decision to run and in your campaign. Another was keeping promises you make, and not making ones you can't.
Watching out for the interests of others: lobbyists and volunteers work hard to influence and educate
Bob Weygand led a discussion
with panelists representing four areas of special interest in Rhode Island. Each took a turn describing the organization they represented and the role they played in the political process to both defend and advocate for the interests of their group. 
(shown left to right) Executive Director for the League of Cities and Towns Dan Beardsley represents eight cities and towns within Rhode Island; Vice President of Government Affairs for the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Bob Weygand, David Carlin represents chambers of commerce from thirteen areas in north, central and southern Rhode Island; President of the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition Harry Staley represents over 4000 individuals from twenty-six different towns within Rhode Island. President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island Ed Quinlan (photo on the right) represents twelve of the fourteen hospitals in the state.
Accomplishing goals as a member of the minority party
Steve McDonald (center) from WHJJ moderated a group of panelists who shared their experience operating within an environment where they were in a minority position for their party. Mayor Scott Avedisian (R), East G
reenwich School Committee woman Jean Ann Guliano (D), East Greenwich Councilor Dr. Mark Schwager (D), and State Representative Carol Mumford (R) (shown left to right) concurred: party affiliation mattered more during the campaign than after the election. They also explained, ultimately you are selling yourself, especially at the local level. Their advice, look for places to collaborate and don't worry about who gets the credit.
Extended discussion about issues in education underscored its importance in any candidacy
Eight hours into the agenda, interest remained intense as the topic of education became the focus. WPRO radio talk show host Dan Yorke (center photo) led a lively discussion and a prolonged Q&A session to end the day's activities. Panelists summarized the role of their organizations and fielded questions from Yorke and the audience. (photo on the left) Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education Justice Robert G. Flanders, Jr., President of the Education Partnership Valerie Forti. (Photo on the right) Executive Director of the National Education Association Bob Walsh, and East Greenwich School Committee member Jean Ann Guliano. A wide range of topics were discussed, including; Standards-based curriculum, proficiency-based graduation requirements, teacher pensions, property tax caps and fair funding, special education, preparation of school committee members for their duties, incentives for teachers, authorities on education, district consolidation, transparency for costs, and improving student outcomes. The room seemed to agree, improving student outcomes needs to be the priority. But when asked what that meant, no clear answers were presented, leaving students of the OCG Candidacy School with a homework assignment to determinefor themselves what better education means in their community.
