No wonder people are skeptical of government. The ineptitude of the Rhode Island executive branch led by Gov. Dan McKee is staggering. Here are just a few examples:

The I-195 bridge

The newest “oops” was the failure to post a realistic request for proposal (RFP) for reconstruction of the bridge. There was a “ho-hum” attitude even before the failure as time dragged on. Now, things are at a standstill while the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, apparently lacking expertise in putting out a proper proposal, are asking potential bidders what should go into the RFP, including a completion timetable.

Of course, this is the modus operandi in the state, where the hen is asking the foxes for guidance. Some of these same foxes might be implicated in the failure of the bridge to begin with. God forbid the state should have its own expertise in the burgeoning payroll at Transportation or ask an independent analyst.

Rhode Island Department of Health

Kudos to the GoLocalProv news team and Josh Fenton for the July 25 story about Rhode Island Nursing Home rankings and the Rhode Island Department of Health’s (RIDOH) failure to disclose fully crimes and serious violations in those facilities. The RIDOH purportedly has a search tool for the public that is supposed to disclose violations linked, inter alia, to nursing homes. Folks seeking care for their loved ones access the site to find “disciplinary actions and orders,” so they can make an informed decision on placement.

GoLocalProv found that the site is not up to date, nor comprehensive, nor does it allow consumers to search a specific home and find out the disciplinary action that the state has taken against administrators or employees, even by RIDOH. The site lacks any reporting of federal penalties lodged against facilities that cause serious and life threatening deficiencies. All RIDOH has to do is check the up to date data on the site for Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and post it if they cared two figs about the public. Fie on the department for such sloppy work

Housing

Kudos again to GoLocalProv and the exposé (July 24) on the lackluster performance of the Housing Secretary who just boogied out the door after 18 months oon the job. The governor appointed only an interim director who has no experience on housing issues.

Along with the announcement of this politically connected crony, Gov. McKee’s office stated that candidates from Rhode Island will be encouraged to apply “soon.” If no local candidates are acceptable, a national search will then be conducted as soon as the governor can stifle his yawn. No job description has been promulgated.

Current funds to build affordable housing in Rhode Island are in danger. Millions of federal dollars remaining in the American Rescue Plan Act given to the state have to be committed by Oct. 1 or it’s sayonara to them. Meanwhile, the homeless population is sleeping outside in plus-90-degree weather, and no cogent plan has been developed to earn support for the upcoming $120 million bond issue.

“Let them eat Cake” seems to be the mantra of this administration. Meanwhile, the governor campaigns by using state money for ads featuring him urging “FEMA” messages. The real emergencies, however, are his above disengagements.

Arlene Violet is an attorney and former Rhode Island Attorney General.