As seen by Bruce Lang, insider dealing and many of the other shortcomings long associated with government in Rhode Island would diminish if more people ran for legislative office. As is, the typical lack of competition can breed a sense of complacency, and "all of a sudden, public service becomes self-service," says Lang, a board member of Operation Clean
Government (OCG). It's these kind of reasons that led the nine-year-old good government group to organize its first Candidates' School.

The April 6 event at the Airport Radisson Hotel in Warwick is designed to stimulate
interest in running for office and provide the necessary background for inexperienced candidates.

In development for about the year, the day-long Candidates' School will offer a comprehensive look at ethics, preparing to run for office, campaign communications, the running of a campaign, using media, and fundraising. Speakers include former attorney general Arlene Violet; Kent Willever, executive director of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission; Secretary of State Ed Inman; WJAR-TV reporter Jim Taricani; fundraiser Jack McConnell; Brown professor Darrell West; and two national political consultants, Mike Vallante of California and Tad Devine of Washington, DC.

"I think it can make a real difference," says West, who will deliver the keynote address. "Anything that gets information out to candidates is real good. We have so many uncontested races in this state that it's pathetic." A particularly good opportunity is also at hand because of the legislative downsizing that will be taking place later this year.

About 55 people have signed up for the nonpartisan Candidates' School, including libertarians, independents, Greens, Democrats, and Republicans. To sign up (the deadline is April 3), send a $60 check to Operation Clean Government, P.O. Box 8683, Warwick, RI 02888, or call toll-free (877) 793-3774.

Recognizing that one event won't eliminate political apathy, OCG plans to offer Candidates' School in future election years and to provide aid to prospective candidates at other times. "We need lively races all the time," says Lang. "If we could actually win this one, if we can get a lot more people running for office, this could literally solve a lot of the other problems."

Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis[a]phx.com.

Issue Date: March 29 - April 4, 2002