EDITORIAL

For politicians, boring is good

Posted 12/27/22

Politicians who serve at the top levels of local government likely want to be remembered for the things they’ve accomplished while in office. They want a positive legacy that is free from …

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EDITORIAL

For politicians, boring is good

Posted

Politicians who serve at the top levels of local government likely want to be remembered for the things they’ve accomplished while in office. They want a positive legacy that is free from controversy and scandal, however much that is possible in a society where the online outrage machine is ever-charged and waiting for a moment to strike with a smarmy Twitter post.

We might argue, however, that the better approach to strive for as a politician, rather than trying to please everyone and win over political opponents, is to just be boring. Do the work you think is worthy of being done, advocate for the causes you believe in, and keep out of the spotlight in the moments in between.

Three of Rhode Island’s top politicians who will not be serving in their established local capacities as of the New Year have all managed to accomplished that feat with great tact, while also making some positive marks throughout their tenures.

Retiring Congressman Jim Langevin, whom we have written about in the past when it was announced he wasn’t seeking re-election, has flown mostly under the radar for the 22 years he spent in the highly scrutinized Washington world — while simultaneously gaining respect and admiration among his peers. He has advocated for veterans, the disabled, and the uninsured; all admirable, worthy causes that strive to benefit those without an upper hand in life, rather than those who inherited wealth and power. Without pomp or circumstance, he set a high bar for his replacement in terms of being able to wield power responsibly, if even a little bit boringly.

His replacement, Seth Magaziner, heads to Washington with a legacy to be proud of. Lots of boring, scandal-free time as Treasurer and the distinction of being the figurehead who brought $500 million in school improvement bonds to a state that desperately needed a shot in the arm to bring its schools into the 21st century. We are optimistic that Magaziner can navigate the perilous halls of Congress with the same goals in mind to affect real, tangible change for Rhode Islanders.

Lastly, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea had perhaps the most boring, but important job of all. Throughout all the upheaval of the past couple elections, Gorbea oversaw functional, fair, and free elections that were devoid of scandal and serious drama. However, more boring work lies ahead for her replacement, as looming threats over electronic vote counting machines exist and must be handled.

As we head into 2023, we give a farewell and a nod of appreciation for these three public servants, who managed to navigate high-pressure positions without bringing shame or scandal to our state.

politicians, editorial

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