Leaders discuss making RI a better place

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A public forum was held at Rhode Island College Thursday night to address several hot topics in the Ocean State.

As the state struggles with the second highest unemployment rate in the country, Rhode Island leaders gathered together to discuss several important topics including job, education and the economy.

“When you hear people here both from a business owner perspective saying were looking for people to fill jobs but we can’t fill those jobs because we have a skills gap, we have some real problems and how do we connect?  But you also hear from a lot of unemployed here saying I want to work, I want to find a job that will support my family,” said House Speaker Gordon Fox.

The forum, Publick Occurrences, Economic Leadership, Who’s in Charge? Is one of three forums presented in part by our news partners at the Providence Journal which gives Rhode Islanders a chance to express their concerns and ideas.

Even that states failed deal with Curt Schilling’s video game company, 38 Studios was discussed.

A very diverse panel, consisting of Speaker Fox, small business owners and CEO’s offered very different opinions and different ideas, and it wasn’t all negative.

“We have so many positives in the Rhode Island, drone the natural resources, it’s beauty tourism, we have just so much going for us and we got to start telling that story.  What is unique about Rhode Island?  Why are we so special?” said Frank LaTorre of Riverside.

The next forum will be held Wednesday, October 10 and the top is jobs vs. skills.

On Monday, October 22, the topic will be Rhode Island’s economy and how we fix it.