A few RI notables share their resolutions

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Each New Year, on January 1, we make promises to ourselves to start doing something good or stop doing something bad, either way on a personal and/or professionally level. Here’s a listing of Rhode Islanders, many who you may know, who reflect on their successes of keeping last year’s resolutions and they even share their 2016 New Year Resolutions, too. 

Ernie Almonte, 60, partner at RSM, LLP and former candidate for Rhode Island Treasurer. The Scituate resident’s 2015 resolution was to find a firm with a “great work culture.” Did he succeed? Yes, “wildly beyond his expectations,” he says. For his 2016 New Year’s Resolution, he plans to create a great future for his family. 

Scott Davis, 58, owner of Rhode Island Antiques Mall and an entrepreneur. The Providence resident worked last year to “eliminate stressors” in his life. Did he succeed? “Mostly,” he responded. For 2016, Davis says he will “figure out how to make a living once stressors are eliminated.” 

Linda Dewing is a broker associate at Places & and Spaces Realty and a seasoned artist.  The Pawtucket resident’s 2015 New Year’s Resolution was “to grow in business and wisdom.” When asked if she succeeded, Dewing responded “somewhat.” For next year, 2016 she plans to finish two pieces of art work and continue to contribute to Pawtucket’s growth by bringing more businesses into the City’s historic downtown. 

Josh Fenton, 52, CEO and Co-Founder of GoLocal24. Last year Fenton made a resolution to get up earlier in the morning to be more productive. The Providence resident believes he generally succeed by getting up by 4:45 a.m. “I saw a lot of good sunrises,” he says. For 2016, his New Year Resolution is to spend more time with close family and friends. 

Charlie Fogarty, 60, is the Director of the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs. Last year the Glocester resident resolved to be mindful of his health and wellness. He made small lifestyle changes, such as adding a 30-minute walk to each day, resulting in improved health. In the New Year he resolves to promote physical, social, and mental well-being. He says healthy lifestyles for seniors, supported by family, friends, caregivers and the community enables these individuals to remain at home. 

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, 53, Office of the Attorney General. When asked about his 2015 resolutions he responds “I typically don’t make New Year’s resolutions, as I try to work on improving myself throughout the year.” For 2016, he says, “I will try to work on improving myself and the Office of Attorney General each and every day. Every morning I read a spiritual piece that is aimed at recognizing not only what is good in our lives, but also how to keep a positive attitude and improve our lives. It is my goal to continue this practice each day for 2016.”

Nicholas A. Mattiello, 52, is a self-employed Cranston attorney who serves as Speaker of the House in the Rhode Island General Assembly. Last year the lawmaker resolved to pass a State budget that would include an exemption from the State income tax for many Social Security recipients. “Retirees have worked their whole lives and do not deserve to be taxed on Social Security,” he said. He was pleased to see his chamber pass the budget unanimously, and the Governor sign into law. For the upcoming year, his resolution is to continue to work hard in improving the State’s economy and job climate. “I want to see the economic momentum we have built in the last few years continue to grow and to make Rhode Island once again competitive with other states in the region,” he says.

Edward M. Mazze, 74, University Professor of Business Administration, at University of Rhode Island. In 2015, the Narragansett resident’s New Year’s resolution was to lose weight (become more healthy) and be more optimistic about Rhode Island’s Economic Growth. He believes that he succeeded. In 2016, he is looking to continue losing weight and hopes to be more patient with Rhode Island’s Economic Growth.

Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee, 64, a former mayor of Cumberland who served 6 terms. Last year he resolved, “to be champion of the family’s annual holiday ping pong tournament. “Let’s just say there’s a next year,” he says. As to 2016 resolutions, McKee says, “While many people are resolving to hit the gym and lose weight, I want to build on my “39 Cups of Coffee” tour (one in every city and town) and support our economy by dining at as many local restaurants as I can.“

John J. Partridge, 75, is senior counsel at Partridge Snow & Hahn, LLP. In 2015, the Providence resident worked “on patience.” When asked if he succeed, Partridge responded “impatiently yes.” For 2016, the lawyer who has published three murder mystery thrillers plans on publishing his fourth Algy Temple mystery, “Hanger.”

Governor Gina Raimondo, 44, is the highest elected state official in Rhode Island. Last year the governor’s resolution was to “bring Rhode Islanders together to grow our economy.” It’s too early to make judgments if she has succeed, says Raimondo, but the signs of improvement are there. She resolves to come back in January, “re-energized to keep fighting for Rhode Islanders. “There are crucial challenges ahead, including our under-performing schools, and our crumbling roads and bridges. We’ve just got to keep the momentum going with more work, more action, and more results,” she says.

Ron St. Pierre, over 21, is the Morning Drive host for News radio 920/I Heart Media. The East Greenwich resident’s 2015 resolution was “to make it to 2016. Was he successful? He responds, “to be determined by making it to January 1, 2016.  This year’s New Year Eve’s resolution is “to make it to 2017.”

Charles Steinberg, 57, president of PawSox, at McCoy Stadium. The baseball executive’s 2015 resolution was to help the Boston Red Sox “enhance bonds with fans through experiences and events at the ballpark and outreach to the community. Did he feel he succeed? “I hope so, but the fans are the best judge of that.” As to this year’s New Year resolution, he hopes to help the PawSox, Pawtucket’s AAA Team bond with its fans by giving them great, memorable experiences and events at the ball park and to reach out to the community. 

To all my readers, may you have a Happy New Year and a great 2016.

Herb Weiss, LRI ’12, is a Pawtucket writer who covers aging, health care and medical issues.  He can be reached at hweissri@aol.com.

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