Rhode Island Capital Bonds for Open Space Question, Question 4 (2010)

The Rhode Island Capital Bonds for Open Space Question, also known as Question 4, was on the November 2, 2010 ballot in the state of Rhode Island as a bond question. The measure was approved. a

The measure's purpose was to issue general obligation bonds to acquire title to land in and around what used to be Rocky Point Park to establish the land as a public park. The money for the project would not exceed $10 million. $1.5 million would also be used to renovate Fort Adams State Park in the city of Newport.

Election results

See also: 2010 ballot measure election results

Official election results of the measure follow:

Question 4 (Open Space Bonds)
Result		Votes	Percentage
a Yes		205,218	64.6%
No		112,310	35.4%

Results via Rhode Island State Board of Elections.

Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title that Rhode Island voters saw read:

Bond issues on the ballot in 2010

Approval of this question will authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for the purpose of acquiring title to all or a portion of land in and around the former Rocky Point Park for the purpose of establishing the same as a public park, and three million two hundred thousand dollars ($3,200,000) for the purpose of transferring title to 25 India Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 from the department of transportation to the department of environmental management, with the funds to be used to reimburse the US federal highway administration for the market value of the property preserving the same as open space and for recreation, and to further issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for the purpose of improvements and renovations to Fort Adams State Park in the city of Newport dedicated to the preservation and public accessibility of the Fort.

Approve

Reject

Summary

The summary of the measure read as follows:

Approval of this question will authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for the purpose of acquiring title to all or a portion of land in and around the former Rocky Point Park for the purpose of establishing the same as a public park, and three million two hundred thousand dollars ($3,200,000) for the purpose of transferring title to 25 India Street, Providence Rhode Island 02903 from the department of transportation to the department of environmental management, with the funds to be used to reimburse the US federal highway administration for the market value of the property preserving the same as open space and for recreation, and to further issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for the purpose of improvements and renovations to Fort Adams State Park in the city of Newport dedicated to the preservation and public accessibility of the Fort.

Support

Arguments

• According to John Howell, president of the Rocky Point Foundation, his group was calling for the preservation of that land. The Rocky Point land, according to reports, was "barren" since an amusement park went bankrupt in 1995. Howell stated, at the time, that it was right to buy the land. Howell also stated that the land could be used to become an "economic driver" if the state established facilities such as a hotel, restaurant or a research post for a college in the state.

• Supporters of the bond question also argued that $10 million was a bargain for the Rockey Point property.

Campaigning, rallies and events

• On October 15, 2010, hundreds of people gathered to rally for the measure at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, Rhode Island. According to reports, the event included aspects of the old amusement park that resided in Rocky Point for event attendees to enjoy.

Opposition

• There was no known opposing campaign against the measure.

Campaign contributions

Support

The following contributions were made in support of the measure:

Reporting period	Contributions or Expenditures	Contributions or Expenditures
October 1-26, 2010	Fort Adams Trust	$5,793.22

Reports, analysis and studies

The Rhode Island Public Expenditures Council released questions on October 13, 2010 for voters to consider before making their decision on how to vote on the three bond issues on the November 2, 2010 ballot. RIPEC, according to reports, was a business-backed group that monitors finances in the state. The group did not take positions on ballot issues, but did present the following questions, reports said:

• Which projects will result in investments that will strengthen the state’s economy and help grow and retain jobs?

• Do some of the proposed projects represent higher priorities than others given finite resources?

• Do the benefits outweigh the costs of the projects when interest costs are taken into account?

• What impact will new capital projects have on the cost of operating state government?

Media endorsements

See also: Endorsements of Rhode Island ballot measures, 2010

Support

• The Providence Journal urged a 'yes' vote on the measure, stating, "Though interest will boost the cost of No. 4 by another $10.8 million, it would be paid back over 20 years. As the state works through its problems, expanding its comparative advantage will act not just as an economic cushion but as an antidote to despair. So we urge a yes vote on Question No. 4."

See also

Suggest a link

• Rhode Island 2010 ballot measures
• 2010 ballot measures

External links

• Sample ballot for the Rhode Island ballot questions