Hummel Report Archive for October 2009
Million Dollar Mistake 10.15.2009 This week's story focuses on a local police officer who has been on paid leave for nearly 13 years, costing taxpayers close to $1 million in salary, benefits, litigation and tax breaks. How did this happen? Jim Hummel takes a look at how early mistakes by the city have put taxpayers on the hook and how the blame game began from the start. We go right to the mayor and the officer for their reaction to a case that seems unlikely to be settled anytime soon. Visit Rhode Island Data to see the police contract at the heart of this story. Click HERE to watch a large hi-resolution video
Signs of the Times 10.22.2009 They may look fine to passing motorists, but thousands of road signs across Rhode Island need to be replaced, so says the state’s Department of Transportation – all in an effort to meet new federal highway guidelines. The state has begun a $9 million for sign replacement, using federal stimulus money to pay for a project it otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. But just what do you get for $9 million? And could state highway officials save money right now by taking one simple step? That is the focus of this week’s Hummel Report investigation. Click HERE to see a complete list of RI Stimulus Projects. Click HERE to watch a large hi-resolution video
Block Island Brohah - 10.29.2009 This week The Hummel Report goes on the road (actually, across the water) to Block Island, where we find that conflicts of interest involving public officials are not confined to the mainland. The island’s longtime harbormaster is facing an investigation by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission – accused of using his public position to try and line his own pockets. On this island where almost everybody really does know everybody, it’s difficult to get anyone to talk publicly – but one year-round resident has come forward to say: enough is enough. Hear what he has to say. And we go to the harbormaster’s boss, who has begun her own investigation. |
