How a budget surplus emerged from a back room
Surprise! When the 2008 fiscal year ended, on June 30, the state had a General Fund surplus of $56 million, so the shortfall in reality was considerably smaller than predicted — $134 million.
By LANCE TAPLEY | August 27, 2008

Now's the time

A primer on Opportunity Maine
Opportunity Maine is that rare type of public policy — one that enjoys true bipartisan support, and one that is expected to actually work.
By DEIRDRE FULTON | August 27, 2008

I've heard that story before

Politics and other mistakes
Each year, Governor John Baldacci announces his top priority in the next legislative session will be reducing the state income tax. (“Lack of political clout? What lack of political clout?”)
By AL DIAMON | August 20, 2008

Windshift

Politics and other mistakes
Harley Lee and I are not friends. The only time we’ve met was a couple of years ago in a Carrabassett Valley bar, where I told him the world would be a better place if somebody poisoned his drink.
By AL DIAMON | July 23, 2008

AS220 targets further downtown expansion

Citywatch
On the heels of expansion in the Dreyfus Building, AS220 hopes to acquire another property on Washington Street in downtown Providence, expanding the nonprofit arts organi-zations programs and footprint.
By A.J. PACITTI | July 02, 2008

Mixed reviews: A state budget for desperate times

Talking Politics
The budget consensus reached by Governor Carcieri and legislative leaders last week represents just another marker of Rhode Island’s ongoing dire straits.
By IAN DONNIS | June 25, 2008

Bad words and warnings

Politics and other mistakes
And now, a few positive words about negative advertising.
By AL DIAMON | May 28, 2008

Can’t anybody here play this game?

Rhode Island remains trapped between economic distress and missed opportunities
The need to reinvent Rhode Island’s economic infrastructure — which remains anemic compared with most of its neighbors in New England — is more urgent than ever.
By IAN DONNIS | May 21, 2008

Healthy living

Politics and other mistakes
I love beer. I hate taxes.
By AL DIAMON | May 14, 2008

Taking from the poor

Democratic lawmakers show their Republican values
What values do Maine’s Democrats hold?
By LANCE TAPLEY | May 07, 2008

Gastronomic stimulus package

Splurge a little at the Cheese Iron
This, coupled with the thaw and other natural stimulus packages, write a recipe for the spoils of spring: maturing cheeses, bright wines, green garlic ramps, and outdoor eating.
By TODD RICHARD | April 30, 2008

Fishing for filmmakers

Maine struggles to attract the movie industry
When you can make Shreveport look like Bridgton for less money, what’s the bottom-line allure of filming in Maine?
By DEIRDRE FULTON | April 02, 2008

A watchdog of the labyrinth

Politics and other mistakes
It costs Maine legislators almost a million bucks a year to hire somebody to embarrass them.
By AL DIAMON | April 02, 2008

Grand new party?

Letters to the Boston editor, March 28, 2008
There are a lot of great things happening in Massachusetts with the GOP.
By BOSTON PHOENIX LETTERS | March 26, 2008

Jump to it

Politics and other mistakes
Tax reform is the Evel Knievel of political issues. It gives us the most pleasure when it crashes and burns.
By AL DIAMON | March 19, 2008

Jackson's sweet dream

Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign
This article originally appeared in the March 4, 1988 issue of the Boston Phoenix.
By SCOT LEHIGH | March 07, 2008

Still da baddest

Politics and other mistakes
Is your county commissioner on steroids?
By AL DIAMON | March 05, 2008

Ill wind

Politics and other mistakes
Most of Maine is too butt-ugly to preserve.
By AL DIAMON | February 27, 2008

A “good” tax break in the making

Historic rehab
Legislative leadership supports it, and so does Governor John Baldacci. Last year, the Taxation Committee gave it a unanimous “ought to pass” report. It looks golden.
By LANCE TAPLEY | February 20, 2008

Tax break heaven

The rich get richer, the middle class picks up the tab, and the state goes broke. Here’s why.
As the economy sours, state taxes are bringing in less than expected.
By LANCE TAPLEY | February 20, 2008