Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s Denial of Certiorari in the Matter of Jason Wayne Pleau

I am disappointed that the United States Supreme Court has decided not to review this important case. Rhode Island and 47 other states entered into the Interstate Agreement on Detainers in good faith. That Agreement authorizes Governors to refuse a prisoner transfer request when it would violate the custodial state’s public policy. I invoked the Agreement to block the transfer of Mr. Pleau to federal custody because it appeared that the sole purpose of that transfer was to subject Mr. Pleau to the death penalty – a penalty that Rhode Island has long rejected. The federal government was obligated to respect Rhode Island’s right, as a co-equal party to the Agreement, to refuse to transfer this prisoner. That it did not and that the federal courts did not enforce the express terms of the Agreement is cause for concern both for the future of the Agreement and for our federalism.

I want to thank the National Governors Association, which represents the Governors of all 50 states, the Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Cato Institute, the Independence Institute, the ACLU, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, various offices of the Federal Defender, the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Puerto Rico Bar Association, the National Association of Extradition Officials, and the Attorneys General of Ohio, New Mexico, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, and Kansas – widely disparate groups all of whom filed amicus briefs with the Court in support of Rhode Island’s position in this case. I also wish to thank Patricia A. Millett and the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld for the exceptional work they did on this case – all of it without charge to the taxpayers of the State of Rhode Island.

As I have repeatedly said, my involvement in this case was not about Mr. Pleau personally, but rather about critical states’ rights issues.

From the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

As Senator Daniel Inouye’s interment is planned for this coming Sunday, December 23, flags may be returned to full-staff the following morning, Monday, December 24, 2012.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Governor Lincoln Chafee announced today that George Caruolo, his recent nominee to be chair of the new Board of Education, has requested that his name be withdrawn from consideration for that post.

Governor Chafee stated, “George came to me and informed me that the scope of his position and the time commitment necessary were far more extensive than he realized when he agreed to take the position. I reluctantly agreed to his request. He has done fine work for my administration as chair of the Board of Regents and I was looking forward to working with him in this new position. He is a valued advisor and remains so.”

Caruolo stated, “I told the Governor that I was sorry to withdraw and I was appreciative of his confidence in me, but that the more I investigated what had to be done in the coming months, the more it was interfering with my need to support my family. I told him that I still had two children in college and that I felt that to do this job correctly would require virtually a full time effort. That is particularly true during the period when the new structure is designed and implemented. I explained that if I could not dedicate enough time then it was unfair to everyone to have me fill that job. I thanked him for his understanding.”

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Governor Malloy of Connecticut recently sent a letter to his fellow Governors asking us to join him in declaring a moment of silence in our respective states on the one-week anniversary of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

This moment of silence would be accompanied by the ringing of bells by buildings that have the ability to do so, such as schools and houses of worship. The bells would ring 26 times – once for each life taken at Sandy Hook School, 20 students and 6 educators.

I believe that Governor Malloy chose the number 26 because this particular tribute is focused on the horrible events that unfolded at Sandy Hook School last Friday. The time of 9:30, for example, marks the commencement of the shootings at the school.

We, of course, have honored Governor Malloy’s request and followed his lead in shaping this tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook School shootings. Of course, particular institutions can express their remembrance in the way with which they are most comfortable.

From the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

This afternoon, President Barack Obama, as a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Daniel Inouye, ordered U.S. flags on all public buildings and grounds to half-staff until sunset on the day of his interment. Accordingly, Governor Lincoln Chafee has ordered Rhode Island flags on public buildings and grounds across the state to remain at half-staff until that time. An updated notice will be distributed when the details of Senator Inouye’s interment become known.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

As I have said, it is common practice and a wise approach for settlement discussions to be held while litigation is proceeding. I am therefore pleased – though not surprised – at Judge Taft-Carter’s order for mediation talks.

While the state has a strong case, a strong case does not guarantee a win. A negotiated settlement that is satisfactory to both sides could be in the best financial interest of the Rhode Island taxpayers. Such an outcome would be a favorable alternative to costly, uncertain litigation and – worst of all – the “fiscal calamity” of a potential loss in court.

Throughout my time in public office, I have believed in coming together to find common ground and common solutions. Again and again, I have seen the success that can come from a cooperative approach, whether during the dispute between Warwick teachers and the School Committee when I was Mayor, in the Central Falls teachers’ crisis, or, more recently, as Governor, the agreements on the airport runway extension and between Brown and the city of Providence. I have learned that all-or-nothing is an approach that can bring a tremendous potential downside. There simply is no harm in talking. Judge Taft-Carter’s decision demonstrates the wisdom of this course, and I look forward to continuing this important process.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye

I was saddened to learn that our nation’s most senior Senator, Daniel Inouye, has passed away. From his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state, until his death today, Senator Inouye’s time in Congress spanned – remarkably – the entire period of Hawaiian statehood.

Senator Inouye and my father were close friends, their relationship forged over their shared experience of military service in World War II.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to spend time working alongside Senator Inouye through our membership in the Gang of 14. There was a genuine warmth and sincerity to him that I will truly miss.