Statement from the Governor on the Passing of the Former Secretary of State Susan L. Farmer

I  was saddened to learn of the passing of the first woman ever elected to General Office in Rhode Island, former Secretary of State Susan L. Farmer. Farmer was the devoted wife to Malcolm Farmer and a loving mother, as well as a well-respected public servant and dear family friend.

From an early age, Susan Farmer proved she had a big heart and cared for the well-being of Rhode Islanders. Long before she started to serve the public as Secretary of State in 1983, she had won respect for advocating for some of the State’s most vulnerable populations.

After leaving public office in 1986, she spent the next 17 years at the helm of Rhode Island’s public television station, WSBE. Raising money for the station became her mission, and when she left she had greatly increased donations and visibility through her hosting duties for the stations’ fundraising efforts and WSBE's political affairs show, A Lively Experiment.

On a personal note, she cared deeply about many causes but ensuring an increase in the number of women working in government was especially important to her. During the 2010 campaign, she took a leadership role in an initiative in which she asked all of the candidates to sign a pledge that if elected, we would double the percent of women appointed to boards and commissions, as well as high-level staff and cabinet positions. After I was elected Governor, she was persistent about the pledge, as she always was regarding issues that made Rhode Island a better place to live and work.

She is among one of the most beloved leaders of the State of Rhode Island. We have lost an extraordinary woman whose distinguished career has left a long-lasting mark on our State.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Orders Rhode Island Flags to Half-Staff to Honor the Memory of Susan L. Farmer

To honor the memory of former Rhode Island Secretary of State Susan L. Farmer, Governor Chafee has ordered all Rhode Island flags across the state to half-staff until Secretary Farmer is laid to rest.

Governor Chafee’s order applies to state flags on all public buildings in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Navy Yard Tragedy

I am deeply saddened and troubled that we are facing yet another mass shooting. The brave young men and women who work at the Navy Yard courageously protect our nation every day. Today, they faced horrific violence.

On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, we stand ready to offer our support in any way possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff During Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

In honor of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, September 11, 2013, President Obama has today requested the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control.

Accordingly, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has directed that, in addition to the flag of the United States, the Rhode Island flag fly at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.

Click here to see the proclamation from the President.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding New Offices for Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA

Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA Corp. informed me by letter on August 29 that the company will be moving to a new location at the 3DS Providence Campus in Johnston. I am thrilled that high quality, good paying jobs, and an innovative and valuable technology company are remaining within our borders. The company’s investment in the new location will give them the necessary space for continued expansion, and the opportunity to recruit local talent, as well as be good partners with the cities, towns and businesses of Rhode Island. It was a pleasure meeting with key leaders of Dassault Systèmes on several occasions as they determined the best option for their future offices.

A Statement from Scott Berkey, CEO, Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA

Governor Chafee was very supportive of our search for a location which offered enough room to accommodate our continued growth, and we appreciated his visit to our corporate headquarters in Velizy-Villacoublay, France. We are pleased to have a long history in Rhode Island and the greater Providence community, and look forward to our new home in Johnston.