The Dan Yorke Show

Todd Ziebarth, Chief of State Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, joins The Dan Yorke Show. Ziebarth responds to calls demanding that Governor Dan McKee's 2009 charter school champion award be rescinded, and provides national context on the ongoing political and policy debates surrounding Rhode Island's public charter systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien joins The Dan Yorke Show to detail his endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Grebien discusses the strategic relationship between the state and the city of Pawtucket, highlighting how the McKee administration's support drives local economic development, transit initiatives, and Blackstone Valley growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high-stakes legal battle over Rhode Island’s open Supreme Court seat has reached a fever pitch. Following a grueling three-hour hearing, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to reject former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s motion to dismiss the ethics complaint against him. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, alleges that Shekarchi’s rapid jump from the Speaker’s rostrum to a lifetime appointment on the state’s highest court is a flagrant violation of Rhode Island’s "revolving door" law. With the Commission pushing forward with its formal investigation, Shekarchi’s legal team is now signaling a move to the court system to halt the process. In this episode, we sit down with the man who launched the complaint, Michael Yelnosky, to unpack the Commission's landmark vote, the executive director's blistering 27-page objection, and what happens next now that Shekarchi is taking the battle to court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Matlach Deputy Director, RI League of Charter Public Schools joins the show to react to Governor Dan McKee's decision to sign a charter school pause.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence City Councilor Juan Pichardo discusses joining the municipal coalition supporting Governor McKee, emphasizing the focus on defending health care, food assistance, and critical social services for Rhode Island’s capital city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Core Crisis & The 4% Tax Cap The Deficit: Cranston is facing a structural deficit of approximately $10 million. The City General Fund reserve recently fell from 8.2% to 5.3%, drawing sharp warnings from Rhode Island Auditor General David Bergantino. The First Rejection: On April 29, 2026, the City Council unanimously rejected Mayor Ken Hopkins’ original $352 million budget plan, which called for a 7.4% tax levy increase to cover the gap. Going above the state-mandated 4% cap would require the council to petition the RI General Assembly. The Revised Budget: Mayor Hopkins subsequently submitted a revised plan strictly adhering to the 4% tax levy cap. However, this has triggered heavy pushback due to steep cuts: Complete suspension of operations at the Cranston Senior Center. Level-funding for Cranston Public Schools. Elimination of police transcriptionist and parks positions, and zero administrative raises. Councilor Frank Ritz's Position Councilman Ritz (Ward 4) has positioned himself as an advocate for exhausted local corrective actions before taking drastic structural measures or looking outside city hall for help. 1. Opposing a State Budget Commission When residents and local commentary floated the idea of bringing in a state-appointed budget commission to intervene in Cranston’s messy finances, Ritz joined fellow councilors in firmly rejecting it: "I believe Cranston should carefully consider every option available to address the City's growing financial challenges, including the possibility of requesting state oversight if conditions continue to deteriorate. However, a state-appointed budget commission is a significant step that would reduce local control over financial decisions, and I do not believe the City has exhausted all local corrective measures at this point." 2. Focus on "In-House" Solutions & Compromise Ritz has backed the council’s push for collaborative, line-by-line reallocations rather than accepting the Mayor's slash-and-burn approach to senior services. The council recently maneuvered to pull together roughly $2 million in reallocated funds to split between restoring portions of the Senior Center budget and assisting the School Department. What the Council is Looking at Next (Show Talking Points) As the final June 1 deadline approaches, the council is pivoting from pure cuts to generating alternative local revenue: Fee Increases: Several municipal fee hikes have already been approved to drive immediate cash flow. Speed Cameras: Council leadership is floating the introduction of speed enforcement cameras in high-speed school zones (such as Garden City), which could yield an estimated $1 million to $2 million annually. Tiered Commercial Taxes: A proposal is being weighed to create a multi-tiered commercial property tax structure, allowing the city to protect small local businesses while leaning slightly more on larger commercial entities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Picque The League of RI BusinessesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Xay Khamsyvoravong joins the show to react to John Loughlin’s Inspector General proposal. We discuss the necessity of independent oversight in Rhode Island and whether this plan offers a real solution for government accountability. Key Discussion Points Xay’s Reaction: The candidate’s direct response to Loughlin’s proposal. Oversight Mechanics: Breaking down how an independent IG would function within the state's current structure. The Policy Gap: Where Xay agrees with the need for transparency and where his vision for the office differs. Campaign Impact: How the push for an IG is shaping the race for Lt. Governor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.