Gablinske Speaks Out After Cyberstalking Case Closes

The recent cyberstalking conviction of John Leidecker, the National Education Association Rhode Island’s (NEARI) deputy executive director, was the end of just another – but surely not the last – story of labor’s long reach in Rhode Island politics.

Satisfied with the prosecution and outcome of the trial, former State Rep. Doug Gablinske nonetheless holds the NEARI accountable, at least in part, for Leidecker’s actions. 

Gablinske believes that his position on the Education Department’s new funding formula caused him to lose the election, with the help of strong union support for his opponent and the eventual winner, Richard Morrison. That position hasn’t changed.

“We have some big problems in this state right now, and they can’t be addressed by blaming other people, whether pensioners, or people on public assistance. Public policy needs to consider the needs of all Rhode Islanders, not special interests.

“The funding formula was grossly out of whack, and there is no reason why a student from Bristol or Warren should be entitled to a greater proportion of state funds, just because that was the way they have always been allocated.

“Leadership is not about going after everyone else to solve a statewide problem, while not addressing your own part in it. If our Bristol and Warren students excel, but graduate in a state where there are no jobs, we have failed. Education is the number one economic driver.”

He says that the key issue facing the General Assembly over the course of the next month or so will be pension reform, as General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Governor Chafee attempt to work with legislators to find a solution to the looming public employee pension crisis. It’s an issue that will force our leaders to make some tough choices.

Pension reform is inextricably linked to the impact of the education funding formula. The pension system’s unfunded liability takes resources away from anything that is financed, at least in part, by the state’s general fund.  This includes, of course, education: programs, curriculum, books, buildings, and everything else that is impacted when there is not enough money to go around.

Gablinske is hopeful that a fair and fiscally responsible solution will be agreed upon. He feels it’s time to deal with the problem once and for all. “Don’t just nibble at it,” he says. “Get it right. Then more money will be available to flow into education, and it could easily negate the negative effects of the new funding formula” for communities like Bristol and Warren, now faced with a significantly reduced education contribution from the state.

According to Gablinske, “The NEARI doesn’t want to consider any kind of reform,” even if it could free up money for education. “They say they’re for better education.  No they’re not.  They’re for themselves.”

Asked if he is interested in returning to politics, Gablinske hesitates. “I am often told I should run again, but typically by the people who voted for me last time around,” he says.  “If I hear that from the people who didn’t vote for me, then I will consider it. But people should understand that I am going to lead with the goal of making things better throughout Rhode Island – not just in our corner of it.”

Gablinske thinks there is another group of people who could make a difference, if they would stand up: the NEARI membership. “I know the vast majority of the members don’t approve of Leidecker’s conduct,” he says. “There is a big disconnect between membership and leadership.”

Indeed, most NEARI members are teachers, a solid majority are women, and most were called to their profession. They enjoy shaping young minds and working with children. They aren’t union organizers.  The idea of stepping forward and speaking against the leadership and the team is intimidating.

“Members need a leader to step forward,” says Gablinske. “They need a reformer like a Gina Raimondo or a Deborah Gist to tell NEARI leadership ‘enough is enough – you don’t speak for me.’ ”

“Think of they typical young teacher, just out of college and brimming with enthusiasm,” says Gablinske.  “In addition to academics, they are teaching values, and teaching kids that bullying is wrong.  At what point does that change?  How can they tell little Johnny not to bully, when they support a union led by people who engage in thuggery?”

“Teachers need to decide if they are going to take their union back or continue to let it run like organized crime.”