Lincoln Carter Almond: A Visionary Leader of Rhode Island
Lincoln Carter Almond, a distinguished American attorney and politician born on June 16, 1936, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, left an enduring legacy in the annals of his state and country. Serving as the 72nd Governor of Rhode Island from 1995 to 2003 under the banner of the Republican Party, Almond's impact on the political landscape was profound, stretching far beyond his gubernatorial tenure.
Early Years, Education, and Formative Career
Hailing from the lineage of Thomas Clifton Almond and Elsie (Carter) Almond, Lincoln's early life was spent in Central Falls before the family relocated to Lincoln in 1947. His educational journey commenced at Central Falls High School, as Lincoln lacked a high school at that time. After completing his high school education, he pursued higher studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1959. Lincoln's dedication to education was unwavering as he pursued a Juris Doctor degree from the Boston University School of Law in 1961. Subsequently, he began his professional career as a practicing attorney in Rhode Island.
Lincoln Almond's path in public service commenced when he was appointed as the Town Administrator of Lincoln, Rhode Island, in January 1963. His visionary leadership saw significant improvements in the municipal water system and the development of crucial infrastructure, including a high school, to accommodate the growing school-age population. His legacy extended beyond his tenure as a town administrator, as he continued his commitment to development by serving as a director and later as the president of the Blackstone Valley Development Corporation, a non-profit organization focused on industrial park development in Lincoln, Cumberland, and Smithfield.
Tenure as U.S. Attorney, District of Rhode Island
Before assuming the mantle of governor, Lincoln Almond held the prestigious position of U.S. Attorney for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. His tenure spanned several presidential administrations, including those of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. Notably, he served as the U.S. Attorney for an impressive 21 years, making him one of the longest-serving U.S. Attorneys in the District of Rhode Island. During this time, he concentrated on enforcing the law in areas such as organized crime, drug-related offenses, and white-collar crimes, including cases of political corruption.
Accomplishments included serving on an advisory committee of 15 U.S. Attorneys, established in 1970 by Attorney General Elliot Richardson, advising on matters of resource allocation, civil and criminal priorities, and federal legislation priorities. Almond's efforts led to significant drug prosecutions and drug forfeitures that garnered national attention. His tenure also coincided with Providence, Rhode Island, serving as the base of the Patriarca crime family, resulting in several high-profile prosecutions led by Almond. Additionally, he supervised numerous political corruption cases, primarily in Providence and Pawtucket.
Governorship and Public Policy Initiatives
Lincoln Almond's political journey witnessed a successful return to Rhode Island's political arena. In 1994, he won the Republican primary for governor, defying expectations and securing a victory against U.S. Rep. Ron Machtley, the heavily favored Republican candidate. His triumph set the stage for a successful gubernatorial campaign, ultimately resulting in victory against Democratic State Sen. Myrth York. Almond etched his name in history as the first governor to serve a four-year term under changes to the Rhode Island Constitution, which extended term lengths and introduced a two-term limit.
Health Care and Human Services
During Almond's tenure as governor, health care and human services were at the forefront of his administration's agenda. Under his guidance, the state significantly expanded RIte Care, the public health care program for children. Almond's administration implemented an aggressive childhood immunization program, expanded state-funded prenatal care programs, and reduced rates of low-weight births. Furthermore, he increased the number of state-subsidized child care slots, raised standards for child care providers, and extended health care coverage to child care providers. These initiatives propelled Rhode Island to one of the highest percentages of residents with health insurance coverage.
Education
Lincoln Almond was a fervent supporter of higher education, advocating for its accessibility and improvement. He successfully championed the passage of a 2000 bond referendum, allocating funds for a new Newport campus of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Almond ensured that CCRI remained affordable for lower-income students by freezing tuition rates for most of his time in office. Additionally, he directed funds towards enhancing buildings and dormitories at Rhode Island College (RIC) and played a pivotal role in the construction of the Nazarian Performing Arts Center at RIC. As the first University of Rhode Island (URI) graduate to become governor, Almond made substantial investments in URI, renovating and modernizing its infrastructure, including dormitories, academic buildings, and the construction of the Ryan Center, a 7,600-seat sports and event complex.
Tax Policy and Regulatory Reforms
Lincoln Almond was deeply committed to enhancing Rhode Island's competitiveness through tax incentives and regulatory reforms. Under his leadership, the state introduced a five-year plan to reduce the state's income tax by 10% and initiated the phase-out of the tax on capital gains. During his tenure, a total of 45 tax reductions were enacted, including one of the nation's highest research and development and investment tax credits.
Capital Projects and Infrastructure
Almond initiated the Rhode Island Capital Plan Fund, a groundbreaking initiative allowing the state to finance projects using current revenues instead of relying on bonds. This initiative catalyzed numerous improvements throughout the state, including the renovation of the Rhode Island State House, recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2002. Additionally, Almond played a crucial role in planning and authorizing various infrastructure projects in Quonset Point, including the construction of Rhode Island Route 403. He also advocated for the construction of a third track along the rail line from Quonset Point to Central Falls, facilitating heavy freight rail connections to most of the United States. The Iway project, a major relocation of Interstate 195 (Rhode Island-Massachusetts), was initiated during Almond's tenure.
Casinos and Lottery
Almond staunchly opposed the expansion of gambling in Rhode Island throughout his eight years as governor, despite the presence of two major casinos in neighboring southeastern Connecticut. He consistently resisted attempts to introduce casino gambling in the state and urged the Rhode Island Lottery Commission not to expand video lottery terminals at
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