To the editor:

On Wednesday, May 14 the Providence Journal, still the state’s “paper of record,” ran a front page story by Wheeler Cowperthwaite regarding House bill 6256, a proposal to reinstate property and sales tax on boats in Rhode Island. It was clear from his selective quoting of testimony before the House Finance committee and his misrepresentation of facts that the story was more of an editorial than an unbiased report.

I attended the Finance Committee hearing on May 6 and then reviewed the recording online. Mr. Cowperthwaite's story includes quotes from Sen. Lombardi, the sponsor of H6256, such as his remarks that "everything is on the table" and the bill is a "jumping off point." He omitted Sen. Lombardi's comment that legislative staff had received 3,000+ emails. Cowperthwaite’s story said the committee received 1,500 "mostly form letters.” He also failed to quote the senator's comment that H6256 is going to "bill heaven... or bill hell" but in any event has little chance of success.

Cowperthwaite further omits the history of boat tax in Rhode Island. Testimony at the hearing included appearances by shipyard owners who fought the first round that led to a repeal. These veterans of the prior fight came from all over the state, with stories of the many ways Rhode Island is losing its maritime heritage, a key element of the state's tourism economy and historic relevance.

Cowperthwaite also misrepresented the registration fee for trailers, a basic fact, when he stated "Trailers weighing less than 3,000 lbs cost $5." The fee is based on GVWR, the gross vehicle weight rating, not the weight of the trailer, duh! My tiny garden trailer costs $17.50 to register so this statement caught my eye. Boaters already pay many taxes for the privilege, from registration fees to fuel taxes to sales taxes on everything made for the marine business. This lax approach to the facts undercuts the credibility of the rest of his examples.

It is sad to see what has happened to the Providence Journal’s formerly high standards. Thank goodness for local papers!

Dianne L. Izzo
North Kingstown