FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2006

Contact: USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.
      Frank Lennon
      (401) 831-8696

      Operation Clean Government
      Bob Arruda
      (401) 463-5778

Robert Arruda, OCG President, declared: "For State of the State to maintain journalistic credibility, viewers must not perceive the show as being just a mouthpiece for the OCG position."

"The first step in achieving that goal was to identify a host who was totally independent of OCG, and who would be acknowledged within the viewing community as an independent voice. That new voice belongs to Frank Lennon."

Since 1998 Lennon, a Providence native, has led the effort to create a family attraction, educational center, museum and memorial at the former Quonset/Davisville naval complex, featuring the aircraft carrier Saratoga as the centerpiece.

"For the past seven years he has worked to generate a broad base of grass roots, bipartisan support for the project," said Arruda. "Along the way, he successfully negotiated the relocation of the Russian submarine Juliett 484 to Providence, and launched the highly acclaimed Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame.

"Needless to say, mounting such a grass roots campaign has required building a coalition crossing all political, ideological and demographic lines. In order to develop a support base of Democrats and Republicans, business and union leaders, senior citizens and college students, Frank has had to maintain his independence and objectivity on the political scene.

"And that is why we have invited him to host this show," Arruda concluded.

A West Point graduate, Lennon is a decorated Vietnam veteran and former Green Beret whose corporate experience was in commercial aviation. He holds an M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, and for 20 years ran his own marketing, promotion and fundraising business. He also appeared on MSNBC as an analyst on terrorism and special operations issues.

"I'm excited about this opportunity," said Lennon. "This is an election year, and there is a wealth of material out there to provide stimulating and valuable dialog.

"I also salute OCG for recognizing the importance of presenting both sides of controversial issues. Otherwise, the show itself will be viewed to be a shill of special interests-no matter how noble the causes may be," Lennon concluded.

State of the State plans to offer all candidates for federal or statewide office an opportunity to present his or her positions on the issues. Later in the summer, the show will also organize and televise debates.

The mission of the show is to educate the public about local issues and personalities, and to encourage people to become more involved with the political process.

"In order to accomplish those goals," said Arruda, "The show must increase its visibility and become recognized as a source of useful and objective information."

Other changes include a commitment to presenting both sides of controversial issues, and editorial independence from OCG itself. The show will also rededicate itself to covering timely topics with public appeal and interest, and invite well-known or newsworthy guests.

Arruda enthusiastically described the changes as "The first steps toward reaching the next level of visibility and impact within the community."

Arruda said the restructuring came about after lengthy discussions among the all-volunteer production staff and OCG board members.

In order to accommodate the increased number of shows, State of the State also welcomes new volunteers to assist with the planning, filming, editing and production of the shows. No experience is necessary; interested applicants should e-mail OCG at info@ocgri.org, or call (401) 861-3900.

The USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit and an all-volunteer group, has worked for seven years to create a family attraction, educational center, museum and memorial at the former Quonset/Davisville naval complex, featuring the aircraft carrier Saratoga as the centerpiece. Further information can be obtained at http://www.saratogamuseum.org.

Last Updated:
3/20/06