𝕂𝕖𝕟 𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕜

I have decided to run for Rhode Island governor because, like so many of you, I can no longer tolerate the dysfunction, waste, and warped priorities of our state government. blockforgovernor.com

RI’s Attorney General states Rhode Island’s open records laws have made possible a situation where a government body that does not want to disclose public records via our APRA laws can frustrate the efforts of anyone who asks for records by tying the request up in the court system for years.

I am in good government heaven today! Both the Inspector General and line-item veto are long overdue, excellent for Rhode Island, and are supported by a large majority of voters. Are you also on board, @HelenaBFoulkes and @GuckianRI

I’m fully aware of how the law works. The only way the LG/IG finds their way to court is if the AG’s office denies the LG/IG’s complaint. If the AG’s office confirms that the LG/IG’s complaint is valid, I would hope that the AG’s office would discourage a frivolous court case filed by the agency.

This post shows an serious lack of understanding of how the APRA works. Presumably the LG/IG would find himself in Superior Court appealing denials by public agencies (not the AG) of his APRA requests. That takes lawyers. And it costs money. Has nothing to do with the AG.

@thekmich I haven't yet had time to look into the details

@KenBlockRI What’s your thoughts on the new speaker introducing a bill to create a bi-partisan inspector general? I think it’s election year bullshit

This statement concerns me as an avid fan of open records and the transparency they provide to the public about our government's operations. Is the AG suggesting that access to records that clearly qualify as open under the APRA should only be available to requestors whom the AG deems acceptable? This sort of subjective access is not built into our open records laws, nor should it be. Open records that are only provided to requestors deemed "acceptable" by politicians are not open at all.

I am pleased to Forward this press release issued by the Forward Party, announcing their endorsement of my gubernatorial campaign. "Party politics has failed Rhode Islanders. Our single-party-dominated state government has left us with failing bridges, broken government, and a continuing educational crisis. Rhode Island needs and deserves a strong, politically courageous governor unburdened by the pressures of party politics. I am beholden to no one but my family and the greater good, and will be the check and balance that has been missing in our government for far too long." -- Ken Block PROVIDENCE, RI — May 14, 2026 — The Forward Party today announced its endorsement of independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block, supporting a leader focused on accountability, competence, and delivering practical solutions for Rhode Islanders frustrated with a political system that too often prioritizes partisan interests over results. A technology entrepreneur, government watchdog, and longtime advocate for political reform, Block has spent years challenging waste, dysfunction, and corruption in Rhode Island government. His campaign is centered on improving government performance, increasing accountability, modernizing state systems, and restoring trust that public institutions can actually deliver for the people they serve. “At a time when so many voters feel politically homeless, Ken Block is offering something increasingly rare in American politics: honesty, independence, and a willingness to tell people the truth even when it’s inconvenient,” said Kayla Berube, Forward Party National Political Director. “He’s focused on solving problems, making government work better, and giving Rhode Islanders the kind of leadership for which they can actually feel proud to vote.” Block first gained national attention after being hired to analyze claims of voter fraud following the 2020 presidential election, ultimately concluding there was no evidence of widespread fraud despite pressure from partisan actors. He has also built a reputation in Rhode Island as an independent voice willing to challenge both parties on government waste, transparency, and political dysfunction. “Rhode Islanders are tired of watching politics become more about protecting the system than serving the people,” said Block. “We need leaders willing to put facts ahead of ideology, accountability ahead of excuses, and results ahead of party loyalty. That’s the kind of campaign we’re building.” The Forward Party has increasingly focused its efforts on supporting independent and solutions-oriented candidates who are willing to work outside rigid partisan structures and focus on practical governance. The organization argues that many Americans feel exhausted by political division and are looking for leaders more interested in solving problems than fighting ideological battles. Block joins a growing number of independent and nontraditional candidates across the country supported by the Forward Party as part of its mission to build a more responsive, representative, and accountable political system. The Forward Party is building a national movement to support independent-minded leaders and expand choices for voters across the country. By opening pathways for candidates who are not defined by party labels, Forward is working to create a more competitive, responsive, and representative political system. Forward will be announcing many more endorsed candidates leading up to the November 2026 election. More information on Ken Block and a full, running list of Forward-endorsed candidates is available at forwardparty.com/candidates. The Forward Party is bringing moderates, conservatives, and progressives together to heal our political divisions, find our shared ground, and create a brighter future for America. Forward Party candidates are accountable to the voters, and they will focus on solutions, not partisan fighting, in order to serve their constituents better.

@PaulDion5 The state should play a critical role in this circumstance. Representatives of the state should have determined this project was in trouble way before they went live

@KenBlockRI Accenture overpromised and under delivered

State governments can and do successfully procure and implement large IT contracts. That RI fails at it frequently begs the question: why? While I cannot state with certainty what the cause is until I get my eyes on the organization and its capabilities, one of the main reasons is likely to be the lack of the right staffing within RI government to ensure these projects succeed. Trying to staff our own large, capable software development organization to build and deliver complex solutions makes no sense because we would be reinventing the wheel in an incredibly expensive way. Building a full-featured ERP system from nothing would cost far more than $100 million. And paying market rates for the technical leadership team, architects, and top leads in up to 10 different areas of specialization would make this new group one of the most highly compensated in state government. What we need to do well is oversee these projects, ensure they don't run off the rails, and write contracts that protect us from some of the worst outcomes we have had to deal with. All doable. It will probably involve some expensive hires. Must be done ASAP.

@MichaelJGarman Most people are horrified by the dysfunction that has become so readily apparent throughout our government. But sure...hide your head in the sand on that. Most of us want our government to work better - much, much better.

@KenBlockRI It's impressive how many ways you've found to say that you won't tell voters where you stand on the issues many people find most important.

Our government makes the same mistakes, over and over again. We have been doing this for the better part of 20 years. Our problem? We keep electing governors who do not want to govern. This election will break the cycle of electing governors who want the job for the perks. I want the job to be able to dive all the way in and do the job. I want to govern. I want to protect everyone from a government that is badly misfiring. Block for Governor. And governing. Please share.

@SamuelWBell I just gave you 3. Enjoy the day.

@KenBlockRI There must be a real example somewhere. A fully privatized state government IT project for a system that needs to be heavily customized. Like, at least one. I’ve got to move onto other shit, but I think the fact that you’ve struggled so much to identify one proves my point!

You say that, but can you actually name an example of when a state government has done a large privatized IT project that A) actually worked and B) wasn’t hideous overpriced? I’m sure it must have happened at least once, but it’s surprising hard to find a real example.

@SamuelWBell The Lone Star Card system. From 1995 to 2012.

@KenBlockRI Do you have a link to a specific project? Also, Texas and Washington do not use fully privatized IT. They use a less idiotic but still dumb hybrid model. And they still routinely get boondoggles caused by privatization. A random example: app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLe…

@SamuelWBell Of course there are. My three examples were all EBT systems.

@KenBlockRI So not one specific example? There’s got to be at least one.

It is highly dependent on the skills of the government agency procuring the work. In my personal experience, Texas, Washington, and yes, Puerto Rico, all ran very solid implementations of extraordinarily complex systems. In Puerto Rico, the difference maker was the prime contractor, who did everything that the government should have done, and it was done extremely well. Other states like RI make a hash out of project after project. If we cannot successfully oversee the implementation of a complex system, how would RI ever execute the buildout of a very complex software deliverable? There is very little chance of success and a high chance of blowing a lot of money on a failed software engineering project.

And no, I’m not talking about purchasing the kind of off the shelf components it makes sense to buy. I’m talking the kind of thing that requires extensive customization.

When is the last time RI was First in the Nation? 250 years ago today, in an act of incredible political courage, Rhode Island was the first state to declare independence from Great Britain and its king—the very first!! Today, RI ranks near the bottom of the 50 states in economic growth, business climate, condition of our roads and bridges, and opportunities for our next generation to flourish. Our state government costs each of us almost $15,000 a year — are you getting your money's worth? I am not... and that is why I am running. Rhode Island is in crisis because elected leaders have forgotten that they work for you and me, NOT special interests. Haven't we had enough of Governors who have little interest in actually governing for the common good? Special interests dominate both sides of the political divide; rather than fixing the issues that affect us all, like roads, bridges, clean water, and high-performing schools, our compromised politicians are beholden to the forces that elected them. It's time for a change. On RI Independence Day, let's commit to getting our state on track by electing a governor who wants to see our state government work for YOU and is beholden to no one. Let's restore independence to the governor's office by electing Independent candidate Ken Block. Please share!

@debilynnn58 Nope. X is making changes i guess. I only see 2 comments

@KenBlockRI Where’s the other 2 comments on this post? You aren’t blocking people are you?

Block campaign April fundraising results In three weeks (I did not fundraise for the week my poll was conducted), the Block for Governor campaign raised $70,000 in April, ending the month with $64,000 in the bank. With public matching funds, the campaign will have about $180,000 in total. We have roughly $70,000-$80,000 in pledged contributions that have not yet come in to the campaign. A good start, indeed! The campaign is currently interviewing fundraisers. A big thank you to all of my early funders!!

When our government doesn’t work well, the price is paid by all. When those in need must fight the bureaucracy to get the benefits they are due, our government adds to their problems. When the government employees who do the actual work are harmed by the government they work for, our government is responsible for creating a miserable work environment. When most of us struggle to pay the bills, put gas in the tank, feed the family, and keep a roof over our heads, our government makes things much worse by costing too much and providing too little. When we see our auto insurance bills skyrocket, our government is a major reason: every year, special interests like auto body shops pay lobbyists to pass laws that enrich the shops at everyone’s expense. When the state and our insurers pay our doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals far less than other states do, our government is the reason you have such a hard time finding medical professionals. When our schools underperform, we harm our students and disadvantage them as adults. When our largest cities and towns botch their finances and struggle with massive debt, local taxpayers pay the price. Attracting jobs to our state is difficult because of everything I wrote above. When our government allows insiders to get their way, we all pay the price for the rich deals they make for themselves. Rhode Island is a beautiful place. Families, businesses, and healthcare professionals should all be trying hard to come here. Rhode Island can become that place. But only if you elect the leaders who will govern for the common good. I will govern for the good of all.