When the people of Rhode Island elected me, I knew I would be ready to lead and ready to solve the problems we face. But let me tell you how amazing this first year in office has been for me.

I have traveled across this state, met many wonderful people, and I have come to realize that the values that unite us are far more powerful than the issues that divide us.

I’ve met businessmen and women, factory owners, labor leaders, entrepreneurs, teachers, health care providers, unemployed and underemployed moms and dads, and I realize the basic issue that unites us are our concern about good paying jobs and health care.

When I listen to Rhode Islanders that can’t find jobs and don’t have health care I realize that the years I have spent looking for a solution to our health concerns have only been a prelude.

We may be a small state, but we have a wealth of extraordinary talent -- and if we can harness it – if we can come together around a table -- it will be our common, shared values that will help us build a framework for an economy that strengthens every Rhode Island family and a health care system that will be a model for the nation.