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Dear Voter,
First of all, I would like to thank you again for your support in the last election. It is a privilege to serve as your state senator from the 17th district.
These are difficult times and our cities and towns are under extraordinary pressure to hold the line on taxes while maintaining services. Although the 2009 supplemental budget is behind us, the 2010 budget will inevitably require cutbacks which will affect all of us.
The reality is that our state’s revenue is down and cost pressures continue. We will have to do more with less, and explore new ways to work smarter in state and local government. Private sector businesses are very familiar with this idea. In upcoming issues of The District View I will share my thoughts and plans on working to reduce costs while at the same time, finding new methods to make operations more cost effective.
In the four months that I have been serving in the Rhode Island Senate, I have supported legislation aimed at improving the voting process for ballot initiatives which will impact voters statewide. I have also introduced legislation which keeps the door open for acquiring the Camp Meehan land to use as open space (this battle is not over).
I have also co-sponsored pieces of legislation including the elimination of master lever [arrow] voting. The District View will keep you posted as to the status of all key legislation.
On a personal level, being a member of the state legislature is a unique experience. It begins with the tradition and beauty of our State House which is home to the many customs and protocols that are imbedded in our state’s history. The marble and granite flooring, ornate rooms and the huge dome are both elegant and imposing.
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I am the only independent [unaffiliated] member in the entire General Assembly (113 total members). This is a very unique position to be in and provides me the opportunity to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle. At times, other senators seek me out to sign legislation because it is good to have the independent man sign their bills. My colleagues in the Senate have welcomed me with dignity and respect, and that is how I treat everyone I meet.
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