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Health & Fitness

Putting Newport First!

When I was a child, I watched my immigrant grandparents serve their New Jersey community every Election Day by working at the polls.  They believed it was their civic duty. They volunteered at church activities during the Christmas and Easter holidays and enjoyed the company of their neighbors, always ready to lend a helping hand for a sick friend or a community effort.  Though they are gone now, I thank them over and again for raising me with these values.  They encouraged me to aim high, take one step at a time and take responsibility for myself. 

I grew up in a large Italian family, with many cousins, wonderful family meals and a commitment to make the best of ourselves in the communities where we lived.  My family placed a very high value and emphasis on education, community service and integrity.

My grandfather, Jim, was well-liked man in town.  He had tremendous integrity and always took the high road.  My grandmother, Carmela was the neighborhood organizer.  She organized meetings, dinners, parties and fund raisers for her friends and neighbors.  They both had a strong commitment to organizations: religious, fraternal, labor, church.  They would be proud that I am a candidate in the Rhode Island Democratic Primary on September 9th. I want to serve you and Rhode Island as your representative for District 75 in the General Assembly.

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I welcome you to become part of my campaign and look forward to asking you for your vote on September 9th in the Democratic Primary.

Though the Democratic primary is still months away, I wanted to give you an opportunity to learn about my background and values. I hope this letter will serve as a first introduction before I meet you and ask you for my vote.

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I first moved to Newport almost 30 years ago.  Over the years, I have shopped downtown, regularly worked out at the YMCA and watched the fireworks on Fourth of July over the harbor, enjoying the great views from my wonderful neighborhood, the Point.  We probably have seen each other around town.

I know that the voters of Newport want to know their elected leaders personally. My academic and professional life has prepared me well to represent Newport.  I have a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Art in History, both from the University of Rhode Island.  My academic background compliments Newport’s rich past and our future opportunities.

I have enjoyed a successful professional life.  I owned and operated a bed and breakfast on Mount Vernon Street, where I gained both experience and appreciation for the tourism industry that supports this City. 

I owned that business for 15 years, and time and time again, I was reminded that this City thrives on being an international destination. I also owned a Newport data management company specializing in managing health care data. I understand how to run a business, a big plus for elected officials and policy makers. I sold those businesses and decided to return to public service in our community. Since 2011 I have been employed by RI Clean Water Action working on environmental policy and community engagement in Newport and Rhode Island.

I have brought energy and ideas to my experience as a volunteer.  I have served our City as a member of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission and the 2014 Charter Review Commission.  I have sat on the Boards of the Point Association and the Alliance for Livable Newport. I have also served as the President of the Norman Bird Sanctuary, the President of the St. Michael’s Parent’s Association and I currently sit on the Board of the Environment Council of Rhode Island.

I have one grown son, Andrew, who recently completed his Master’s in Global Management.  I enjoy a healthy lifestyle, cooking, independent filmmaking, studying Spanish, researching history, touring the American West and the friendships and lifestyle living in Newport have afforded me.

I am putting Newport First. I bring enthusiasm, experience and energy to my campaign. I am committed to transparent and accountable government.  Our state representatives must be a reflection of our community:  We care about our children, the arts, our historical heritage and our environmental future.  We care about the industries that we will attract and the investments we will make in our local economy that will make Rhode Island sustainable. Newport’s reputation as an international tourist destination and our unique resources are critical to the State. As your State Representative I will put Newport first!

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