Click on a candidate name on the left
to read his/her biography
Richard Rodi www.richrodi.com
Richard Rodi is 43 Years old an a Democrat, Born and Raised in Silver Lake area of Providence where he attended public school. Graduated High School in Providence. BA in Computer Science from Adephi in New York.
Returned to Rhode Island after college. Continued education at Johnson & Wales University Advertising/Public Relations.
Worked and lived in Providence as a Communications Specialist for a local Advertising agency.
Left Advertising to run a successful construction consulting business.
Currently lives on the East Side of Providence in the Fox Point Section. He is a single dad raising a bright 16 year old son who attends Classical High School.
Christopher Little clittleri.org
I write to introduce myself as an independent candidate for election as your State Representative
for House District 33. Let me tell you a little bit about myself.
I live in Wakefield along Indian Lake and am married to Michelle Little, the principal of
Wakefield Elementary School. Together we have two daughters, Alison and Molly, and two
sons, Joshua and Jared. I am a lawyer, having founded my firm of 13 lawyers a little over 15
years ago. Our firm primarily practices in the field of business dispute resolution, in Providence
and Boston.
I have been deeply involved in community activities.
I want to be a State Representative for two reasons. First, our state lacks real employment
opportunities for its citizens, particularly our children. I want to be in a position of leadership to
build on our many strengths - our vibrant college and research centers, our natural resources and
most importantly our people - so that as we go forward, Rhode Islanders will prosper at home
and not be forced to move to another state to obtain a job with livable wages.
Second, as is clear from the recent budget passed by the General Assembly, we are at the
beginning of a particularly painful period as the State has cut healthcare, social services,
education and basic support for many of our citizens and non-profit institutions. I want to be in a
leadership position to help us work through this transition by developing policies that recognize
that our disadvantaged and others hurt by these changes are our neighbors and our friends,
without losing sight ofthe inevitability of, and the necessity for, changes in the operations of
government.
Christopher Little (continued) clittleri.org
As a leader I pledge to share in the sacrifice that our state is requiring others to undertake. I will
not take any payback for health insurance and, instead of seeking to issue legislative grants for
private programs with public money, my grants will come directly from my pay as a legislator.
All of my net pay as a legislator will go to support those hurt during this transition.
I believe it is critical both as a candidate and, hopefully as your legislator, that we increase the
level of dialogue between citizens and elected representatives. Certainly, I do not presume to
have the answers to all of the problems we face. But, I am confident that with your input we can
jointly fashion a path to the future. Beginning next week I invite you to share your opinions,
perceptions and solutions on my blog:
clittleri.org. Let's have a constructive discussion.
I believe that Rhode Island is at a serious cross roads. We have the resources and the strength to
succeed if we act now. Unfortunately, failure is lurking if we do not. As a member of the State
Legislature I intend to lead us to success and I ask for your support.
coming soon...
Ivan Marte www.ivanmarte.org
coming soon...
Chris Frappier www.frappierforrep.com
Chris Frappier is running as an independent running for State
Representative in Cranston"s District 15. He is an active member of his
community, both an Eagle Scout and a Big Brother since 2004. Chris believes
that the state has a spending problem, and not a revenue problem.
Chris attended Cranston Public Schools and graduated from Cranston High
School West in 2005.
He is now in his senior year at the University of
Rhode Island, finishing his degree in Political Science and History. Chris
currently lives at 34 Cobblestone Terrace.
Robert Paquin III www.paquinforrep.t83.net
Robert A Paquin III was raised in Warwick, RI. He attended Toll Gate High School, where he participated in Track & Field, Model Legislature, Mock Trial, and graduated with Honors.
He was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum as well as the American Legion Boys State Program for promising youth involved in Civics, Government, and Politics. He went on to study Political Science at the University of Rhode Island where he also served on the URI Student Senate.
He is currently employed by Barkan Management in Providence, RI and resides in the Pawtuxet Village section of Warwick.
Robert has been recognized on numerous occasions by such esteemed organizations as the United States Secret Service, the RI Legal Education Partnership, the American Legion, the National Spanish Honor Society, the RI Senate, the Offices of the Governor and Secretary of State of RI, the US Department of Homeland Security, and many others.
Jean Ann Guilano www.jeanannguliano.com
Jean Ann, 48, is a Democrat from East Greenwich running for State
Representative in District 30 which includes the towns of East Greenwich and West
Greenwich.
She is a member of the East Greenwich School Committee where she
serves on the Finance Committee, Contract Negotiations Committee, Building
Committee and Mental Health Sub-Committee.
She is an Advertising Consultant for
Southern Rhode Island Newspapers and a freelance public relations consultant.
She is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a B.A. in
Communications, was a media planner for Wyse Advertising and National Media Manager for the
Sherwin-Williams Company in Cleveland.
She has been a volunteer advocate for East Greenwich schools and for
children with specials needs. She has served on the State Special Education
Advisory Committee and as a board member for the Autism Society of Rhode Island.
Jean Ann is a member of the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and St. Luke"s
Church in East Greenwich. She has two sons, Neil, 15 and James 12.
Chris Buffum
Christopher Buffum is an independent candidate running for the State
House of Representatives in District 33, which covers regions of South
Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Narragansett.
Mr. Buffum has lived in
the district for 17 years in Narragansett and South Kingstown, where
he graduated from South Kingstown High School, and has developed a
real understanding of the problems faced by people in his district and
the state as a whole.
In February, Mr. Buffum volunteered with John
McCain"s campaign for United States Presidency.
A self-identified
fiscal conservative, Buffum decided to run for office this year for
the first time after evaluating Rhode Island"s economic downturn
brought on in large part by the state legislature"s irresponsible
spending.
The upcoming election cycle is commonly anticipated to be one centered
on the theme of "change." Our nation is supposedly in the midst of a
"change year," a theme now often associated with the Democratic Party.
However, the Rhode Island House of Representatives has been under an
overwhelming Democratic majority for the past seven years and longer.
We must approach the prospect of "change" carefully and
conservatively. This element of balance constitutes a core principle
of the Buffum campaign.
Rod Driver www.roddriver.com
Rod Driver grew up in London, England, during World War II. He earned degrees in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Minnesota. He worked at Sandia Laboratories -- an Atomic Energy Commission facility in Albuquerque, NM --until 1969 when he came to the University of Rhode Island to teach mathematics (retiring in 1998). He authored books and papers on mathematics, engineering and physics.
Rod has been involved in politics, mostly helping other candidates, since 1952 when he was a college student. He was elected a delegate to the 1986 RI Constitutional Convention and then elected four times to the RI House of Representatives, serving from 1987 to 1994. In the legislature, Rod was known as the representative who read and questioned bills. He sounded the alarm on a bill that helped bring down the credit-union system; on a bill granting teacher certification to applicants who flunk the teachers" test; on a bill to imprison people for possession of "cocoa leaves;" on a bill suggesting it was OK to sell outlawed weapons to children and on many other dubious bills. In 1993 he wrote the law ending "table games" in Rhode Island, which has remained the main obstacle to a full-fledged gambling casino.
After leaving the legislature, Driver served for one year as the volunteer executive director of the Government Accountability Project. In 1996 he initiated the lawsuit which blocked the RI Lottery Commission from starting a new televised bingo game without voter approval. He presently serves on the board and is legislative chair of Operation Clean Government. He is also the founder and president of Justice First Foundation.
Karl Tirrell
Hello. My name is Karl P. Tirrell. I have lived in Johnston since last year.
I have two children and I've been happily married for almost eight years. As
a family, we attend Holy Apostles Church in Cranston. My wife and I are
Christians, and we have been for many years, and the decisions we make in
life are formed because of our beliefs. That is the foundation of which I
base my campaign.
I come to you as an ordinary citizen, who has been through some
extraordinary times. I have a disabled daughter, and my son is about to
enter first grade in an overcrowded school. We are eligible for "food
stamps", and two years ago, we spent two months in a family shelter for our
own safety. I only make $11.00 per hour driving a wheelchair van, so every
paycheck is what it is. My wife does not work, so she can stay home to care
for our daughter. If she did get a part-time job, all of her income would go
to paying for childcare expenses.
The first thing I would propose if elected:
Lowering all taxes. Seriously, I believe the economy will take off and we
can once again be competitive if we do this. That means lowering the sales
tax to 4% for at least two years, then raised for revenue purposes, but
never again to 7%. If the General Assembly can get its claws off our money,
we will have it to use for our families, so men can take their kids to the
park, instead of going to the bar by themselves, and we can once again be a
government of the people, by the people, and for the people
Some of my strongly felt beliefs include:
Merging school systems so that there are more educational opportunities for
students to excel at - (Example: Scituate, Johnston, and Smithfield merge...
Johnston and Smithfield have no agriculture program, and this way, Johnston
residents can enjoy an agricultural education in Scituate if they so
choose.).
Karl Tirrell (continued)
Illegal immigrants should immediately come forward, identify themselves
truthfully, and "step up to the plate" to the path of citizenship.
Government should give more recognition to faith-based initiatives to assist
in social programs
Some of my accomplishments and participations over the years are as follows:
- Boy Scouts, Troop 1 North Scituate 1986 - 1990
- Scituate Police Explorers 1988 - 1993
- Scituate High School Chorus 1988 - 1992
- Selected to attend American Choral Directors Association Honors Choir, 1992
- Scituate FFA (Future Farmers of America) 1989 - 1991
- The FFA Motto is Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to
Serve
- Received awards for public speaking and environmental conservation
Chapter Reporter
- Rhode Island Teen Institute - leadership and community development seminar,
1990
- Rejoice in Hope (Providence County) CYO Center, 1991 - 1998
- Spoke to young Catholics about appropriate choices and spirituality
- Secured and acted in Haunted Labyrinth
- RIMA Tres Dias Christian Community since 1996
This event changed my life in many ways, as I met my wife here six months
before our wedding date in 2000.
- CCRI Student Government, Vice President of Academic Affairs 1993 - 1995
- CCRI Job Club President - spoke to high school students about continuing
education and the importance of finishing school no matter what their
circumstances 1993
- Rhode Island Militia; Gloucester Light Infantry since 2007
- Friendship Lodge #7 Free and Accepted Masons since 2007
The choice is yours, Rhode Island. If you"re not from Johnston, get
involved, get the word out to Johnston residents that you know, that they
have a choice - Vote Karl Tirrell, Independent... Let
Freedom Ring
John Arcaro www.arcaro59.com
I grew up in an extremely liberal household in the 60"s and early 70"s
(our heroes were Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern), but lived
in a Socialist country for 3 1/2 years and saw first-hand the negative
impact of the Welfare State on people"s lives. I"ve been to 27 states and
20 countries, including numerous trips to the Third World (my wife is an
orphaned missionary from Haiti) and have seen with my own eyes truly
"needy" people who could use a little help from a good neighbor.
I grew up in Providence, the youngest son of a 3-term State Senator
(my dad ran for Governor in 1972), but was discouraged from entering
politics because "it"s full of corruption." I am the grandson of an immigrant
who was also involved in politics (he was U.S. Senator John O. Pastore"s
law partner) as a "Reagan Democrat" before the term existed.
An alumnus of Classical High School, I have a Business
Administration degree from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from
Brooklyn Law School. I have worked in the legal field, have never
practiced law (many friends and colleagues congratulate me for that!),
and have been in Sales and Marketing for over a dozen years, currently
in the publishing industry.
I met the most wonderful woman in the world in 2003 and married her in 2004.
My wife Eliomise will be returning from Haiti very soon with our sons Bensley (8)
and Ryan (5).
As a "Blue Dog" Democrat and a Democrat For Life, I believe in low,
reasonable taxes and common-sense spending.
John Arcaro (continued) www.arcaro59.com
I am a strong believer in
charity to help out the truly needy, but resent being forced via high taxes to
give my hard-earned money to able-bodied people who refuse to work and
expect to get a free ride from taxpayers. I believe in open, fair, common-sense
government that lives within its means...the same things we expect of ourselves.
We also need a better ethics system here in Rhode Island, as the "class exemption"
for legislators is a disgrace, an open door to conflicts of interest that has been
abused thousands of times.
I don"t expect you to agree with me on every issue, and I will not bend my views
just to win someone"s vote. You can study my issues at www.Arcaro59.com and
I greatly welcome and thank you for your feedback, and encourage you to keep
fighting to make Rhode Island safe and affordable for our families.
Chris Ottiano www.electdrchris.com
I grew up on Aquidneck Island and attended the public school system.
Attended & graduated St. George’s School 1987
Attended & graduated Wesleyan University 1991 (BA Chemistry)
Attended & graduated Tufts Medical School 1995
Board Certified General Surgeon
Member of International Spine Intervention Society
Member RI Medical Society
Member Newport Hospital Board of Governors
Member People’s Credit Union Supervisory Committee
Married 7 years to Bernadette with a four year old son, Raymond.
I ran for State Senate District 11 in 2006 and as a first time challenger received 46% of the vote. The people of Rhode Island showed that they were ready to change from our old path of financial irresponsibility.
In 2008 I hope you will help me complete our mission to bring a more solid financial plan and responsible immigration control to our state.
Marcel Roberts www.robertforsenator.org
WHO IS MARCEL ROBERT?
I was born in West Warwick, Rhode Island. As a child I lived in Central Falls and Pawtucket.
As an adult I have lived in Pawtucket, Cumberland and in East Providence for the last 33 years.
I graduated from Bryant University in 1970 (I got my degree nights).
I worked for the State of Rhode Island for 15 years in various departments as an auditor and/or accountant. I do know state government having worked in the Bureau of Audits, Banking Division, Division of Taxation, Division of Elderly Affairs, and the Department of Health.
I left state government in 1979 and started my own accounting practice which I ran for 21 years. I serviced all types of businesses including auto repair shops, furniture retailers, electrical contractors, building contractors, churches, retail stores, small manufacturers, etc.
I sold my accounting practice in the year 2000. Since then I have been a real estate broker. I am currently associated with Tirrell Realty. In addition, I still prepare tax returns for individual tax payers.
I am a member of St. Brendan"s Church in Riverside.
I have been married to Louise Smith for 10 years.
I have 2 adult children, 1 granddaughter, and 1 great granddaughter.
David Bates
Sen David E Bates
65 Primrose HILL Rd
Barrington RI
Married Anne B Bates Retired Pres of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce
Daughter Susan in Fairport NY three grandchildren
Son Scott Barrington RI two grandchildren
President A N Nunes Insurance 549 Hope St Bristol RI
Member Bristol Rotary Club (Pres 1988-89)
Member Independent Insurance Agents of RI (Pres 1991-92 National Director 1992-98)
10 yrs on the Barrington Town Council (4 yrs as President)
16 yrs in the RI State Senate
Steven Hart www.stevenhart.org
Steven J. Hart, Esquire, was born in Warwick, Rhode Island on September 2, 1968. He has been a Rhode Island resident for 36 years and a resident of Coventry, Rhode Island since 1998. He is divorced with two children, Kailey and Nicholas.
Steven graduated from Scituate High School, North Scituate, Rhode Island in 1986. He graduated Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island in 1994 (B.S., honors, summa cum laude) and went on to attend Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts (J.D., honors, cum laude). Steven J. Hart, Esquire was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar Association in 1999 and The United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island in the year 2000.
Steven Hart is the owner of the Law Office of Steven J. Hart located at 328 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick. His general law practice concentrates on Family Court matters, Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Small Business and Corporate Law, Estate Planning and Probate matters, as well as landlord/tenant issues.
Steven is an active member of the Rhode Island and American Bar Associations, RI Trial Lawyers Association, RI Family Court Bench/Bar Committee, ABA Family Law Committee and ABA Real Property & Probate Committee. Steven is a member of the Pawtuxet Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hart is also a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and he supports our Second Amendment Right of the People to Keep and Bear Arms. Steven was very pleased with the recent United States Supreme Court Decision in the matter District of Columbia, et al. v. Heller decided June 26, 2008 wherein the Court held that “The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.”
Steven Hart (continued) www.stevenhart.org
Steven has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. Beginning at the age of 14, Steven served as a volunteer firefighter at Hope-Jackson Fire Department in Scituate, Rhode Island for approximately 8 years. Today he continues to serve the needs of the public through his family law practice. He is a direct descendant and great grandchild of Roger Williams, the founder of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Steven"s immediate plans in office are to address the economic challenges confronting our citizens and honor our veterans who have given their careers and livelihoods to ensuring our freedom.
Economy
1. Eliminate wasteful spending and broken government programs.
2. Strengthen the middle class by cutting taxes and protecting home ownership.
3. Support job creation by investing in education, training and workforce development to create new high wage jobs.
4. Create a pro-growth tax policy to promote competitiveness, investment in small business and lower corporate tax rates. We must stop taxing entrepreneurs and small businesses into submission.
5. Reform Unemployment by strengthening community colleges and technical training to give displaced workers more choices to find their way back to productive and prosperous lives.
Veterans
1. Ensure all Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and the assistance they need from the start.
2. Honoring the service and sacrifice of our past and present veterans.
3. Caring for our disabled veterans and expanding access to health care.
4. Easing the transition to civilian life through education and job counseling.
5. Protecting veterans and the families of our fallen heroes from financial loss.
John A. Pagliarini, Jr. www.senate35.net
John is 44 years old; a former Town Tax Assessor and Town Planner, and is currently an attorney with offices in Providence and Warwick.
John"s law practice is focused in the areas of property taxation, zoning, planning and land use law, with a particular and unique concentration in commercial/industrial property tax appeals.
John earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island; a Masters of Community Planning from the University of Rhode Island and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law.
Having proudly served six (6) years in the Rhode Island Army National Guard, John resides in East Greenwich with his wife and two children.
John was the 2002 Endorsed Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor, and, is a Communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Matt McHugh www.matthewmchugh.net
Matthew J. McHugh is an Independent running for State Representative in District 36. District 36 includes the Towns of South Kingstown, Charlestown, Westerly and New Shoreham. He held the office from 2002 to 2006. Matt is 63 old and lives at 91 Seabreeze Terrace in South Kingstown. He was a Senior Vice president and financial advisor with Wall Street investment firms during his 33-year career. He will bring extensive financial experience to the seat in these times of economic crisis.
Matt was a former member of the South Kingstown Zoning Board of Review and a past member of the South Kingstown Town Council. He is a member of Common Cause Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition.
He currently works with his wife, Kim, who is a real estate sales professional with Randall Realtors, GMAC in Charlestown. His wife is the President of the General Federated Women"s Club of South County, a volunteer organization dedicated to community service. They have two daughters: Emily, an art teacher in Burlington, VT and Amy a Spa manager in Fort Lauderdale, FL. and a grandson Zachary, born in May of 2008.
He is a graduate of Cranston High School East (1963) and the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings, Point New York (1967). He holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Rutgers University (1970). He served in the Merchant Marine during the Vietnam conflict and was a lieutenant in the US Navy Reserve.
He is a Literacy Volunteer for Washington County where he helps native Spanish speakers learn English. He and his wife are involved with the South Kingstown Dog Park Association, Salt Pond Coalition, Matunuck Community Association, the South Kingstown Land Trust, Charlestown Citizens Alliance and the South County Conservancy.
