Richard's Story

I was born and raised in the north end of Providence, the son of first-generation Italian Americans who worked the textile mills and jewelry shops of the city, commonly known as “Mill Rats.” When I was 17, the most important man in my life, my Dad, died suddenly. That day I found myself a teenage head of household, with a 14-year old sister and a Mom who was inconsolable. I went to work and helped support my family while attending Hope High School during the day.

Shortly after graduating, I was fortunate enough to secure a seat in the Providence Police Academy, an experience that would shape the rest of my life. During my 20 years as a cop, I learned about the law, government, politics, but most importantly, people. In 1997, after assignments in the Housing Unit, Patrol Bureau, Administrative Staff, and the Office of the Chief, I retired as a Sergeant.

Along the way, I graduated from Roger Williams University, all while working at the police department and raising a family. On graduation day, my wife, children, and my mother stood by my side, beaming with pride. I was the first college graduate in my immediate family.

After retiring, I worked at the Providence Housing Authority as a fraud investigator. Later, I spent 10 years working with the homeless, where I learned even more about people and the struggles they face.

Richard at the desk

I’ve also been fortunate to spend 19 years as a member of the Johnston Zoning Board of Review. There, I’ve helped numerous people, businesses, and families with a variety of issues involving property, construction, and land use. Perhaps my proudest moment was leading the opposition to a 55,000-panel solar farm in the Windsor section of town, a proposed project so out of place that it could only be considered an affront to the people of Johnston.

My children are grown now with families of their own but they still live here in Rhode Island. In fact, my son and grandson live here in Johnston. You could say, I have deep roots here and a vested interest.

I am now honored to have the opportunity to take my experience to the State House as your Representative from District 42. There, I represent your interests – the people of Johnston and Cranston – not the SPECIAL INTERESTS that have slowly eaten away at the fabric of our cities, neighborhoods, and the state as a whole.

Issues I plan to tackle because they are your issues, too:

  • restoring the property rights and repealing legislation that has taken all oversight away from local zoning boards where the public had an opportunity to voice opinions and concerns.
  • controlling a runaway budget of $14 billion dollars – twice that of the next smallest state, Delaware. Where’s the money?
  • establishing an Office of Inspector General with complete oversight and investigatory powers into State programs and expenditures.
  • NO MORE WASHINGTON BRIDGE DEBACLES!
  • And, of course, a runaway crime problem throughout Rhode Island.

With all this in mind, I thank you for your support and the confidence you placed in me as your Republican Representative in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, District 42.