2020 Election Profile: Geoff Rousselle, RI State Senate District 9
Monday, September 07, 2020
Meet Geoff Rousselle who is running for election in Rhode Island Senate District 9.
Read what he has to say about why she is running for office.
This is part of an ongoing series by GoLocal featuring each of the candidates for House and Senate.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
COVID-19 has dealt RI citizens, the healthcare system and economy a severe setback. When I talk to voters they want to know how I plan to help rebuild Rhode Island. Now is not the time for political platitudes, RI needs elected officials who will act decisively to ensure we have a swift and safe recovery. As a small business owner, I will bring a unique perspective to the State Senate and lend an important, often forgotten voice to policy discussions on how to best reposition our state as we rebuild from this crisis.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
We need to focus on improving our business climate. Small businesses are the true job creators, especially in a town like West Warwick. It's never been easy to start and run a business here. Now COVID-19 has made matters worse. But small business owners like me know how to persevere, which is way I'm confident Rhode Island can make a strong comeback if public officials implement economic policies that encourage entrepreneurship and help small businesses grow. I know what inhibits many job creators and stifles development - from fees that nickel and dime us to bureaucratic barriers to entry - and I will fight for an agenda that removes those obstacles.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Rhode Island needs to reposition itself as a business friendly state. We have a once in a generation opportunity to do this as we seek to rebuild from COVID-19. Now is the time to be bold and implement policies that clearly show we are open for business. We need an open and transparent government, a clear and equitable tax structure and targeted investments in infrastructure and industries.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am running for office because I do not believe that the small businessperson turned public servant is a relic of the past. Governor Bruce Sundlum had a saying, "First you learn, then you earn and then you serve." After having started and run several small businesses, I want to bring my voice and perspective to the State Senate and help move our state forward.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration is without a doubt my late grandfather Joseph D. Richard. Joe or Pep as he was affectionately called, was a small business owner in the town of West Warwick his entire life. He owned Richard's Automotive Supply, served on the West Warwick town Council and the Kent County Water Authority Board for many years. He always had a good thing to say about everyone and was very generous to the various groups in town who asked for his support. I always looked up to him as a role model as a family man and as a civic leader. I miss him dearly but remember his way of doing things always.
