2020 Election Profile: Paul Santucci, RI Senate District 22
Monday, August 31, 2020
Meet Paul Santucci who is running for election in Senate District 22 (Smithfield, Johnston, North Providence).
Read what he has to say about why he 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?
The biggest political issue in this election is rooted in three things: Faith, patience and perseverance. Faith can be examined by its opposite: Fear, which is as pervasive as the Covid 19 epidemic itself. This is evidenced by legislators who abdicated their duties in the General Assembly session, leaving us with only an executive branch of government during this pandemic. Until we have faith in God, respect Him, use our will to serve His purposes, the corollary will be this fast track of violence that has permeated our cities around the country, based on fear. In other words, we’ll continue to treat symptoms of a culture going backward when we should be treating problems. Patience will be necessary as we work through fostering a sustainable economy and fixing our pension/post-employment benefit plans. I know I can make a difference to the people of Senate District 22 and the entire state. I’m running because I know that every day brings opportunity. “Perseverance is the work you do when you get tired of the work you’ve already done” (Newt Gingrich).
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
The General Assembly is a steward of our taxpayer’s money and three things are needed to improve RI’s economy:
Lower taxes, through a multi-pronged approach.
Legislate policies that help our local communities address their post-employment benefits and capital plans, including our schools.
Investments in infrastructure. Smithfield is sitting on over 500 acres of prime land, already in an industrial zone, that could be developed. A good chunk of that land needs water, sewer, roads, etc. Think of the millions of dollars of tax revenue that is sitting behind the corners of Routes 7 and 116. This area could provide jobs to people in Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston and other surrounding communities.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
The declining middle class in our state and our country is the greatest challenge facing RI. I think our legislative majority lacks a vision for our state. I am a proponent for the middle class. Pope Leo once said, “The more that is done for the benefit of the working classes by the general laws of the country, the less need will there be to seek for special means to relieve them.” If we don’t create new, higher paying jobs, we’ll find ourselves unable to generate sufficient tax revenue to fund our liabilities and we will find ourselves standing on pension plan quicksand and a post-employment benefits cliff. What a terrible legacy to leave the workers to whom this was promised and the taxpayers who were victims of fuzzy math.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
My experience as Smithfield Town Council President, as well as my experience on The Smithfield Water Supply Board Advisory Commission and on the Charter Review Commission have given me a unique perspective of what our State delegation can do for our district and for our State.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My father is still my inspiration. He wasn’t afraid of anything and had a real passion for helping people. I am also inspired by Ronald Reagan’s principles, by the opportunity of tomorrow and by charitable acts- no matter the size.
