2020 Election Profile: Robert Quattrocchi, RI House District 41
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Bob Quattrocchi is running for reelection in House District 41 (Scituate).
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 IGT/Twin River contract renewal. This twenty-year, no-bid contract renewal proposal has enormous financial implications for the state of RI, well into the future. Although the current contract is not set to expire until 2023, our state leaders seem to be hastily pursuing this new contract, which will affect 1/3 of our state's revenues. The problems with the proposal were glaringly highlighted through the House Finance Committee process. 1) It was shown through an independent gaming consultant's report, that the taxpayers of RI will be overpaying a massive $660 million through leasing of gaming machines, rather than purchasing, which most states do, as well as overpaying for an unnecessary central computer system. 2) Tech contracts should not exceed ten years. Think of how quickly our personal devices become obsolete. 3) 1100 jobs language includes "affiliates" of IGT, which could count existing RI personnel, such as cleaning crews. 4) The unfilled jobs penalty goes from $8,800 per job in the current contract to $6,400, leaving no incentive to create jobs. 5) This contract was conceived during better financial times. COVID has brought us a very unsure financial future to lock ourselves into a decision for 20 years. I would not do that to my own children.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
Government interference in the free market has always negatively affected RI's economy. Overbearing and unelected bureaucrats inflict unnecessary harmful regulations on businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. It's not what we need, as much as, what we need less of.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Currently, our greatest challenge as a state is financially surviving our Governor's unilateral decision making, while the General Assembly abdicates it's constitutional duties to maintain checks and balances on the Executive branch.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am the current State Representative for District 41, Scituate/Cranston. In my two terms, I've always brought unique perspectives, through many lifelong travels and multiple RI business ownerships.
5. Who is your inspiration?
I raised my oldest daughter as a single dad. The little girl who I may have inspired, is now my inspiration. She was raised to develop a high work ethic and understanding of delayed gratification. After nine years of non stop working and studying, six of those, working with the developmentally disabled, she and her husband have purchased their own home, at the age of twenty six.
Biography;
Bob Quattrocchi is a lifelong Rhode Islander and 52 year resident of Scituate. He is married to his wife, Edwina with two daughters. A 1981 graduate of Scituate High School and certified graduate of The American Motorcycle Institute, Bob is the former owner of two RI small businesses and the current sitting RI State Representative for House District 41, Scituate/Cranston. He is the House Deputy Minority Leader and sits on the House Finance Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. Bob is a member of The Scituate Lions Club, The Pinetree Gun Club and The Vince Lombardi Lodge, Sons And Daughters of Italy, recently receiving it's 44th person of the year, community service award.
