2020 Election Profile: Thomas Paolino, RI State Senate District 17
Friday, September 04, 2020
Meet Thomas Paolino who is running for reelection in Senate District 17 (Lincoln). He serves as Deputy Minority Leader.
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.
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1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
The COVID crisis is obviously the biggest political issue this season and will dominate the majority of conversations between candidates and constituents. How we fight this pandemic and how we move forward will be at the forefront of peoples concerns.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
We need to strike a balance between the health of our residents and the health of our businesses. An alarming number of businesses and people’s livelihoods have been severely impacted by the COVID crisis. Many have shuttered their doors and more are expected to do the same. I believe getting our students back to school and families to back work while promoting safety is paramount to restoring Rhode Island. As a member of the Joint Legislature COVID-19 Emergency Task Force I have advocated to allocate dollars to help achieve both of these endeavors.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Successfully managing the COVID crisis because it affects every facet of our lives. Our financial, political, psychological, physical, economical, emotional, and spiritual well being have are all impacted.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am running for re-election so we can continue to provide ethical, transparent, and accountable government to our State. The experience I have gained as a member of the State Senate and the Committees and Commissions I have served on gives my District a seat at the table when discussing these important issues.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My parents. They are ethical, hard working, generous, business owners that put the needs of others first. They have served as great role model to our family and I strive to be more like them everyday.
