Political Profile: Lenny Cioe, Candidate for State Senate in District 4
Monday, August 15, 2022
Lenny Cioe is a Democratic candidate for State Senate in District 4. Here is what he has to say.
1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
The biggest political issue this season is the overwhelming disconnect between long time incumbents and the true needs of their communities. I’ve talked to thousands of voters in my district and it’s clear—they want change and representation that is accountable to them. This disconnect is growing the desire for change and new voices in politics.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
The state needs to enact legislation that protects and strengthens small business. We need to end our policy of corporate giveaways, such as the Tidewater Landing deal or the building of Neon Marketplaces, that are undercutting small business owners and families. We also need to continue to strengthen and improve public education in this state. One way of doing this is to build more vocational technical schools, so more young people can get access to good paying, stable work without a college degree. Together, a new emphasis on education and small business will give our state long-term economic success.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
There are many, many challenges facing our state. To pick one feels wrong, when we are faced by a housing crisis, climate change, lack of access to affordable healthcare and a struggling public education system. The biggest problem that impacts all of these problems is the stagnancy of our state government. Many of our elected leaders in the Rhode Island General Assembly have been in office for decades, and are seldom challenged. To be responsive to the many problems facing our state, we need to elect new leaders with new ideas, instead of the same old politicians who we have been electing for decades. With a new government, we can act quickly on our greatest challenges.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am running for office because I have lived in Rhode Island my entire life while nothing has ever changed. For decades, the same group of people have had a stranglehold on power and used their power to benefit corporations, lobbyists, and themselves. As a registered nurse, I talk with everyday people every single day, who share with me their concerns and struggles. I am not beholden to large corporations or special interest groups. Instead, I am uniquely qualified for this office because I have the ability to listen and connect with a diversity of opinions, from people from all different walks of life.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from two sources. First, my parents. I watched how my father and mother adapted to the health challenges of my father's illness, who got Parkinsons when I was still in my teens. Together, my parents defined the challenge they faced. They didn’t allow it to define them. They traveled to conferences to meet different medical groups and specialists, and learned so much through the challenges they faced together. Even as they struggled with health, they never missed a social event or a Providence College basketball game.
Robert F Kennedy (Bobbie Kennedy) is also a true inspiration to me. In my view he was the first true populist. He stood with the Delano Grape Strike supporting Filipino and Mexican immigrants. He took on poverty in Mississippi, exposing inequality in the United States that still exists today. He showed me what true political leadership can look like, and how politicians can lead forward with fresh ideas.
About Cioe:
"I am a registered nurse who has been at the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis. I'm the son of an educator and a union leader and I've always known the value of strong schools and good jobs. In 2013, my partner of 28 years and I were married. Now, I am running for Senate in District 4 Providence / North Providence to fight for a government that works for all Rhode Islanders, not just the wealthy and well-connected up at the State House."
For more info, go to Cioe's campaign website here.
