Meet the Candidates: Anthony Paolino
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Meet the candidates this election year. GoLocal is featuring the candidates for General Assembly, those running for Mayor in cities across the state, and the Congressional candidates. This feature allows each candidate the opportunity to express their views on the issues.
Meet Democratic candidate Anthony Paolino. He is running in District 26 against incumbent Rep. Patricia Morgan and Independent Vincent Marzullo.
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 EBLASTBased on what I hear from the constituents I talk with, the biggest political issue is ethics and transparency. The biggest policy issue is taxes and the tolls.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
The short version is, we need to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. We need to find the areas we are doing well in and what we anticipate will be a growth point for Rhode Island, and invest there. One that comes to mind is the defense and cyber sector. This industry is projected to continue to grow in Southern New England, so we need to invest in education, training and workforce development related to this industry. This will continue to add good paying careers to the RI market. We can also do this in many other areas.
Next, we need to identify areas we are not doing well in, and either cut them or find a way to be more efficient. Many state programs are valuable and necessary, but also experience a great deal of program leakage. We need to invest in studies to target the leakage and develop ways to fix this unnecessary spending while ensuring the target population for those programs are not affected.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Culture and perception. Rhode Islanders are not confident in their elected leaders and the political system, and we need to change that. This one issue has spill-over to so many other problems. “The way we’ve always done it” is not working anymore for RI.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
After 6 wasted years, district 26 is in need of a voice, from a public servant. For too long, our school programs have been in jeopardy, there has been no new developments or jobs in our district, moral and trust in our leaders is at an all-time low and our elected officials have brought little money and no solutions to our town’s issues. The skills and experiences I have had in the military, private sector and in academia, have given me a well-rounded perspective on both leadership and policy making. Rhode Islanders have made it clear that this year is the year for change. I agree, and hope to bring some fresh ideas to the state house and new leadership for the future.
Our leaders do not always listen to the constituents first, and we saw this in the primaries. I enjoy working with both sides. I also have the temperament and skills to do so, and I agree with the House Minority leader, my opponent does not.
5. Who is your inspiration?
My grandparents, the greatest generation ever. All extremely hard workers, and devoted to their families. More specifically, my grandfather Carmine Gelsomino was taken from earth far sooner than he should have. Over 20 years after his death, I still have people that constantly tell me stories of him. I could only hope to leave behind the same legacy my grandfather has, missed by his family and friends and remembered by so many, decades after passing. He was a wonderful grandfather and leader, and I strive to be the man he was.
