Political Profile: Wayne Charbonneau, Candidate for State Representative in District 62

Tuesday, September 06, 2022

GoLocalProv Political Team

 

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PHOTO: Wayne Charbonneau

Wayne Charbonneau is running for State Representative in District 62. Here's what he has to say. 


1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?

The majority of people I've spoken to have told me that the cost of living is what concerns them the most.  With gasoline hovering around $4 a gallon more of their budgets are being spent just getting to work and the market. Then when they get to the store all the staples grains, meats and produce are all up 10%-20% over last year. On top of that Rhode Island Energy has told its customers to brace for an increase of 50% for electricity in October. The people of Rhode Island need real tax relief to offset all these higher costs that are making it harder for them to put food on the table and come winter heat their homes.

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2.  What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?

The State of Rhode Island needs to focus more on small businesses and less on large scale endeavors that are more flash and less substance. The Rhode Island Commerce Corp. with the governor casting the tie breaking vote approved the amended Tidewater Landing project increasing the cost to $47million upfront that will end up costing $60million counting the interest by the time the bonds are paid off. That is millions that could have been used to lower taxes and fees paid by small businesses run by Rhode Island families spreading the positive economic impact to every city and town in the state.

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?

Currently Rhode Island's biggest challenge is the lack of workforce. As I drive around almost every business I see has a help wanted sign posted. Many restaurants that are trying to recover from 2 and a half years of covid losses now have had to reduce their operational hours due to not being able to fully staff shifts. Also with the average age of plumbers and electricians climbing we also need to put much more emphasis on trade schools to train the next generation of skilled workers. We constantly tell high school students the path to success is to get a 4 year degree but those aren't right for everyone. Those going into trades end up with significantly less debt and can get right out into their job of choice. Many different roads can all lead to a comfortable living.

 

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

The reason that I decided to run for state representative is the reason most people who run for office have, I felt that my voice was not being listened to in the general assembly. I was watching year after year the tax and spend mentality of the state house and I felt that we needed a change in the officials who are deciding the laws that affect all Rhode Island residents. The one aspect that will set me apart from the rest of the general assembly is that I am about as far away from being a politician as you can get. I'm a blue collar worker who finally had enough of more and more of my paycheck being misused by the state.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration? 
 
I'd say the person who inspired me the most would be my father. He worked hard all his life to provide for my mother and his 4 children and I learned to have a strong work ethic from his example. He worked long hours but still found time to spend with me doing many different recreational activities. Due to the 10 year age gap between me and my closest sibling it ended up mostly me and him one on one. We would go fishing, bowling and take in races at Seekonk Speedway. Thanks to the time spent together I came to pick up a lot of his personality and sense of humor shaping me into the person I am today.

Bio

Wayne was born November 10th 1982 the youngest of 4 children.  He is a lifelong Pawtucket resident. Growing up he attended St. Teresa grade school then moved up to St. Raphael academy where he graduated in 2001.

For work he began working for Stanley Granite co. part-time in his junior year of high school. After graduating switched over to full-time and has been employed there for 21 years.

He is an animal lover and for recreation enjoys bowling and archery.

For more info, go here. 

GoLocal is featuring the candidates running for office in Rhode Island. 

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