State House Lobbyist to Challenge Progressive Leader Sen. Bell in Dem Primary
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Rhode Island State Senator Sam Bell, arguably the most outspoken progressive in the Rhode Island General Assembly, is facing a challenge from State House lobbyist and term-limited City Councilor David Salvatore.
Salvatore announced his run on Thursday. But as City Council Majority Jo-Ann Ryan found out, beating Bell is no easy task. She primaried him in 2020. Bell won 72% to 27%.
“I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Rhode Island Senate,” said Salvatore. “During my twelve years on the city council, I have worked collaboratively with the residents of Providence to maintain, protect, and improve our quality of life. I talked to many of my neighbors over the last week and it was clear from these conversations that they are concerned about the future of their neighborhood, and it’s also clear that they want to be represented by a state Senator who can deliver results at the State House – deliver policies that support our public safety officials and keep our neighborhoods safe; give our kids the best shot at a quality education in warm, safe school buildings; create more affordable and accessible housing; improve our infrastructure; and, hold the line on taxes.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTProfessionally, Salvator is a lobbyist for the RI Association of Realtors.
First elected to the Providence City Council in 2010, and rose to the position of City Council President, but was removed by his colleagues led by now-Lt. Governor Sabina Matos.
Salvatore's Gender Issue
In the past week, leading women across Providence have criticized Providence City Council President for being “abusive,” a “bully,” and failing to support issues important to women.
It started over the weekend when Lisa Ranglin, President of the Black Business Association, blistered Salvatore for a lack of support for issues that matter to women and minorities. By Tuesday night the number of high-profile women raising questions about Salvatore had risen to five.
On Monday night an ugly incident took place after a City Council Committee meeting when Salvatore “screamed” and “intimidated” two female members of the City Council for not agreeing to vote the same way he wanted. Both Councilwomen recapped the incident exclusively to GoLocal on Tuesday afternoon.
"After the vote, I get a text from Salvatore -- he said I should be supporting women's issues, and that I'm shameful," said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. "I said you don't have the facts -- he was spouting off facts that were incorrect for as far as I know."
“After the meeting, I went to the City Council office," said Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. "Salvatore called me in the office and said shame on you, you don't support women. I said it's not like that. This is why we have a [city] lawyer, to advise us when we need review. I know what I'm doing. He was screaming at me. I said listen -- if we're going to pass it I want to be sure."
"I said I'm not your daughter -- I was almost crying," said Castillo. "I left the office, and talked with [Councilman] Correia -- and I see Councilwoman Ryan. Then Salvatore came out and started again out the door, 'Shame, shame, shame.' I feel 'cause I'm Latina and minority -- I don't know how he can say he say he supports women and minorities and he treats me like that."
“Council President Salvatore’s impertinent remarks directed to Councilwoman Castillo and me after the meeting were regrettable. It was a poor display and behavior unbecoming the Office of the Council President. He should know better, and frankly, we deserve better,” said Ryan.
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