Meet Frank

I have lived in Warwick for 25 years and have been actively involved in the Riverview Neighborhood Association for 12. I have owned Town Hall Lanes, a bowling center, in Johnston, for 26 years. My experience as a small business owner and my experience in my neighborhood association have instilled in me the values and beliefs that I wanted to take to the State House when I first ran and was elected in 2007.

I decided to enter public service for many reasons. As the owner and operator of a small business, I know how difficult this economy is. From the time I opened Town Hall Lanes with my father and brother in 1984, we paid for 100% of our employees’ health insurance costs. A few years ago the cost became too high and now have a plan with a high deductible. This is one of the main reasons I decided to run in the special election in 2007 to fill the seat of retiring Representative Peter Ginaitt.

I also decided to run because of my desire to fight for the rights of all Rhode Island families. As a member and former chair of Marriage Equality Rhode Island I have come to realize how important state government is in protecting the rights of all Rhode Islanders. Having fought hard as an activist for anti-discrimination legislation and for the right for gay couples to marry, I wanted to continue that fight as a member of the GeneralAssembly.

Because of my years of experience in the business community, and as an advocate for gay rights issues, I had tremendous support in my first campaign. Running against the candidate endorsed by the state Democratic Party was a tough challenge, but hundreds of people volunteered for me during the campaign and on the day of the election. I was truly humbled, and because of their support and all of our hard work going door to door and talking with the residents of District 22, we won a landslide victory in the Democratic primary and later in the general election.

After being elected I became actively involved in many areas, particularly healthcare and environmental issues. I worked very hard to make an impact right away. I took the lead in fighting for passage of a bill to help conserve our state’s water supply and to increase the efficiency of public useof water. Because of this and my continued efforts to work with my constituents and represent their interests, I was re-elected in 2008 with 64% of the vote.

In my second term I helped lead the fight for passage of several key pieces of legislation. The water conservation bill was passed; I also led the fight to keep Rocky Point open as a public park. Also, hearing from one of my constituents and meeting with him, I sponsored a bill to remove the word “retardation” from the name of the state agency that provides services to the disabled. Many people do notrealize the stigma associated with the “r” word, and how it makes those who rely on the departments feel every time they went to the building or heard its name.

I have worked on many other issues as well. Having been appointed to the newly formed Small Business Committee, I know that one of the most important things the state of Rhode Island can do is help local small businesses have the tools and the business climate necessary to begin creating new jobs. My 26 years of experience doing just that will help me lead that fight. With the continued support of theresidents of Warwick District 22, I will keep on fighting for working families in my district and throughout Rhode Island.