Jennifer Siciliano announced her candidacy for State Representative today in House District 22 – Warwick.
“Enough is enough,” said Siciliano, “How many more times are we going to have to go through this? It seems like every week a Rhode Island politician is getting arrested or fined for breaking the law. Those in charge seem to believe that everyone up there is good and ethical until the day charges come down. The problem goes deep. Many officials up there aren’t looking out for us. They aren’t looking out for the state. All they are looking out for is themselves. It has to stop.”
Siciliano went on to point out the larger effect this has on the state. “The games they are playing are hurting our state, and they are hurting our community. How are we supposed to bring new families or businesses here when the first thing someone sees about our state is corruption? Do you think that makes someone want to move or stay here?”
Siciliano went on to talk about her reasons for running. “I’m running for State Representative because, if I’m being quite honest, what goes on in Rhode Island politics disgusts me. I ran two years ago because I wanted change and didn’t think the current representative would push for it. In the last two years I’ve seen nothing to indicate differently. Whether it is the abuse of legislative grants or the massive expansion of the agency that championed 38 studios. He seems happy to keep doing things the way they always have.”
“I’ve been living here in Warwick for a while, and I’ve seen the same problems we’ve all seen. Our economy is struggling, we are not doing enough to help the environment, and even if our children do get through our schools, it’s becoming harder and harder to afford college. We can do better. We have to do better. We need a government that is open and transparent. We need a government that looks out for the working families of Rhode Island.”
Andy Larsen, who has lived in the area for many years, said, “Jennifer is going to be an excellent representative. Unlike the guys up there she seems to get what is actually important.”
Sean Holly, local business owner is also excited. “I don’t know what they are doing up there but it isn’t working,” he said. “Jennifer would change things.”
Siciliano lives on Harris Ave in Warwick. Jennifer completed her bachelor’s at UConn and her Masters degree at UMass Amherst. She works as an urban planner in Woonsocket and is a member of the Warwick Historical District Commission.
[From a press release]