It’s a measure of the diligence and hard work of Representative DAVID SEGAL that those who scorned him as a too-young carpetbagger when he ran for the Providence City Council in 2002 are now among his biggest supporters. Segal, of House District 2, is a passionate and thoughtful voice for progressive causes, respected across the partisan aisle, who periodically highlights topics broad (renewable energy) and obscure (net-metering) before they gain wider attention. His Democratic challenger, Richard Rodi, might be a welcome presence in any number of other districts. In this case, though, Segal’s record and his advocacy make him the easy choice.
On the surface, Representatives THOMAS C. SLATER of District 10 and GRACE DIAZ of District 11, both in Providence, might seem to have little in common. Slater is more of an old-school social conservative (who nonetheless played a lead role in helping to pass Rhode Island’s medical marijuana law), while Diaz is an unabashed liberal from the Dominican Republic. Each faces a renewed challenge from a previous opponent, Wilbert W. Jennings Jr., (along with John P. Tomasso) in the case of Slater, and Laura Perez for Diaz. Because of the useful role they play in the Democratic presence on Smith Hill, Slater and Diaz merit your vote.
In House District 16, JOHN C. DEGENOVA is emphasizing the issue of affordable health-care, among other core Democratic values, while mounting a challenge to incumbent Peter G. Palumbo of Cranston. Palumbo is among the Democratic legislators who have sounded more like Republicans in their embrace of Governor Carcieri’s rhetoric about illegal immigration. Because of this distinction between the two candidates, we favor DeGenova.
House District 39 offers one of the more compelling legislative races, with a field of four Democrats and two Republicans. We don’t agree with all of his positions, but Democrat ROD DRIVER, a gadfly, former legislator, frequent candidate, and anti-war activist, has the courage of his convictions, and the Richmond resident would bring a much-needed dose of independent thinking to the General Assembly.
House District 43 presents a rematch between two combatants from 2006, Deborah M. Fellela, who won the election, and ANNETTE M. BERARDUCCI, who received our endorsement at the time. Beraducci was and remains the more progressive of these two candidates from Johnston.
In House District 51, CHRISTOPHER FIERRO of Woonsocket is the progressive favorite among a busy field of six Democrats — and with good reason. Fierro has a close focus on trying to attract good-paying jobs to northern Rhode Island. More than his competitors, he has the energy and sensibility to make a positive impact in the General Assembly.