From the 36...
Welcome to From the 36. It’s a place where I share what’s happening in and around our corner of Rhode Island, from Narragansett to North Kingstown to Block Island.
Sometimes it’s policy, sometimes it’s personal, but it’s always about the people and issues that shape our community.
Check in often to see what’s on my mind, what’s going on in District 36, and how together we can keep turning the tide in the right direction.
More Insanity?
Yesterday at the State House, two very different conversations happened at the same time.
One room was packed as lawmakers and advocacy groups rolled out the “Fair Share for Rhode Island” agenda, calling for higher taxes on top earners.
One floor away, a hearing on Rhode Island’s business climate discussed jobs, wages, competitiveness, and long-term revenue was held in an empty room.
Helping people and growing opportunity shouldn’t be opposing goals. If Rhode Island wants to move forward, we need leaders willing to have serious conversations about how to do both at the same time.
Definition of Insanity Or Business As Usual?
Rhode Island was just ranked the worst state in the country to start a business based on independent, data-driven analysis that looks at costs, access to capital, workforce availability, and overall economic conditions.
At some point, we have to acknowledge that doing the same thing over and over again isn’t working.
Real progress requires fresh eyes, practical experience, and leadership willing to rethink how we move Rhode Island forward.
MLK Day and the Work Ahead in Rhode Island
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re reminded that progress doesn’t come from pretending problems don’t exist. It comes from honesty, courage, and a shared belief that a better future is possible.
Rhode Island has so much going for it, but the current path isn’t sustainable.
Honoring Dr. King today means believing in what this state can be, while being willing to make the smart, necessary changes to get there.
What’s up With Rhode Island’s “Millionaire’s Tax”?
The debate around Rhode Island’s proposed “Millionaire’s Tax” has gained momentum, but before taking sides, it’s worth understanding what the policy actually does.
Despite the name, the proposal is not a tax on wealth and does not apply only to people earning over $1 million. In some versions, it affects incomes well below that level, a distinction that matters for transparency and trust.
Moreover, if lawmakers are going to ask for more, they should also be willing to examine how the state spends what it already collects.
Fairness and accountability should go hand in hand.
When the Facts Line Up, Common Ground Follows
Getting healthier isn’t just good for families. It’s one way to help bring healthcare costs down for everyone.
A recent Wall Street Journal article is an example that shows what real governing looks like.
When leaders follow the facts and focus on outcomes, even opposing sides can meet in the middle for the betterment of all.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is a reminder that policing requires split-second decisions under intense pressure and that justice requires patience.
In the wake of the tragic incident in Minnesota, emotions are high and opinions are divided with some calling it self-defense and others calling it murder.
Responsible leadership means resisting the rush to judgment, respecting the investigative process, and allowing all the facts to come forward.
Lowering the temperature doesn’t lower our standards. It buys time to make sure justice is served.
What We’ll Be Watching at the State House This Session
As the new legislative session begins on January 6th, we’re focused on accountability, not rhetoric.
We outline the key issues we’ll be watching at the State House, and how decisions affect cost of living, growth, and opportunity for Rhode Islanders.
Holding our elected officials accountable to outcomes matter to Rhode Islanders and help us overcome apathy.
The View Ahead… Here’s To Looking Forward!
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s tempting to look back, but the view ahead is much bigger and brighter.
This reflection looks forward to 2026, a year of listening, learning, and building a more hopeful path forward.
Together we can beat apathy and enjoy a few light-hearted moments along the way.
A 6–7 Budget: A Mid-Year Check-In on Rhode Island’s FY2026 Finances
Six months into Rhode Island’s FY2026 budget, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: how is it actually performing?
It’s a good time to review the numbers and be honest about what’s working, and what’s under pressure.
The budget isn’t failing, but emerging gaps suggest it may be relying on assumptions and temporary fixes that deserve a closer look.
Good government isn’t about perfection. It’s about transparency, discipline, and adjusting course when the data tells us to.
Caught in the Middle of a Political Tug of War
Extreme politics looks less like leadership and more like a tug of war.
The hard left pulls one way. The hard right pulls in another, and the middle pays the price.
A Christmas Eve editorial in the Wall Street Journal highlights Revolution Wind as an example of a clash of ideologies between the left and the right.
Different ideologies. Same bad outcome.
A moderate approach would benefit both sides.
Good Intentions Matter. Results Matter More.
Rhode Island’s strength has always come from its people. Neighbors helping neighbors, small businesses taking risks, and families working toward something better.
As we look ahead to 2026, I believe there’s a real opportunity to do things smarter and more effectively, with policies that deliver real results.
If you agree, or even if you see things differently, I welcome the conversation.
That’s how we turn the tide and move forward together.
Christmas Songs... Which Is Your Favorite?
As we head into Christmas week, I’ve been thinking about a question that sparks strong opinions every single year:
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Is it one of the timeless classics that feel like a warm fire on a cold night or something a little less polished, but far more honest?
For me, one song in particular, captures why the holidays can be both beautiful and complicated at the same time.
Revisiting the Act on Climate: When Good Intentions Meet New Reality
Rhode Island’s 2021 Act on Climate was passed with good intentions, but four years later the assumptions behind it have changed.
With rising costs, shifting federal support, and new data showing we’re off track, it’s time for an honest review that protects affordability while keeping our long-term climate goals intact.
The Quonset Hut… A Rhode Island Invention That Still Lives On at Bonnet Shores Beach Club
Did you know part of Bonnet Shores Beach Club’s history is tied to one of Rhode Island’s most important wartime inventions?
The six Live-ins on the property, originally built as part of a collection of 46 live-in beach cabanas, began their life as Quonset huts, the prefabricated structures invented just miles away at Quonset Point during World War II.
It’s a reminder that some of Rhode Island’s most impactful contributions to US history are hiding in plain sight, right in our own backyard.
Recognizing Pearl Harbor Day, and Rhode Island’s Role in the War Effort
On Pearl Harbor Day, we honor those lost and highlight a local connection: Quonset Point.
It played a critical role in America’s WWII victory and left a proud legacy for District 36.
Rhode Island’s Climate Goals: What We’re Doing Right and Where the Math Isn’t Adding Up
Rhode Island is making real strides on clean energy, but the latest data shows we’re nowhere near the pace required to meet our 2030 climate mandate.
This post breaks down what’s working, where the plan is falling short, and whether our goals need a realistic reset to protect families and businesses.
Believing in Yourself When You Can’t See The Goal Line
Entrepreneurship isn’t about having a clear, straight path. It’s about believing in yourself even when the goal line isn’t visible.
What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to stay motivated?
When Good Intentions Collide with Reality: The Taylor Swift Tax and the Law of Unintended Consequences
The new “Taylor Swift Tax” was meant to target luxury home purchases, but realtors are already warning that it’s chilling Rhode Island’s housing market.
It’s a clear example of how well-intentioned policies can create unintended consequences.
To fix our housing crisis, we need thoughtful, predictable solutions, not headline-driven legislation.
What I’m Thankful for This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a chance to pause and appreciate the people who lift us up.
I’m lucky for my wife Bried, my family, our teams at Fifth & Ninth and Bonnet Shores Beach Club, and the South County community that has shaped my life for 40 years.
I’m grateful for everyone who’s part of this journey.
Built by Many Hands: The Holiday Traditions That Bind Us
Each December, Block Island builds one of the most unique holiday traditions in Rhode Island, a Christmas tree made entirely of lobster traps.
What begins as a simple stack of traps becomes a glowing symbol of who we are as coastal communities: resilient, creative, and deeply connected to one another.
This tradition isn’t just about the holidays; it’s about honoring our working families, celebrating our shared history, and remembering what makes District 36 such a special place to call home.
“an education in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Inventor & Statesman