It Takes Money to Make Change

Reflections ahead of our March 30 campaign reception

One of the things that doesn’t come naturally to me in this campaign is asking people for money.

Like many people who have built businesses or worked hard to earn what they have, I take it seriously whenever I ask someone for financial support.

But someone said something to me recently that stuck with me:

“It takes money to make change.”

And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true this is.

Running a campaign isn’t about politics for me. It’s about reaching people, having conversations, and making sure voters actually have a choice when they step into the voting booth.

Campaigns require resources to connect with voters, share ideas, and organize people who want to make their communities better.

From literature and digital outreach to events and conversations across the district, every campaign is ultimately powered by people who believe change is possible.

That’s why I never take it lightly when someone contributes to this effort.

Public Service Is a Real Commitment

Running for office also comes with another kind of commitment that doesn’t show up in campaign finance reports.

It requires time.

Time spent at community events, knocking on doors, meeting with residents, and listening to the concerns of people across the district.

Many evenings and weekends that might otherwise be spent with family are instead spent out in the community, having conversations about how we can make Rhode Island a better place to live and work.

It’s a commitment that my wife, Bried, and I discussed carefully before deciding to take this step. I’m grateful for her support, because public service is something that truly involves the entire family.

Since announcing this campaign last November, I’ve had hundreds of conversations across District 36.

From Narragansett to North Kingstown to Block Island, people have been generous with their time, their ideas, and their encouragement.

At our kickoff in Narragansett, I was especially grateful to see so many people come together who believe Rhode Island can do better.

What struck me most that evening wasn’t the speeches. It was the conversations happening around the room.

People were talking about their kids wondering if they’ll be able to afford to live in Rhode Island after they graduate, small business owners comparing notes on rising costs, and neighbors sharing ideas about how expensive things have gotten.

Moments like that remind me this campaign isn’t about politics. It’s about the future of the community we all care about.

What I’m Hearing Across District 36

And the concerns I hear from people across the district are remarkably consistent.

People are worried about the rising cost of housing and whether their children will be able to afford to live here. They talk about infrastructure that seems to be constantly failing or falling behind.

They worry about high energy costs and the lack of opportunity that leads too many young people to leave Rhode Island in search of a better future somewhere else.

Perhaps most of all, I hear frustration that too many elected officials seem disconnected from the kitchen-table issues families deal with every day.

These are real problems that deserve real attention, and they also represent an opportunity.

Across our district, I’m meeting people who care deeply about the future of Rhode Island and want to see practical solutions and fresh leadership.

When people contribute to this campaign, whether by attending an event, volunteering their time, or making a financial contribution, they’re not just supporting a candidate. They’re helping build a community of people who believe Rhode Island can do better.

A state senator may represent a district, but the impact of leadership in that role reaches across the entire state.

Rhode Island is small enough that thoughtful leadership and practical solutions can make a real difference.

This campaign is about bringing that kind of energy and focus to the challenges we face.

And like any effort to build something meaningful, it requires people who are willing to step forward and help make it happen.

Join us in North Kingstown

That’s why we’re hosting a reception on March 30 in North Kingstown.

It’s an opportunity for people who care about the future of Rhode Island to meet one another, share ideas, and help move this campaign forward.

If you’re able to join us, I’d truly enjoy the chance to meet you and hear what issues matter most to you and your family.

And if you know a few friends or neighbors who care about the future of Rhode Island, I hope you’ll bring them along.

Because the truth is, turning the tide in Rhode Island won’t happen because one person runs for office.

It will happen when enough people decide the future of our state is worth building together.