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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why I Back the Blue
As the weather turns and we head into the holidays, we rely on first responders to keep our communities safe.
Public safety is the foundation of every strong community, and strong communities are a place for families to grow, businesses to invest and people to thrive.
Here in District 36, we’re fortunate to have dedicated officers who keep our neighborhoods strong, stable, and safe.
This is why I back the blue.
Bonnet Shores Beach Club Donates $12,050 to Rhode Island Community Food Bank
For the last five years, the Bonnet Shores Beach Club (BSBC) has held a fundraiser to support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and this year, the generosity of members and owners resulted in a $12,000 donation.
Pictured (left to right) are Mark Mesrobian, General Manager of BSBC; Louise Healy, Secretary of the Board of Directors; and Kelly Seigh, Director of Corporate & Community Relations for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Honoring Our First Responders
Today, on National First Responders Day, we pause to honor the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe.
From firefighters and EMTs to police officers and dispatchers, their courage and commitment remind us that service isn’t just a job. It’s a calling.
In District 36, and across Rhode Island, we’re grateful every day for those who answer that call.
“an education in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Inventor & Statesman