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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
🇺🇸 Veterans Day: Honoring My Father and the Values That Shaped Me
This Veterans Day, I’m honoring my father, Antranig “Anto” Mesrobian.
He was a first-generation Armenian-American who served during the Korean War out of a sense of gratitude to the country that gave his parents refuge.
The values he passed down, hard work, integrity, and service, are the same ones that drive me to serve the people of District 36 today.
We Don’t Value the Trades Nearly Enough
My dad was a cabinet maker and proud member of Local 94.
His trade gave our family stability and a path to opportunity.
We need to invest in vocational education so more Rhode Islanders can build that same future right here at home.
When The Underdog Turned The Tide… Patriots vs Buffalo
When the Patriots went into Buffalo, no one gave them a chance. But grit beat glamour and the underdog turned the tide.
Not dissimilar to what we’re doing here in District 36 — proving that hard work, heart, and teamwork can still beat the establishment.
Why I’m Optimistic About Rhode Island’s Future
The view from the deck at Bonnet Shores Beach Club reminds me why we all love South County so much. Rhode Island isn’t perfect, but it’s the place we call home. With optimism, action, and a little grit, we can steer toward progress… together.
“an education in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Inventor & Statesman