BURRILLVILLE – Burrillville resident and long time environmental advocate Paul Roselli formally declared his candidacy for Rhode Island Senate District 23 this week, announcing his run for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. Jessica de la Cruz.
“This is a challenging time for all those in our district and our state. Our greatest challenges and opportunities lie ahead: dealing with the pandemic, health care, our economy, energy policy, the environment, the climate crisis and especially our sense of place,” Roselli said. “We need someone who has a strong voice in the State House and will represent the district to the full measure of what our district needs.”
The district comprises Burrillville, Glocester and one precinct in North Smithfield.
Roselli noted that over the last five years, he helped to lead a fight against the destruction of the waters and forests in northern Rhode Island, including defeat of a proposed 1,000-megawatt power plant.
“We won against a multi-national fracked gas power plant because we shared a common vision – our independent spirit and the very reason we moved here was being threatened,” he said. “We don’t like being taken over by mega-corporations or well-paid international lobbying firms. Our strength is our common bonds of family, friendship and living with the land.”
“Through my volunteer efforts and work and I have built a good solid reputation all over the state of someone who cares deeply about our future, jobs and the economy, our environment, transportation and the end of fossil fuels for the production of electricity,” the candidate stated.
Roselli pointed out that because of COVID-19, there are candidates for the Rhode Island Senate promoting issues such as changes to health care, energy efficiency, against the destruction of natural resources and reducing tax burdens for individuals and small businesses.
“If many of these candidates get elected the RI Senate will change dramatically,” he said. “This district needs someone who will work with all those in the Senate and add voice to the chorus seeking change. I want to be that Senator.”
“I look at all these issues with a holistic approach,” Roselli added. Burrillville, Glocester and North Smithfield are places I know well as I have worked with many in the environmental and business community for many years. In these challenging times, we need a voice as today we don’t have
one. We need someone who will bring unity while at the same time working to change the status quo.”
de la Cruz secured the District 23 seat, formerly held by Sen. Paul Fogarty in the 2018 election, overcoming opponent Kevin Heike, a Democrat.
NRI NOW is offering all local candidates the opportunity to discuss their background and platform. Those interest should send biographic information to [email protected].