Deb Place, wife of late City Council President Bruce Place, a Democrat, yesterday endorsed Sue Stenhouse, a Republican, for Mayor of Warwick in the November 6 election.

“As a staunch Democrat, I take my privilege to participate in our election process very seriously, “ Place said in a statement. “And when it comes to supporting the right candidate for Mayor of Warwick, Sue Stenhouse is the only Republican candidate that I endorse for elected office in November. She represents good government, something she shares with my late husband, Bruce.”

This is Stenhouse’s second endorsement from a high level local Democrat. At the opening of her campaign headquarters earlier this month, former Democratic City Council President Donald Torres declared his support for Stenhouse.

In a press release, Deb Place said, “Bruce was very proud of his service to the residents of his hometown as a member of the Warwick City Council from 2007 to 2012, serving as President for four years. During his tenure on the Council, Bruce earned a reputation for fairness, professionalism, and tireless, honorable dedication to the citizens he represented. Above all, he was renowned for his ability to work across party lines and reach consensus among people of differing points of view, for the good of the City.  These are the same leadership qualities demonstrated time and again by former Councilwoman Sue Stenhouse. She is keenly aligned with many of Bruce’s values and positions. We need to get her elected and in charge at City Hall.”

Place was a Warwick businessman and an avid advocate for business interests. He worked with the Avedisian administration to pass thoughtful City budgets, create consensus on airport expansion, promote economic development efforts and foster the redeployment of Rhodes Elementary and Aldrich Junior High School. He also actively participated in the pension reform efforts, saving the City $32 million in unfunded liabilities and up to $8 million annually in pension contributions once the changes were fully implemented. 

“Bruce lived life purposefully, and believed deeply in the value of public service,” said his widow. “I whole-heartedly support Sue Stenhouse who has a proven record of dedicated public service, thoughtful advocacy, and inclusive and innovative problem-solving. I ask you to vote for Sue.”