Warwick's expanding political powerhouse

By Tessa Roy
Posted 3/28/17

By TESSA ROY With Teresa Paiva Weed's decision to step down as a senator and president of the Senate last week, a Warwick legislator has gained yet another high profile state leadership role. This could serve to further highlight the city on the

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Warwick's expanding political powerhouse

Posted

With Teresa Paiva Weed’s decision to step down as a senator and president of the Senate last week, a Warwick legislator has gained yet another high profile state leadership role. This could serve to further highlight the city on the legislative map and put issues important to its constituents at the forefront of the General Assembly.

Warwick Senator Michael McCaffrey, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was elected Senate Majority Leader placing him second to Senator Dominick Ruggerio who was elected by his peers to succeed Paiva Weed as Senate President.

The Warwick political powerhouse runs deep. Representative Joseph McNamara is chair of the state Democratic Party and chair of the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare. In the House, Representative Joseph Shekarchi is the Majority Leader and Representative Patricia Morgan, a Republican, is the Minority Leader. In addition, Representative Patricia Serpa serves as chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight.

In the Senate, Senator Erin Lynch Prata, currently chairperson of the Senate Committee on Rules, is in talks to head the Senate Judiciary Committee, which McCaffrey vacated when he took on his new role.

“I’m going to continue to represent [Warwick] as zealously as I have. I know it will be good for Warwick having a Majority Leader in the Senate as well as a Majority Leader in the House working for the best interests of Warwick,” McCaffrey said soon after he was elected Majority Leaders Thursday.

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, who is a presence of his own, having led the city for nearly two decades, calls the city’s State House delegation “solid.”

“Warwick has always had a solid delegation at the State House. I previously have applauded Majority Leader Joe Shekarchi on his new role. Today I congratulate Mike McCaffrey as the new Senate Majority Leader,” he said Monday. “He has served well as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and will quickly slide into his new role. I would expect our entire delegation to continue the good work that they always do.”

The leaders themselves agree; the city stands to benefit from the new positions.

Shekarchi is particularly excited both professionally and personally for McCaffrey, his friend of 30 years, calling him a “high quality legislator.” Having two leaders in the House and the Senate will create a powerful alliance, he added.

“Personally, for me, it’s great because when we go into high level negations… I have an ally when talking about Warwick issues,” Shekarchi said. “For example, when we need [funding] for, let’s say open space money for Rocky Point, Mike and I can lobby hard together. When discussing an issue for the airport, be it funding or mitigation or the neighbors, we can work together.” Putting together aid for schools would also be of importance, Shekarchi said.

More representation at these levels is “a tremendous opportunity for the city where the needs for Warwick citizens will certainly come first,” McNamara said. “I know that leaders Shekarchi and McCaffrey… have their constituents and the welfare of the city as a primary focus. We look forward to working with the City Council and Mayor to enhance opportunities for our citizens and businesses in the city.”

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  • Justanidiot

    hack-o-rama CVS better put condoms under lock and key with this grope in charge

    Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Report this

  • bendover

    This would be laughable if it weren't so pathetic. First off, what are Weed's qualifications to be President of the hospital association? WHAT? Or did the hospital association decide it would be cheaper to hire Weed than pay lobbyists for pending legislation that is in their interest? Stay tuned, or wade through the healthcare legislation and see who the sponsors are...I smell conflict of interest already....

    Secondly, Dominick "rubbers" Ruggerio as Senate President? More ignominy for this helpless fiefdom. Can't wait for the national bloggers and other assorted scribes writing about the RI Senate President is a condom thief and card carrying member of the knocked off for DUI club...Outside businesses will be impressed, especially being a union rubber stamp for 30+ years...

    As for Sen. Mikey, after 24 years, what are your most significant pieces of legislation that helped Warwick as well as RI taxpayers? When will we see your breakaway from the ambulance chasing trial attorneys and support real reform and embrace DUI as a felony, not a revolving door in the judicial branch of government? DEEDS not WORDS.

    Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    meat the new boss, corrupt as the old boss

    Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Report this