Senate Race

District 29

Anthony DeLuca Republican

I am running to represent Warwick District 29 in the Senate. I am a proud lifelong Warwick resident. I am a product of the Warwick School system and my 3 children are currently enrolled in Warwick Schools. I’ve been a licensed EMT who has served Warwick and the surrounding communities for nearly 20 years and I am currently proudly employed by the City of Warwick Water Dept. The average hard working Warwick resident is struggling financially in our State’s current economic situation. I want to bring common sense solutions to the State House for every citizen.

1. The Primary role of elected officials in government to look out for the well-being and rights of the citizens they represent. It is extremely important for policy makers to do their due diligence and be certain that the legislation they present and pass is constitutional and non-discriminatory. I support the judge’s ruling and would not attempt to overturn the decision. Further, the gantries need to come down so we can recoup some of the $170 million we’ve already lost on this ill-conceived attempt to force those engaged in commerce to pay for our roads.

2. Rhode Island has been ranked as one of the top-five strictest states for gun control. Rhode Island has also been ranked as one of the safest states in the nation for crimes committed with firearms. Clearly, our laws are working when they are applied. A lot of violent crimes can be linked to people with anxiety, depression, and a history of underling mental illness. More attention and essential medical care needs to be given to those struggling with mental illness.

3. I Support lowering Taxes for small businesses in Warwick. RI is ranked 45th in States to open a Business and is in the top 10 highest states for Cost of Living, receiving a grade of “F” from CNBC. We need to create an environment where small businesses can thrive and have a competitive edge against our neighboring states. I will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce legislation that will protect Citizens from increased energy costs and expensive “weatherization” upgrades from the RI ACT on Climate Bill. This legislation would give citizens and businesses the opportunity to opt out of the Act on Climate Bill. If you choose to opt out; Municipalities and Citizens would be free to use and purchase gasoline powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers without being fined by the state. This bill is yet another example of government special interests and law makers negatively impacting everyday hard-working Rhode Island Citizens.

4. Yes

5. Rhode Island is NOT heading in the right direction. Rhode Island is following California with higher taxes and inflation through their green energy policies. If this trend continues, the Citizens of RI will eventually be forced by New Green energy laws to only purchase electric vehicles and home heating systems. The State of RI needs to head in the direction of personal freedom and increased prosperity for all. RI government needs to let the free market and the RI Citizens decide how they want to live their lives. People are free to purchase solar panels and electric cars if they so choose. Government should not force people to purchase certain products or be penalized for it.

6. The biggest cost driver in housing is Rhode Island’s cost of doing business. Along with our extremely high cost of living, this doesn’t create any truly affordable housing. The best way to make homes affordable is with good economic policy that creates jobs and lowers the cost of living. We are currently experiencing 40 year high inflation and soaring energy costs.

7. No, I do not believe the Act on Climate bill is realistic. There is no way private industry and government could have 100 percent renewable energy by 2033. My opponent calls for this unrealistic goal to be met by 2028. This continuous cycle of printing and supplementing green energy will continue to increase inflation and put us further in debt. I believe citizens in RI should be offered every type of energy source. Competition and responsible free market capitalism will determine what the people want. Competition will keep prices low. Let Green Energy naturally take its place among its competitors.

Jennifer Rourke Democrat

My name is Jennifer Rourke and I am running for State Senate, District 29 in Warwick. I’m running for office for reasons bigger than myself. Like many of you, I work multiple jobs to make ends meet. I’ve felt the burden of the increased cost of living while our wages stay the same. People in Warwick are struggling, and the powerful consistently ignore us.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Warwick deserves a Senator who will fight for changes that benefit everyone, not just a select few.

As your Senator, I will work for you because I am one of you. Your fight is my fight. I hope to earn your vote on November 8th!

1. I have been a strong opponent of the truck tolls since they were first implemented in 2017. Not only are these tolls unconstitutional, they’re not in the best interest of everyday Rhode Islanders. The costs incurred by these tolls are passed from the truckers to local businesses and consumers. I will fight to lower costs for local businesses and working families–not raise them.

2. As a working-class mother of four, and the wife of a veteran and retired police officer, I know how important it is to have the ability to defend yourself and your family. So, while I support the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms, the continuous cycle of violence and heartbreak caused by gun violence has gripped our nation for far too long. The first step to moving forward and healing this uniquely American issue is by passing common sense gun laws to keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers.

3. There are many issues. One is to protect Warwick’s environment and improve our neighborhoods. I plan to establish better standards for air freight and flight patterns, environmental pollution, and noise abatement. I pledge to vote against bills that exacerbate the harmful impacts of the airport and ensure that the people of Warwick come first, always.

4. I support term limits that will prohibit all elected officials, both in Congress and the State House, from serving in the same office for more than 12 years. Progress requires new ideas from new candidates.

5. For too long, the people who have been entrusted with the power to make this state great for everyday Rhode Islanders like you and I, have sat back and watched as our schools deteriorate, our roads crumble, and our taxes and utilities go up. Instead of advocating for the people they swore to represent and serve, they’ve chosen to line the pockets of their wealthy donors, major corporations, and special interest groups. As your State Senator, I promise to always prioritize the needs of the working people of Warwick.

6. Rhode Island is in the midst of a housing crisis. In Warwick, the average cost to rent a 2-bedroom apartment has skyrocketed, leaving nearly 50% of our neighbors unable to adequately afford to keep a roof over their heads. To address this crisis, we will build 10,000 units of affordable and low-income housing, which will not only increase the amount of available housing units, but also create and sustain at least 2,000 new union jobs each year over the next 25 years.

7. Throughout the country, the climate crisis is on pace to devastate thousands of acres of lands, uproot millions of families, and destroy thousands of lives. Warwick is no exception. We must not just combat the climate crisis, but stop it in its tracks by installing solar panels on 50,000 low- and moderate-income homes and public buildings, and decarbonizing our transportation sector by 2040 by creating new bus lines that are free for all Rhode Islanders, and electrifying all of our buses.

Mark McKenney Democrat

I was District 30’s state Senator in 2019-2020. Warwick needs representatives who work with others to effect reasonable, positive change.

My connection to Warwick is deep-rooted. I was born here, attended our public schools, and returned, after getting an education, to raise my family. I’ve advocated for Rhode Islanders, and helped reform our broken workers’ compensation system.

I’ve been deeply involved in the community – especially literacy and libraries. I’ve gained great satisfaction from that volunteer work.

Rhode Island faces serious problems. I’ll work with others to try to deal with them. That’s public service - giving back and helping people.

1. I would look for alternative means of financing infrastructure improvements. We should also do a better job of maintaining what we build. As to the state’s appeal, I understand the reasoning behind it. While the chances of overturing the decision are not great, there appears to be some reasonable basis for challenging the District Court’s ruling. Attorney General Neronha noted that the Commerce Clause is not an area of settled law. Even if the appeal is not successful, though, there are other revenue streams (including federal money) that will allow the infrastructure rebuilding program to continue on.

2. No, we can do more. I support reasonable, common-sense gun laws. As a senator, I voted to ban 3-D printed guns and ghost guns. I tend to follow the recommendations made by the police chiefs association. For that reason, I’d support a ban on military style assault weapons.

3. Yes. When I served previously, I co-sponsored bills in the Senate (with Rep. Solomon in the House) to provide a tax credit for sewer connections, and to create an annual August 2-day Sales Tax Holiday. Both would help Warwick residents.
I’ve also sought to end the tax on Social Security benefits. That would certainly help Warwick seniors.

4. I’d consider term limits, but I’d need to be shown they’re effective. The argument has generally been that when elected officials remain in office too long, the public loses confidence in them. The benefit of gaining fresh faces is viewed as outweighing the institutional knowledge that’s lost. So 15 states have enacted limits (one has since repealed them).

But we actually have term limits already. Senate terms are limited to two years. After that, I’m out. Unless I run, and get more votes than other candidates.

The limit some people want is actually a restriction on who can run. Someone who’s been in office too long is prohibited from running again. So what that limit actually does is reduce the choices voters have.

I’d consider limits, but I’d have to be convinced they’re worthwhile. Personally, I like the Belichick philosophy - “next player up”. I have no intention of staying forever. I’ll do my best to help the community, then let someone else step up!

5. Yes. I’m an optimist. We can bring about positive change. We have to work at it by cooperating with others, even when they have different views. But it can be done. We have to keep a close eye on our spending, strive to improve government efficiencies, and carefully target our initiatives. Folks come to Rhode Island, though, because they consider the quality of life to be exceptional. We should take advantage of that, and make sure we have more opportunities – so our young people stay here and companies want to create jobs here.

6. Affordable housing has been an issue for a long time. The legislature took positive action last year to create a funding stream for housing. Zoning laws should be addressed, so they’re more conducive to low-cost housing. There’s more work to be done, but it’s been started.
7. Yes. I listen to those who know more about a subject than I do, and the sense is that this goal is reachable. If it is not happening, we’ll have to reassess and readjust. We can do that. It’s the consensus of those who know the science, though, that we must move to renewable energy. The greater mistake would be in failing to take bold action.

Senate District 30

Marjorie Tudino Republican

Hello, if we haven't met yet, my name is Marjorie Tudino. Like you, I am concerned about the direction of our beautiful state. I've canvassed every neighborhood in the district and heard your concerns. I promise to advocate for policies that help all Rhode Islanders and to push back against wasteful government spending. To restore integrity, common-sense, and everyday Rhode Island values back into our RI Senate. This November 8th, I humbly ask for your vote.

1. It was irresponsible of the legislature to pass a law they knew was unconstitutional. We don't have a revenue problem in this state - we have a spending problem. The first thing that needs to be done is to see where there is waste in the budget. And to do that, we need a transparent budget.

2. Rhode Island has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but it hasn't prevented crime. In fact, crime has increased. I would advocate for mandatory minimums for crimes committed with firearms.

3. Is there something more specific?

4. I am in favor of term limits.

5. Rhode Island is headed in the wrong direction. Consumer goods and energy costs have skyrocketed. That is mostly due to National politics, but this year RI Democrats voted against temporarily suspending the gas tax and against providing more funds for heating assistance. Rhode Island has had one-party rule for almost 90 years - the legislature desperately needs balance. Warwick needs a strong and independent voice.

6. Build more homes. Economics 101 - supply and demand. We don't have enough housing, so the prices are high

7. I believe it is a very lofty and bold target. I think everyone agrees that we need to preserve and protect the environment. But 100% renewable by 2033 is not realistic, neither financially nor logistically. Politicians may try to sugarcoat the issues, but I will always be honest with my neighbors in Warwick. Nice goal, but not feasible in that timeframe.

Senate District 31

Lisa Morse Republican

I am a regular Rhode Islander and a mom who has had enough. Rhode Island has become impossible to live in. I am tired of watching people and businesses leave. I want to restore HOPE and INDEPENDENCE to all Rhode Islanders. I want to make Rhode Island safe and affordable.

For the past 20 years, I have been homeschooling my 5 children and volunteering. Currently I watch 2 of my 7 grandchildren and volunteer at a women's residential treatment program. I am 2nd Vice-chairman of the Warwick Republican City Committee and a Delegate to the State Central Committee.

It would be an honor to serve the People as their senator.

1. I support ending the program and removing the gantries, thereby removing the existing danger of tolling all cars. With a budget of over $13 billion and $878 million budget surplus, finding the funds to continue bridge and road repairs will not be difficult. We are currently #1 in dollars per mile spent on roads. We need to get in line with other states and get more road maintenance for our money. Also, we should never do anything that inhibits our local businesses' ability to thrive, including those that deliver food.

2. The most recent gun control legislation passed by our General Assembly will not prevent gun violence. The one restricting magazine capacity makes law-abiding citizens into felons and will likely be overturned by the court as a violation of Constitutional 2nd Amendment rights. Rhode Islanders are deeply offended that their own representatives regard them as criminals. Most gun violence stems from mental health issues which the General Assembly has failed to address.

3. I will support legislation to ban the use of unmanned surveillance cameras (Flock) to protect every citizen's Constitutional rights under the 4th Amendment. Technology is no replacement for good police work. Law-abiding citizens deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not as criminals.

4. We already have term limits in place for offices such as Governor and Attorney General that are working out well for our state. I support term limits for the State Legislature.

5. Rhode Island has been heading in the wrong direction for many years. The state government has given no consideration to the suffering of our citizens under its policies. It is time for change. We are overburdened by high taxes, the high cost of food, energy and everything that we need. Drug addiction and death are rampant. The school problems are not being solved. The natural beauty of our state is being diminished by blight and poor planning. We are consistently near the bottom of all 50 states in business climate. Instead of dealing with the issues that affect Rhode Islander's everyday lives, the Legislature is doling out money for dubious public private partnerships such as the Pawtucket Soccer Stadium and the Superman building and focusing on divisive national and global issues.

6. Affordable housing needs to mean housing that people can afford. We need to improve our economy and our business climate to attract higher wage jobs. We need to improve the schools to produce excellent job candidates. We should ensure that our homebuilding regulations are not a barrier to producing affordable houses and apartments. We need to understand our population and the proper use of the space we have and plan for future needs.

7. No, it is very unrealistic and will inflict severe economic harm to most Rhode Islanders. This state does not have the infrastructure to achieve this. The vast majority of our citizens do not have the money or desire to replace their heating systems and retrofit their homes and businesses to all electric. Nor do they have the money or desire to purchase electric cars. Many fear that these energy sources are still expensive and unreliable. Mandating that all new homes must have electric heat will only exacerbate our affordable housing problem. 2033 is only 11 years away. We are not ready.

Matthew LaMountain Democrat

My wife Casey and I purchased our cape home on Mayfair Road in 2012 and pictured ourselves raising a young family in Warwick. Now today as we raise two young children, the economic pains of parenthood are inescapable. Gas prices are through the roof, grocery bills are high, heating our homes has nearly doubled and not to mention the cost of diapers.

In recent years it has become increasingly difficult for young families to buy a home, afford childcare, and raise their children in Rhode Island. We can change this by electing more young parents to the General Assembly who will fight for working families. We must work together to solve the issues facing us.

I believe I have the vision and temperament to be an effective advocate for our community. That’s why I decided to run for the State Senate earlier this year.
1. We need to look at other revenue streams to continue to fix our roads and bridges, including working with our federal delegation to increase our level of federal funding. We need to make sure that under no situation does this burden fall upon the passenger vehicles using our highways. We can not and will not tax passenger vehicles.

2. Supporting public safety and advancing gun safety measures is critical to keeping our families, communities, and state safe. As a Special Assistant Attorney General, I prosecuted gun crimes and saw firsthand the horrors of gun violence on our streets and in our communities. We need to promote responsible gun ownership while ensuring our children and communities are safe.

3. My legislative agenda is to build a Warwick that works for working families. Specifically, Warwick needs to receive its fair share in education funding from the state. We also need to support and protect our 39 miles of coastline while making sure they are open and accessible to the public. Lastly, we need to invest in our public places, including our parks and playgrounds, so families have safe and modern places to enjoy.

4. The public has the opportunity to weigh in every two years to determine who should represent them in the General Assembly. I believe this is the most effective form of term limits because we should not limit the will of the people.

5. Rhode Island has been more successful than most of its peers in bouncing back from COVID-19, so I believe we are heading in the right direction. That said, we must ensure everyone is included in this recovery. We need to increase state investments in early learning, affordable childcare, and Universal Pre-K. We need to continue to support our teachers and students, by providing a quality public education. Our school buildings are in desperate need of renovation, and I will fight to increase our reimbursement rate for school construction. Lastly, we also need to reduce taxes on retirees and the elderly so they may age gracefully in their communities.

6. Rhode Island doesn’t just have an affordable housing problem; it has a housing affordability problem. Nearly everyone has been priced out of this housing market, from millennials to middle class families to seniors. We need to increase our housing stock to ensure supply levels out with demand. Rhode Island was last in the nation in new housing units produced, but we can change this by cutting red-tape and burdensome local regulations. We must also invest in new affordable housing units to ensure those across the socio-economic spectrum have access to housing.

7. Yes. We need to act aggressively to combat climate change to preserve our coastal communities for our next generation. Specifically, we must protect Narragansett Bay – our greatest natural resource – because it will power our shift to the green and blue economy. We have already led on the issue of offshore wind; we can now innovate and lead the way with other renewable energy sources. Leading on this transition will save our environment and revive our economy.