To the Editor,

Warwick deserves to be well-represented in the Rhode Island Senate. We need a Senator who supports reasonable, positive change, and works with others. Who will help us move forward.

I’m running to serve in the Senate again because we need to do more than make noise; we need to make actual progress. There’s work to do. We need to get our act together in Rhode Island.

On education, we can do better. Rhode Island schools were in crisis before COVID hit (recall the scathing report on Providence schools), and the pandemic didn’t help the situation. In 2019, my Senate colleagues and I passed a series of education reform laws, modeled after Massachusetts, aimed at raising statewide academic standards, improving curriculum, enhancing school self-governance and requiring greater local accountability. I also pushed for students to receive instruction in Civics as well as Financial Literacy, and those are now required, too. But that was just a start.

What else can we do? Let’s get Sen. Hanna Gallo’s bill for Universal Pre-K passed and implemented. It will make a huge difference, not just for students in school, but later in life (better high school graduation rates, reduced incarceration and recidivism, higher employment and earning levels). Developed countries around the world provide instruction for children starting at age 3 … why not Rhode Island?

I’ve seen the impressive new East Providence High School. Children walking into a state-of-the-art school get the message – their education is a priority. Warwick deserves 21st century schools. The state should provide more help to make that happen.

Rhode Island’s ranking for business-friendliness is pathetic. Small businesses had a tough time during the pandemic. I know - I have a small business. We need to improve and modernize services so small businesses can thrive. We shouldn’t be 47th in anything. Also, business-friendly is worker-friendly. Let’s support college, but also training for trades!

Let’s give a break to our citizens who most deserve it: seniors and veterans. It’s stunning that our state is one of 8 that taxes Social Security. I’ll work to stop that. Rhode Island is also in the minority of states taxing veterans’ pensions. That should end now.

I’ll continue to speak out on other issues, as this campaign unfolds. Warwick is fortunate to have the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker here in our community; I’ll work with them to seek to improve life for the citizens of Warwick.

I’ll listen, too. When I first ran for office, I put my personal cell number on my flyers, and was told I’d regret that. But folks have been very respectful. I follow the same rule I do in practicing law – I make every effort to get back to someone by the next business day. I’ll be accessible, and I’ll work with the rest of the team. It’s time to move Warwick forward.

Mark McKenney

Former Senator, Warwick District 30