2020 Election Profile: John Barr II, RI State Senate District 17

2020 Election Profile: John Barr II, RI State Senate District 17

John Barr is running for election in Senate District 17 (Lincoln). 

Read what he has to say about why he is running for office.

This is part of an ongoing series by GoLocal featuring each of the candidates for House and Senate.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island? 

The primary issue facing the state of Rhode Island is COVID 19. The health and safety of our residents has to be paramount. Complacency is Covid-19’s ally. We have to be prepared for a resurgence in the fall/winter. As my old football coach used to say, “ Fail to plan, then plan to fail. Secondary catastrophe is the projected $800 million budget deficit. Nobody in government is talking about this but the human toll to budget cuts that will have to happen to balance the 2020/2021 budget is going to be painful.

 

2.  What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?

We need to restructure government to become more business-friendly. As the owner of several small businesses I can personally testify to how repressive  Rhode Island’s laws, rules and business regulations are. Reduce incorporation fees, ease worker compensation requirements for startups, make macro loans available for innovative idea development. Invest in worker training.

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state? 

The budget deficit created by COVID-19. I was first elected to the RI House of Representatives in 1990 when the Credit Union crisis blew a massive hole in state government’s budget. The pain that the needed budget cuts created were real and extremely painful and I fear that we will be living through these cuts again.

 

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

I decided to run because my political views and those held by my district are diametrically opposed to those of the current incumbent. As a businessman I know what needs to be done to get this state working again. Those include issues ranging from Health Insurance companies covering pre-existing conditions, children staying on their parents health insurance until they turn 26 years old and a woman’s right to a safe and legal abortion. I believe my 10 years in the legislature make me the most qualified to serve our district.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

My inspiration is easy. It’s my 4 children. Rhode Island has always been a great place to live and raise a family. I want to ensure this state is well position to flourish in the coming years. Overbearing laws, rules and regulations are making it unbearable to conduct business. Quality jobs support education funding, infrastructure improvements, the environment and the arts. My family has been in Lincoln and Rhode Island for 5 generations and I want a prosperous state for many more generations to come.

 

Biography;

I’m a lifelong resident of Lincoln. I served 5 terms in the House of Representatives passing laws substitutive legislation. I’ve served as a volunteer firefight, fire district warden, zoning board member, member of the Narragansett Bay Commission. I’ve been engaged in public service in one way or another for almost 40 years.

My wife and I own LeadSafe Inspections and Consulting, Inc., Bedbug Extermination RI and rehab apartment houses.

I am the husband of Sharon. Father to Richard, Katelyn, William and Andrew. Brother to Scott and Lynda and son to Richard and Barbara.