2020 Election Profile: John Lombardi, House District 8
GoLocalProv News Team
2020 Election Profile: John Lombardi, House District 8
Read what he has to say about why he is running for office again in 2020.
This is part of an ongoing series by GoLocal featuring each of the candidates for House and Senate.
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1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?
One biggest political issues Rhode Island currently faces relate to COVID-19 issues: such as passage of the COVID-19 Insurance Recovery Act, extending unemployment benefits, fighting against housing and job loss, medical coverage for all, increase COVID-19 testing, and the fight against Medicaid cuts to combat the Pandemic health crisis. The next political issue relates to racial equality and justice reform. Racial equality is a fundamental right, and the biggest political issue is reforming laws and institutions that harm communities of color.
2. What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Rhode Island’s economy hard, especially our small businesses. Many of these businesses are currently struggling to stay afloat amidst loss of consumers due to the health crisis. First and foremost, we need to pass the COVID-19 Insurance Recovery Act to give our local businesses a chance to get back on their feet.
3. What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Developing a comprehensive plan for schools that are coequal throughout the state. More affluent communities have a clear advantage over less affluent communities. Every student is entitled to a quality education that is accessible and affordable. We need to find new revenue sources that can fund purchase of equipment and building renovation that also alleviates the burden of taxpayers. We need bipartisan solutions from our leadership to ensure all Rhode Island students receive a quality education.
4. Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?
I am running for reelection of House District 8 because I have a deep-rooted commitment to people of my neighborhood, Providence, and State of Rhode Island. Throughout my tenure in office I had the privilege of cultivating negotiations and gained valuable lessons about the city of Providence and State government. I believe that we need a new leadership that is able to listen to all solutions which is currently lacking.
5. Who is your inspiration?
I am inspired by all of the unsung heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 related issues. They protect our families, friends, and ourselves everyday by limiting the spread, testing, and treating those who have suffered from the virus. I am also inspired by the leaders of Black Lives Matter who together are changing the dynamics of history. The collective support for BLM has brought the removal of “Providence Plantations” from our states name and brought forth a complete review for LEOBOR which has been discussed for many years. After careful consideration and deliberation of racial inequities, I believe we can count on BLM to assist in making essential changes to historical dynamics that are unfair and disadvantage minority communities.
Campaign Contact Info:
Facebook: @JohnLombardiForProvidence
Twitter: @JohnJLombardiRI
Tel. (401) 404-4700
www.reelectjohnlombardi.com