2020 Election Profile: Joseph Shekarchi, House District 23

2020 Election Profile: Joseph Shekarchi, House District 23

Meet Joseph Shekarchi who is running for reelection in House District 23 (Warwick). He serves as the House Majority Leader.

Read what he has to say about the important issues.

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

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

The effort to rebuild our economy after the shutdown is an enormous challenge that affects everyone. We must look for ways to get people and businesses back on their feet as quickly as possible. I think there will be a strong call from Rhode Islanders to ensure that we do this fairly and with an eye toward helping groups that have been left behind in the past. I have faith that if we are all willing to listen and work creatively and cooperatively, we can come out of this with an economy that has opportunities for all.

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

We need better educational opportunities, from early childhood education to post-secondary. That means high-quality public schools where well-prepared teachers have the necessary resources, and where kids are ready to learn because they have safe homes and are fed and healthy. That means accessible, affordable colleges, workforce preparedness programs, and continuing education. That means working with employers to see where the educational needs are. We have to make education a real priority to have a strong economy.

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
Again, I would say education. We have many old school buildings that need repair, many districts that need more resources. Many students face challenges at home that affect their ability to learn and stay in school. Our teachers need to have the resources they need to teach, and we need effective curricula and standards that allow them teach what kids need to learn in the limited time they have. We need affordable, accessible higher educational and job-training opportunities at every level that prepare people for today’s jobs. We should look to successful examples from around the world for ways we could create success here.

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  
I am a collaborative leader, with experience in bringing people from all sides together. As Majority Leader in the House, I lead a group that has a very wide spectrum of viewpoints. I respect everyone’s beliefs. We are all shaped by different experiences and represent different communities, and that makes us stronger collectively. I mindfully listen, and I’m open to new and different ideas, because those are critical qualities and responsibilities that we deserve from our leaders, and that we need to address issues and move ahead.

5.  Who is your inspiration?  
The late Governor Bruce Sundlun. I worked as his legislative director and learned a great deal about politics and life from him. I greatly admire his courage and his ability to be decisive and strong. He was the leader Rhode Island needed to get us through a difficult period, and I still look to him as an example of how to lead.