Political Profile: James Diossa, Candidate for General Treasurer

Political Profile: James Diossa, Candidate for General Treasurer

James Diossa is a Democratic candidate for General Treasurer. Here is what he has to say.

 

1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue in this campaign cycle?  

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The economy. From the gas pump to the grocery store, every day Rhode Islanders are feeling the pinch of inflation. They need someone who has been there before. Someone who knows and understands the obstacles and choices they face. And if we are headed towards recession, Rhode Islanders need a tried and tested leader. As Mayor of Central Falls, I assumed control of a city that had just declared bankruptcy. Our pension system was underfunded by over $80 million. But through transparent, responsible management - and by engaging with those most affected in the community - I was able to set my city on the path to solvency. I’m proud to say Rhode Island’s Comeback City is doing better today than ever before. In the race for General Treasurer, I am the only candidate who has managed a pension fund, and did so successfully under the worst of circumstances. 

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

Today’s economy does not work for everyday Rhode Islanders. As Mayor, I saw their struggle firsthand. And in these inflationary times, compounded with a higher-than-average cost of living, our residents are rightfully feeling squeezed.  

Relative to the rest of the region and the rest of the nation, we are behind on housing growth and we are behind economically. CNBC recently ranked Rhode Island as one of the worst states for business - a shameful accolade we have been consistently awarded for the past seven years. And we still have not regained our footing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rhode Island has nearly 10,000 fewer jobs today than it did three years ago. It is evident that we are lagging behind and it's time to catch up. 

We need relief. 

We need to elect tested leaders. Leaders who know how to build partnerships and to navigate through these tough times to provide whatever relief necessary. 

But regardless of what is to come, we cannot be reactionary. Our state motto is “hope” for a reason and we must never lose that hope. With openness, accountability, and a smart but conservative investment strategy, we will grow the economy by leading with compassion and understanding.

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

One of the greatest challenges facing Rhode Island is home ownership and housing affordability. 

In Rhode Island, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just over $1,200. This means an individual must earn a minimum of $24.23 an hour to afford the average apartment. Yet, Rhode Island’s minimum wage trails shamefully behind at $12.25. This lays bare a simple reality: for the average resident, Rhode Island housing is simply unaffordable. 

To me, homeownership is core to the American dream. And to so many, it is a source of pride and accomplishment. I want every Rhode Islander - regardless of their background or walk of life - to be able to call Rhode Island home. As your Treasurer, I will have a seat on the Board of Rhode Island Housing and will use this position to better the lives of families across our state. We must address long-term underinvestment in affordable housing by ensuring a sustainable annual revenue source, build more affordable housing units, break down barriers to affordable housing in local building codes, and address student indebtedness, which presents a significant hurdle to homeownership for younger generations of Rhode Islanders. 

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

When I assumed office as the youngest Mayor in our state’s long history, I inherited a bankrupt city that my predecessor left in dire financial straits. In the aftermath of bankruptcy, Central Falls residents saw sizable tax hikes and pensioners’ benefits were cut by up to 55 percent. I saw firsthand the personal impact of these drastic measures. Strong and hardworking men and women saw their futures dissipate; their retirement plans destroyed. They deserved better.

That is why, as Mayor, I was committed to open and responsible governance to ensure my city - and its residents - could recover. I negotiated with the Treasurer’s office to bring our pension system into the Municipal Employees Retirement system, lightened the tax burden on Central Falls’ citizens, dramatically improved the city’s bond rating, and created a rainy-day fund in the event of future economic downturn.

I am resolved to bring this same responsible leadership style to the state as your next General Treasurer. I understand the needs of each of our 39 cities and towns. As a municipal leader, I have been there. I will be their partner in open governance and fiscal responsibility.

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

I draw inspiration from my family. From my father, who fled a violence-stricken country in search of a better home and a better future for the family he hoped to someday raise. From my mother who instilled in me a strong sense of community and taught me to have compassion and understanding for others. From my incredible fiancé, Sandra Cano, who taught me passion and dedication as she fights for families, students, and teachers in the General Assembly. And finally from my daughter. To me, my daughter embodies the ideal of hope, and is the reason I fight for a brighter tomorrow for families across our state. Arianna - and young boys and girls like her around our state - deserve the best. Together, I know we can get there. 

Biography: 

James was born in Central Falls and raised here in Rhode Island. Growing up, he attended Central Falls public schools. After graduating from Central Falls High School, James began his higher education career at the Community College of Rhode Island. He later attended Becker College in Massachusetts, where he represented his school as part of the collegiate soccer team. James graduated from Becker with a degree in criminal justice and returned home, to Central Falls, to give back to the community that had given him and his family so much. At the age of 24, he was elected to represent Central Falls’ 4th Ward on the City Council. There, he fought to keep the city’s only public library and only post office open amidst budget cuts. After the sitting Mayor of Central Falls was indicted on corruption charges, James declared his candidacy for Mayor. In a five-way primary against far more established opponents - including another former Mayor - James won with percent of the vote. When he assumed office in 2012, he became the first Latino mayor of Central Falls and the youngest mayor in our state’s history. James served as Mayor of Central falls for two terms, totalling eight years in all. During his time as the chief executive, James successfully navigated his city through the twin crises of bankruptcy and COVID-19. Once he left office, James began working at Brown University’s Policy Lab, where he provided strategic advice and insights on the Lab’s engagement with state and local government partners. Now, he is running for General Treasurer to secure a better tomorrow for Rhode Islanders from Westerly to Woonsocket.

Campaign Contact Information:

Website: diossaforri.com

Facebook: /DiossaforRI

Twitter: @JamesDiossa

Instagram: @James_A_Diossa