Political Profile: James Lathrop, Republican Candidate for General Treasurer

Political Profile: James Lathrop, Republican Candidate for General Treasurer

James Lathrop is the Republican candidate for General Treasurer. Here is what he has to say.

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

For the State of Rhode Island, I believe that the economy is one of the biggest issues. Schools and public education are also on the mind of many voters. Local elections (Town Council & School Committee) are getting increased interest and involvement. I believe it was Thomas Jefferson that said that the "best defense of democracy is an informed electorate."  It is good to see people proactive. I am running for RI State Treasurer. The issue in this race is our pensions. People want more transparency, they want professional leadership in the office, and they want an individual that will focus on the job, not their next job.  

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

The economy will not improve overnight. We need to have a plan and reasonable expectations. We need to improve our infrastructure. This is roads, broadband, utilities & public transportation. We need to invest in those things that will have a long-term and lasting impact.  We need to lower utility and energy costs. We need to increase training opportunities and expand access to education to all.

 

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

Too many have lost hope. They no longer believe that their lives will get better. They no longer believe that there will be opportunities here for their children. They have lost hope that our leaders have their best interests in mind when making decisions. All of us are stakeholders in the success of Rhode Island. Yet many feel their voice is not heard.   

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

We are uniquely privileged to be able to live in RI and the USA. We often forget this. It is easy to complain and play Monday morning quarterback. Games are won by the team on the field, not by the people sitting in the stands.  I was concerned about what the Treasurer's office had become and how it was run.  I did not see a candidate that had the experience, skills, or qualifications to do the job properly.  I did not see a candidate that wanted to be Treasurer and do the work.  I saw more of the same, politicians using the office for something that it should not be.  The office manages my pension.  I have a vested interest in the performance of the Treasurer's office.   I wanted change and felt the only way this could happen was me being on the field.  

I feel that the Treasurer is an elected position, but it should not be a political position. I am a Certified Public Accountant with an undergraduate degree from Byrant University and a Master's Degree from NYU.  I have worked as a public accountant and been involved in multiple businesses where I had skin in the game.  When you personally guarantee millions in debt, and ALL of your assets are used as security for that debt, you have a different value of money.   I have worked in governmental finances for nearly two decades, receiving awards from the Government Finance Office Association, Providence Business News, RI Public Expenditure Council, and the CT Interlocal Risk Management Association.   Every community I have worked for has seen improvements in its finances and operations. This is a track record that no other candidate for this office has.  

 
5.  Who is your inspiration?  

It is not who inspires me; it is what inspires me.  I am inspired by actions, mostly small, but actions that contribute to the betterment of our community.  This is the lady who walks every day past my house with a bag filled for empty nips she picks up from the side of the road.  The Fed Ex driver that waves to my mother each morning as they leave for their daily deliveries.  The teacher that makes a struggling student feel special.  The social worker who finds a location and makes arrangements for a single mother living in a shelter to have a birthday party with his classmates.  The friend that drives two hours to deliver a pie he made to me when my father passed, knowing I love pie.  Then there is the work of such organizations as RI's Shower to Empower and the Peacedale Dinner Table.  These acts inspire me to be better, to do more, to give back, and to be part of the solution. 

Website: https://lathropforri.com/