Political Profile: Joe McNamara, Candidate for State Representative, District 19

Political Profile: Joe McNamara, Candidate for State Representative, District 19

Joseph M. McNamara is a Democratic candidate for State Representative in District 19. Here is what he has to say.

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

The biggest issue in this election is the economy and what our state and Federal Governments' are doing to address the strain it's placing on working families. They want to see action, like eliminating the car tax, raising the tax exception on Social Security to $20,000 and granting $250 tax credit for children.

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

 

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

The state needs utilize our educational institutions and geographic advantage to invest in the green and blue economy. We must also focus on our educational systems to ensure that we will have an educated population equipped for the 21st century.

 

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

The biggest challenge facing our state is workforce development. Seven out of every ten jobs created in the next five years will require a post-secondary degree or credential. We have approximately 120,000 adults with some college credit but no degree. We must, as a state, develop programs to assist this population. Our economic future will depend on it.

 

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

I am running for office to improve the lives and economic opportunities for every citizen of our state. I am also keenly focused on improving the neighborhoods that comprise the  19th District. Whether it's the reconstruction of a historic bridge in Pawtuxet Village, identifying resources to improve our parks or ensuring tha our community members continue to have access to the beautiful natural resources that enhance our neighborhoods. These are all important issues. I am a retired Pawtucket public teacher and administrator. This gives me a body of professional and practical experience to address critical issues in education. I am also a former small business owner Joe's Dairy Shoppe in both Warwick and Cranston the cities I represent.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration? 

President John F. Kennedy was my inspiration. His vision enabled me to have world-class high-quality education in a state-of-the-art high school, with the latest in scientific laboratory technology and a modern language lab. That is why I have sponsored legislation that will be on the ballot this November to ensure that every Rhode Island student has the same opportunity that was so instrumental to my success.