Political Profile: Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin, Candidate for State Representative in District 58

Political Profile: Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin, Candidate for State Representative in District 58

Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin is running for State Representative -- here's why. 

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

Exciting our communities to want to vote in the elections. It is the most effective way to have a voice in our government. Many people do not believe that their vote will make a difference and they could not be more mistaken. My campaign is about getting to know my neighbors and my neighbors getting to know me. I want them to know that I will advocate for them at the state house, just as fiercely as I have in my work in the City of Pawtucket.

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I was born and raised in Pawtucket and have chosen to live here with my family. I am personally invested in the success of the city and state.

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

Rhode Island is a premium tourist destination. Providence and Newport seem to be the only cities people focus on, but all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns have something to offer, especially the Pawtucket waterfront.

As state representative for District 58 in Pawtucket, I want to advocate for resources that support building a city that is vibrant with culture and a variety of attractions.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has affected the state in many ways, most notably our small businesses. If elected, I want to be an advocate for resources and opportunities to ensure that the businesses that are already in our state, choose to not leave. Furthermore, I will support responsible legislation that brings in new, diverse business opportunities, such as the Tidewater Landing project. Projects like these will breathe new life into Pawtucket and create a truly unique destination.

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

Rhode Island is always working to catch up with our underfunded social services system. We are reacting to problems, instead of being proactive. If I am elected, I will work to create a long-term solution. Investing in the tools that our dedicated professionals at Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Children, Youth and Family (DCYF) and Medicad, need to provide services to Rhode Islander’s most vulnerable populations. We are experiencing uncertain times and our community should know that they will be supported during a crisis.

 

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

Rhode Island needs leaders that are willing to work together to ensure that everyone has a voice in their government. At the end of the day, regardless of party affiliation, everyone wants the same thing from our local leaders; to be listened to and engaged in dialogues about our most pressing issues.

I have lived in Pawtucket for my whole life. I attended our public schools (Go Tigers!), attended Roger Williams University for both undergraduate and law school. I have been a homeowner in this district for over 8 years. I have dedicated my career to serving our most vulnerable populations, working on both the Pawtucket Juvenile Hearing Board and Pawtucket Charter Review Commission. Our community needs strong, consistent, collaborative leadership at the state house in order to find creative and innovative solutions to our toughest issues.

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

Immigrant women like my mom – she was 22-years-old when she left her home in Colombia to come to the United States in search of a better future for her family. Rhode Island in the 1980s was a different place – people did not speak Spanish; textile work was at its peak and Pawtucket was a city that did not have many Latinos. She was homeless, discriminated against, and eventually battled with a brain tumor, which she beat. She is not the only one that has gone through these types of situations. I am inspired by every woman who has left home and migrated to the United States for a better future. Whenever I am feeling uninspired, I think about all the women who have fought valiantly to carved their own path and am reminded any obstacle can be overcome with a bit of perseverance and a touch of red lipstick.