Blog: On the Campaign Trail...

Statement

One of the things I enjoy most about being on the campaign trail is the opportunity to join in the many festivals and parades that are going on throughout the state. This summer I've spent most weekends with friends and supporters at events celebrating so many different cultures and communities--Greek, Bolivian, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Italian, French Canadian, Taiwanese, Armenian, African-American, gay and lesbian--at venues in various locations all over our beautiful state. I especially love talking to people in their community about issues that matter to them most, whether marching in the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, eating grilled sardines at Our Lady of Fatima Feast in Cumberland, standing in line for a dynamite at the French Farmer's Market in Woonsocket, or sampling the season's local harvest at the Apple Festival in Johnston.

Getting out among my Rhode Island neighbors is one of the best ways for me to learn about the needs and challenges facing Rhode Islanders in cities and towns that are in close proximity, but often could not be more different from one another. This is what makes our state so truly special--the many opportunities we have to embrace our respective cultures and family traditions, while sharing them with other communities who we invite to celebrate with us. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon than in conversation with neighbors and friends who care so much about each other, and about improving the state of Rhode Island.

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