“I don’t like the idea of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ – We are all entitled to be ‘haves.' I believe in fundamental fairness as both a birthright and an attainable goal.”

Despite John’s self-description as “socially liberal and fiscally conservative,” it’s still a challenge to sum up his political philosophy in a way that does justice to its complexity and depth. We can state this for certain – John practices what he preaches. As a child, John had to deal with losing both parents and taking on the responsibility of raising his younger brother. Facing and meeting those challenges shaped his approach to work, politics, and indeed all of life.

Give Back

Children ... senior citizens ... the infirm. Society’s underdogs -- these are John’s natural constituencies, the people whom he champions on a daily basis. John supports causes and organizations that help people get on track and stay on track, like Roger Williams Day Care Center and Mt. Carmel Church.

“Helping someone the right way once can change his or her life for the better -- forever. That’s how you strengthen a community from within.”

Speak Up

John’s background is as diverse as it is unique: Executive, legislative, academic, coaching, business, and law experience help him to represent the best interests of the people of Providence.

“I bring all of my knowledge to the table to find the best, most appropriate solution to an issue -- the one that will do the most good for the most people.”

Open Doors

First-class education as well as the fine and performing arts must be available to all, not just the privileged.

“Opportunity is everywhere and it’s our duty to make it accessible to all. And it’s not always about money – we can be doing more with less.”

Be Brave

Doing what’s right for a city, a neighborhood, a person, isn’t always an easy or obvious decision. In fact, sometimes doing the right thing is, at the time you do it, the least popular decision imaginable.

“My job isn’t to be everyone’s friend – my job is to keep things right and fair, to give everyone a voice and keep everyone on equal ground.”

Play Fair

When someone’s down, you help them up. When someone is right, they’re right no matter their background, wealth or status. Everyone needs to play by the same rules for progress to happen -- bullies have no place in the American dream.

“When someone needs you – for legal representation, for city support, for personal reasons – you help them. You treat everyone with equal compassion, equal commitment.”