Thomas Rose Jr. cites local roots in House bid

East Providence candidate Thomas A. Rose Jr. is hoping to keep this state House of Representatives seat in the family.

As the nephew of outgoing state Rep. Henry Rose, who is not seeking reelection, Thomas Rose wrote in a recent news release that it would be his “privilege” to serve East Providence and Pawtucket residents from District 63.

“The future of our state depends on honest leadership and strong economic development,” he wrote.

His release says he is a “newcomer to the political arena,” but it also states he brings a “long history of family involvement” in East Providence. His grandparents, Henry and Mary Rose, were the founders of Rose Furniture, which has been operating for more than 70 years. And his uncle, Rep. Henry Rose, has served in the General Assembly for the past 16 years and prior to that served on the city’s Planning Board for 10 years.

“I’ve watched my uncle work hard for citizens over the past 16years and I’ve learned a great deal from him,” Thomas Rose wrote. “But now I feel it is my time to give back to my community. I believe I can be a strong voice for the residents of Kent Heights, Riverside, Rumford and Pawtucket.”

He and Diane Medeiros live in the Kent Heights area with their son Tyler. Thomas Rose is a self-employed small-business owner and current member of the National Small Business Association.

“I’m like every person in this city,” he wrote. “We’re all struggling with the current economic situation, wondering how we are going to put food on our tables, afford our energy costs, and improve education so that our children will see a better future. My strong business background along with the Rose family values of honesty, integrity and courtesy will be at the heart of my campaign.”

Ramos notes public service in run for state Senate

He’s taught, been a school administrator and served on the School Committee and City Council. Now, current East Providence Mayor Isadore S. Ramos Jr. wants to be at the State House. He is vying for the Senate District 18 seat being vacated by state Sen. Paul Moura, who is not seeking reelection.

“After serving this community for all of my adult life, I am ready to bring my honest style of leadership to our state house,” Ramos wrote in a recent news release. “I believe that my 35 years of work as a teacher and administrator, combined with three terms of elected service on the School Committee and City Council have shown my commitment to East Providence.”

He said while being the mayor, which is mostly a ceremonial position, he has “always tried to represent all citizens regardless of any special interests.”

“I was successful in breaking down barriers and bringing people together to communicate fairly and honestly,” he wrote. “I speak my mind and have always voted in the best interest of the public at large. I intend to bring a fresh, new style of leadership to our state government. After years of asking our state leaders to help our city with relief from unfunded mandates, I will now seek to achieve this goal from the Senate District 18 seat.”

Ramos says he refuses to enact any new taxes. He also won’t “support any program” that doesn’t have secured funding to administer it. He said supporting unfunded school mandates that will increase education spending won’t occur either.

Said Ramos, “The time has come to say no to state and federal mandates that have crippled our local budgets.”

Most of all, Ramos said he intends to be a “loud voice” for East Providence.

“The Rhode Island Senate will know that East Providence has a senator that will not be afraid to speak out against the established government in support of local residents,” he wrote. “I will continue my policy of always being available to the public at all times. Residents will always get my best attempt to represent them with integrity and honesty.”

He continued, “… Our future as a great city depends on honest leadership at all levels of government.”

— Alisha A. Pina