PICARD

WOONSOCKET — State Rep. Roger a A. Picard, D-Woonsocket, announced yesterday that he intends to run in the upcoming special election for Senate District 20 in Woonsocket and Cumberland.

The Senate seat was left vacant after the death of Roger Badeau two weeks ago.

Picard, who represents House District 51, said he is interested in making the move to the Senate because he believes it will provide him a wider opportunity to serve people. Senate districts, which encompass about 26,000 people, are twice the size of House districts.

Picard, who is employed as a social worker at the Woonsocket School Department, said that the most satisfying part of his job as a legislator is helping constituents navigate through the intricacies of government. He said that the smaller makeup of the Senate, with its 38 members compared to the 75 in the House, gives him the ability to more effectively cause change using the legislative process. The increased responsibility is the driving force in his decision, he said.

“Like any job, there’s a learning curve that everyone in the General Assembly has to go through. I’m fortunate in that I’ve already done that. I already know the issues that are before the Assembly and how to get to work in state government. I’d really love the opportunity to do that work for more of my neighbors,” Picard said.

Picard was elected to the House in 1992 and is vice chairman of the Corporations Committee and a member of the Labor Committee. He also serves as a deputy majority leader.

The special election will be held April 22, with a March 18 primary if necessary.

tpina@projo.com