Letter to the Editor: Coventry Resident and State Representative Candidate Introduces Himself to Voters

Originally from Maine, I ended up in Rhode Island as a result of attending Bryant University, where I graduated from in 2003. After school, I was hired as a loan officer at a national mortgage lender and was promoted to branch manager only twelve months later.

After several years in sales, management and proprietorship, I decided to switch careers and become a high school teacher as I felt an obligation to help educate our youth.

I currently teach Personal Finance at East Providence High School, educating students on the importance of being fiscally prudent and well versed in the arts of investment strategies.

In addition, I try and serve as a positive role model for students to look up to, and constantly expound the value of having a "can't quit attitude" and tenacious work ethic. I have accomplished a lot over the last ten years despite being a quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair after being hit by a drunk driver when I was twenty-one.

I am running for office, not because I want to, but because I once again feel compelled to do something to help my community. I have always been of the mindset that if you want something done right, you are better off doing it yourself.

I have only been living in Coventry since 2006, but I have been here long enough to see that our town, along with the rest of the state, is heading towards fiscal insolvency. I have sat back and watched Coventry’s credit be downgraded twice in the past year, watched as other cities slip closer into bankruptcy, and have come to the conclusion that something must be done. My values are as principled as they come. I am an honest man who has no interest in seeking riches or fame as a public servant; I only seek solutions to our ever compounding problems in hopes of leaving my son a better place with a brighter future.

Despite my "disability", I do not outstretch my hand to ask for benefits paid for by the hard working citizens in our communities. Instead, I have chosen to earn my paycheck and give back to society despite earning nearly one thousand dollars less each month at my job compared to what I would receive if I were to accept a disability check. In my mind, I am fully capable of working and would rather see those funds be given to someone who may truly need them, including our seniors, developmentally disabled and brave veterans returning home.

As is the case with my students, I hope to serve as a role model for those in our community as well as the politicians at the statehouse.

Thank You,

Keith Anderson

District 29 - Candidate for State Representative

To learn more about Keith Anderson, contact him or contribute to his campaign, visit www.electkeithanderson.org.