Cranston Election Profile: Pat V Cortellessa

CRANSTON, RI — Pat v Cortellessa is running to represent District 27 in the Rhode Island State Senate. The 64-year-old Republican is a newcomer to elected office.

Cortellessa graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island in 1981 and has 15 years' experience as a security director, previously working for a commercial realty company for three decades. He and his wife, Kristen, have three children.

Campaign website: Pat Cortellessa for Rhode Island senate

Why are you seeking elective office?

To clean out the corruption in the state house

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

Keep masks on, clean hands, and keep people from large groups

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

Some historic racism here in Rhode Island. Keep communication open with minority communities and reach out with group meetings. Up date the police bill of rights to weed out bad cops

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will focus on the community

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Self-serving political politician votes on teachers union contracts and is employed as a school teacher

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Pro-life, anti tolls, pro Second Amendment, pro charter schools, Financial fiscal conservative, stop the mulch plant expanding off Pontiac ave

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Political activist, candidate for providence mayor and Rhode Island Secretary of State be hon

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be honorable and fair and equable

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Enhance the people's quality of life and standard of living