Letter: An Introduction to Steve Campo

To the editor,

As a longtime resident and business owner in North Kingstown, I am happy to . 

Starting last fall, while the General Assembly was in special session deliberating the future of our state in these difficult economic times, many residents approached me and encouraged me to run for the District 31 seat. After speaking to people throughout the district and after a great deal of thought, I know I can bring the same energy and dedication to the State House that I brought to establishing a successful business, that I brought to the North Kingstown Town Council, and that I bring to my job as a professor of business at Bryant University.  

When I moved my business and residence to North Kingstown, I saw great opportunity to grow a business on Post Road in a community that was filled with a lot of promise. Over the past 25 years, the charm of North Kingstown is still present, but it has faded because the roads and bridges in our cities and towns have become deplorable.  We must make the needed investments in our communities’ infrastructure to ensure safety for all of our citizens and to attract new businesses.

We are facing a make-or-break economic moment for the State of Rhode Island. The same old ideas to fix the economy have not worked because we cannot just put a Band-Aid over this recession. We must think creatively and work with our local businesses to turn this economy around. 

We must also work harder to promote our towns as great places to live and work. With Route 4, Route 1, Route 2 and Route 403, North Kingstown and Exeter have promise to attract many new businesses with our convenient access through out our state and New England. We are also fortunate to have one of the state’s largest industrial parks right here in District 31. We can better utilize this amazing resource. The job growth potential for this district is only limited by the restrictions that are placed on the job creators. By working in conjunction with local government and businesses, we can make sure that our state is no longer the worst state in the nation to do business.

In my time on the town council, I promised to be a fiscal watchdog, and I make that same pledge to the people of District 31. I have always worked hard to maintain a fair tax rate for our town while balancing the needs of our community. We can’t ask our families to live within their means when the state can’t do the same. I will fight against unfunded mandates that have challenged our local budget for years. As your state representative, I promise to work towards a state government that we can all afford.

I will maintain my accessibility and I will give you a straight answer, regardless of the political consequences. You all know me as a fighter and I will continue to fight for the towns of North Kingstown and Exeter.  

I know I can be more effective on your behalf than the present representative.  I will work harder and I will make the people of North Kingstown and Exeter my number one priority.  I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.

Steve Campo

Candidate for State Representative

District 31 – North Kingstown & Exeter

WWW.SteveCampo.Com