John J. Tassoni Jr.

One GCIU local president is taking the pleas of labor leaders literally and is running for the Rhode Island Senate to further his agenda to help workers and their families.

Providence 239M Pres. John J. Tassoni Jr., a political novice, decided to enter the race for the 29th Senate District in his home state as the endorsed Democratic candidate. He is following the urging of both the AFL-CIO and the GCIU leadership to bring union members into local, state, and federal government lawmaking bodies and stand up for the rights of working citizens.

He was inspired to make a difference by a woman friend who fought bravely against breast cancer, while almost losing her home because of the cost of drugs and medical bills. In the end, she succumbed and died of the disease, but her fight against illness and outrageous medical costs convinced Tassoni to run for the Rhode Island Senate against a long-term Republican incumbent.

Tassoni, who served as 239M vice president for a year before his election as president in 1997, said he is getting a good response from voters in Rhode Island's 29th District as he knocks on doors and meets the voters at gatherings.

"I think I am getting a good response. Many voters think it is time for a change," he noted.

"The exorbitant costs of health care have been, for too long, a burden on our seniors and on the hard-working families of this state. I would not want my constituents to be forced to choose between feeding their families and buying necessary prescriptions," Tassoni said.

His platform also includes pushing state participation in federal funding initiatives for education. "It is imperative that the state seek alternative sources of funding for school systems to benefit not only our school children but also to provide needed relief to local taxpayers," he added.

He also announced programs to improve school safety in Rhode Island schools and to establish mandatory sentences for drunk driving.