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Cardillo vs. Cardillo vs. Coletta in House District 42 primary

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Cardillo vs. Cardillo vs. Coletta in House District 42 primary

Sep 08, 2024 | 6:00 am ET
By Nancy Lavin
Cardillo vs. Cardillo in House District 42 primary
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The bold red of the House chamber is glimpsed below at at the Rhode Island State House. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Two-term Democratic Rep. Edward Cardillo Jr. faces two familiar challengers in Tuesday’s primary: his nephew, Dennis Cardillo Jr., and Kelsey Coletta, both of whom ran against the incumbent in the 2022 Democratic primary.

The district covers parts of Johnston and Cranston, and in 2022, featured a dispute between elder and younger Cardillo over whether the latter was lying about his home address.

Rhode Island Current reached out to the candidates with a questionnaire.

Candidates Dennis Cardillo Jr. and Kelsey Coletta did not provide answers despite repeated inquiries.

2 days ago

Rep. Edward Cardillo Jr. is looking for a third term

By: - Friday September 6, 2024 5:33 pm
Cardillo vs. Cardillo vs. Coletta in House District 42 primary
Two-term Democratic Rep. Edward Cardillo Jr. faces two challengers in the District 42 House race, and one of them is his nephew. (Contributed photo)

Name: Edward Cardillo, Jr.

Party: Democrat

Race: House District 42

Age: 69

Residence: Johnston

Job: An employee of J. DeMarco Landscape Inc. and a former mechanic

Years lived in Rhode Island: Lifelong resident

Political bio: Two terms as state representative, served on the Johnston Housing Authority and Johnston Democratic Town Committee

What are your top 3 legislative priorities if elected?

  1. Universal Pre-K for all students
  2. Establishment of an Inspector General’s office and whistleblower hotline
  3. Affordable prescriptions for seniors and those on fixed income

What more could the General Assembly do to hold state agencies accountable for the I-195 Washington Bridge closure?

There needs to be more oversight on the entire structure of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. The General Assembly needs to understand the process flaws that led to this happening. The institution of a whistleblower hotline would help voices be heard.

Should Rhode Island have an assault weapons ban? Why, or why not?

No. I believe in common sense gun laws, but I believe an outright ban would go too far.

Last updated: 6:26 pm