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RE-ELECT


James A. Seveney


​Democrat for District 11​

PORTSMOUTH   *   BRISTOL    *  TIVERTON


Dedicated to helping the working families of the East Bay
  • Serving Senator, 2016 - Present
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  • Married to Valerie 42 years; 2 kids; Sarah, 34 and Matt, 31
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  • Retired Naval Officer - 21 yrs
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  • Retired Business Director, Defense Industry – 20 yrs
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  • School Committee, 2000-2004
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  • Town Councilor 6-Terms, 2004-2016
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  • Education:
    • PHS ‘72;
    • BA - RI College;
    • MS - Naval Postgraduate School;        
    • MBA - Salve Regina University
Integrity * Experience * Service
  • Transparent, ethical Government
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  • High Quality Public Education
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  • Substance Abuse Prevention
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  • Improved Roads & Bridges
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  • Preserve our environment
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  • Small Business & Job Creation
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  • Stand up for rights of women, workers, all Rhode Islanders

  • Responsiveness to all District 11 constituents


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Newport Daily News endorsement

1/2/2016

 
The Newport Daily News, on Saturday Jan 2, announced they were endorsing Jim Seveney in the District 11 race, saying:

"His dedication to the community and experience in dealing with major issues involving the state — including establishing a wastewater management district to address a notice of violation from the state Department of Environmental Management and fighting the state imposed toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge between Portsmouth and Tiverton — make him well-suited to take the next step to state government. He is an even-keeled, thoughtful official who would represent the district well."
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Letter to the editor

1/1/2016

 
​My fellow citizens and friends in Portsmouth, Bristol and Tiverton - I’m writing to thank you for getting out to vote in the Democratic Primary on December 1st, and to remind you that the Special Election will be upon us right after the holidays, on Tuesday, January 5th.  

I believe in public service and as a local elected official for the past 15 years, I have found it very fulfilling. Over this time our town has accomplished much, resolving or making significant progress on many issues.  I have worked closely with outgoing Senator Chris Ottiano on many of these, and he has been very supportive of my candidacy. On Nov. 19, Dr. Ottiano told the Newport Daily News, “I have a lot of respect for his ethics, his work ethic and his decision-making processes. I’ve been extremely impressed working with him and, to me, he seems like an outstanding option for the position.”
I believe our district and our state have great opportunities for improved economic wellbeing, healthy growth, and better circumstances for our working families. I will pursue these through a number of priority goals:
  • Fix our roads and bridges
  • Oppose any tolls on cars, or in the East Bay, or on the Sakonnet and Mount Hope Bridges
  • Support incentives for small business growth and new job creation
  • Support high quality public education, and improve the state funding formula
My opponent, has been questioning my opposition to tolls because I refuse to address the issue with “just say no” soundbites.  For the record,  I do not support tolls.   I was a leader in the fight against tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Our Council strongly supported the grassroots organizations fighting the tolls. I was the Town Council President who, with unanimous Council support, initiated a federal lawsuit — supported by the Bristol and Tiverton Councils — arguing that the tolls were illegal. That lawsuit is still in process.  

Let me be clear -  we have a significant public safety issue with our 200+ “deficient” bridges, and we are obligated to fix them before something tragic happens.   I’ve reviewed the Governor’s RhodeWorks plan, and it’s a start, but I’m not willing to support it yet.  Nor will I prematurely eliminate any potential options — including increased diesel taxes, or tolls for interstate trucks.  That said, I will not support tolls on cars, nor any tolling at all in the East Bay on our Sakonnet and Mount Hope bridges.  The issue is keeping people safe, and I will not lose focus on that imperative. 
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I’m ready to step up to this challenges and I ask the citizens of District 11 for your vote and the opportunity to serve you.

Jim Seveney
Democratic candidate for RI Senate District 11
401-626-7227


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Primary results

12/2/2015

 
While the results are not yet final, it’s clear that we won yesterday’s primary, and won big. Democratic turnout was twice as high as Republican, and there was clearly much enthusiasm for all our candidates. I’ve talked with Amy Rice and Brett Pelletier to thank them for a great race and we’re united as we move forward to the general election in January.

Thanks to all the voters of Portsmouth, Bristol, and Tiverton who came out in the rain yesterday. I’m deeply honored by the trust that so many of you place in me, and now as the Democratic nominee, look forward to earning your vote in the general election on January 5.
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WPRI reports on outgoing Sen. Ottiano's support

11/24/2015

 
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In a story posted on  WPRI. com this afternoon, retiring Sen. Chris Ottiano is quoted offering words of support for Jim's candidacy:

“In the State House I think it was pretty clear that I didn’t really adhere to party politics,” Ottiano told WPRI.com. “I never liked making a decision just because of what party you belong to. … I’ve worked closely with Jim Seveney, I admire his ethics and his work ethic.”

“As a private citizen now, looking at the landscape, this is the person who I think is best equipped in this situation to get in and work for Portsmouth and the state,” he said.
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Jim meets and talks with voters at the Portsmouth transfer station

11/21/2015

 
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Meet the candidate night in Bristol on November 16

11/8/2015

 
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Neighbors turn out to meet Jim

10/30/2015

 
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Jim talks with supporters at the end of his "Meet the candidate" event.
More than 50 people from the neighboring towns of Portsmouth, Bristol, and Tiverton (and even a couple from Providence) spent some time at Foodworks last night getting to know Jim and supporting his campaign for state senate.
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Meet the candidate at Foodworks on October 29

10/22/2015

 
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Jim Seveney declares candidacy for District 11

10/22/2015

 
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Jim Seveney submits declaration of candidacy for State Senate District 11 to Registrar of Voters Jacqueline Schultz at Portsmouth Town Hall.
Portsmouth Town Council Vice President Jim Seveney submitted papers this morning formally entering the special election for the state senate District 11 seat formerly occupied by Sen. Chris Ottiano.

"With Portsmouth on a positive path, this is the right time for me to take lessons and skills learned through a lifetime of service and run as a candidate for Senate District 11,” Seveney said.

Seveney, a life-long Rhode Islander and retired Naval officer, has served on the Portsmouth Town Council since 2004, including a term as President. 
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 "I’ve loved being a member of a Town Council, where I feel I’ve been able to have positive impact and learn and grow from the direct interactions with our engaged citizens. I hope to take that approach to a new role in serving the communities I know and love in Portsmouth, Bristol, and Tiverton. With just a short time before this special election, I’m hoping to meet as many folks as I can, and I look forward to talking with members of the community about their priorities and ideas.”​

Seveney will be holding a “Meet the candidate” night at Foodworks, 2461 E Main Rd in Portsmouth next Thursday, October 29 from 6:30-8:30pm.
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