Senator McKenney Endorses Bill Muto for State Rep.

Dear Neighbor,

I have spent many years at the State House, first as an advocate for Rhode Island businesses and our cities and towns, and now as your Senator. In that time I have learned to tell fairly quickly which people are going to do the work that’s necessary to get things done.

Bill Muto does the work. That’s why I’m asking you - in the Democratic Primary for District 23 State Representative on Wednesday, September 9 - please vote for Bill.

I have worked with a lot of elected officials. Some stand out. Bill Muto is one of those.

Bill has the rare combination of attributes that make for a successful legislator. It’s not complicated. He is capable. He has integrity. He works hard. He gets along with people. He does not look for the spotlight. He focuses on getting the job done. And he brings one thing this state can certainly use: He understands the numbers. At the State House, that’s rarer than it ought to be.

That matters. More than some might expect. In Bill’s career, he’s spent over 30 years in market research, business intelligence, and financial analysis. As a member of the City Council Finance Committee, Bill does the detailed leg work of dissecting the city budget before it ever reaches a vote.

Here’s what I respect most: This is a man who has been willing to ask the questions that make folks in power squirm a bit.

Questions that ought to be asked. That need to be asked. Questions that make some folks uncomfortable at times. Not just going along to get along. Instead, asking those questions – questions that often save taxpayers’ dollars.

Bill didn’t pick up his work ethic in a corporate boardroom—it was built right here in Warwick. Raised in Buttonwoods in a family of eight, he learned early on the value of hard work and community. His father ran a local contracting business and carried a union card, while his mother worked as a nurse at Kent Hospital.

Growing up, Bill attended Park Elementary, Gorton Junior High, and Warwick Vets. From delivering papers and washing dishes to working for his father, Rocky Point, and Ann & Hope, he put in the labor long before earning his degrees. Deeply rooted in his hometown, he remains an active member of the same parish, Sts. Rose and Clement, where he was raised. In his volunteer work, he is treasurer of Bridgemark, a behavioral health nonprofit, and he serves on the board of Boys Town New England.

His wife Joanne teaches English at Pilgrim. They raised their two kids here, and Bill coached their teams the way his father coached his. Nobody has to explain this city to him.

When he ran for Council, Bill promised to be reachable, responsive, and respectful. Plenty of candidates make that promise. I have watched Bill keep that promise - long after the votes were counted - which isn’t always the case.

So when I ask myself who is going to do the work in District 23, I keep landing on the same answer. I am proud to endorse Bill Muto, and I look forward to having him at the State House with me.

Three things I’m asking of you, for the Democratic primary on Wednesday, September 9:

1. Vote! On September 9 or – vote early! You can vote early in person at Warwick Police Station (I’ve already done that. It was easy as can be - in & out in no time).

2. If you requested a mail ballot, fill it out and send it back. If you are not sure about the deadline or your options, call Bill’s campaign at 401-741-8747 and someone will walk you through it.

3. Talk to two neighbors. Warwick primaries might be decided by a handful of votes on a Wednesday in September. Two conversations at the mailbox are worth more than any mailer (this one included!).

Bill is a close personal friend. More importantly, though, he’s exactly the person we want standing up for our community, knowing the numbers, and fighting for our priorities. And especially - asking those tough questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And for making your voice heard – by voting!

With respect,

Mark McKenney

Rhode Island State Senator, District 30