To the Editor:

Now that he has been elected (overwhelmingly) as the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, I feel obligated to write about the Nick Mattiello I have come to know, as a very strong family man and one who stoutly believes in life, the sanctity of the family and honesty that has guided him all of his life.

I will start with my latest encounter. By accident I ran into Nick at LA Fitness, when he was trying to “clear his thoughts” by perspiring a little. At that time, the vote or votes had not been taken as yet. I asked him how it was going and he replied that he had at least 38 votes on his side. We both spoke how once you reach the pinnacle of a majority vote (35 were required) that it has the tendency to become “let’s all get on board” type of situation. I mention this because this was right in the middle of the voting and yet he was still the same Nick I had come to know. No fluster here, just practicalities and a commitment to stay the course that has guided his whole career!

I first met Nick when he was elected for the first time in 2006, and after that when I was running campaigns, including my own. He never failed to, more or less, call me aside and speak to his fervent call for honesty. I also had the privilege to meet his two sons at a fundraising event for the renovated CLCF complex. One was the DJ that night. I asked both if they would vote for me and they replied yes. But when I mentioned that to Nick, he just stated, “Hmm!” I told my wife who was with me and she replied with the same “Hmm!” That was about as honest as he was going to be that evening.

Now comes the hard part. When you have all the factions, all who may have their ideas and plans on any item that may come up, he will have to meld them and when going to sleep try to “dream” the best course of action for all of Rhode Island’s citizens. No easy task, and rest assured that there will always be those who will disagree (sometimes loudly), and worst of all accuse him of “falling off” his mantra of honesty. This will be his greasiest obstacle to success.

So what to do: He must fully understand his policies that he has hidden in his heart and brain, that have as their foundation honest government – always honesty! If he can maintain that approach, through “thick and thin” he will go down in history as fair, honest, doing his best for all citizens and one to be proud of all his efforts! In short, successful!

God bless you and your family with faith and love. Wishing you all the best.

Richard Tomlins

Cranston