To the Editor,

Major Todd Patalano’s decision to run for public office was based on his desire to make a difference in Cranston as he has in all his personal and professional endeavors for the last three decades. As a candidate for office in the General Assembly and an active public servant, he will join the ranks of professional firefighters, homemakers, business owners and teachers who have proudly and successfully managed their full-time employment and the responsibilities of office.

Personally, I am bewildered that Mr. Schulze believes Todd will be unable to manage the responsibilities of both roles and execute his duties at the highest level. The vast majority, if not all members of Rhode Island’s part-time General Assembly have full-time employment outside of their elected office. Notably, the current Deputy Speaker in the House of Representative is a full-time, high ranking police officer in the City of Providence. I was fortunate to serve in the General Assembly for 28 years.

For some of those years I was simultaneously a police officer in Cranston. Many of my colleagues held crucial positions outside of the Assembly just as Todd Patalano does.

Todd has managed full-time employment in the police department for the past 30 years while simultaneously coaching youth sports, raising his family and pursuing rigorous professional development opportunities. I can assure Mr. Schulze that Todd has the personal drive, passion, resolve, and time-management skills to properly divide his time amongst the many facets of life.

Todd Patalano’s success as a police officer and public servant is a testament to his ability. More importantly, Todd has dedicated his career to serving the people of Cranston. As an elected State Senator, Todd is doubling down on that commitment.

This is but a weak, politically motivated attempt to discredit him.

Robert B. Jacquard, of Cranston

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Patalano campaign was afforded the opportunity to respond to Mr. Schulze’s letter prior to publication, so the response and the original letter could appear in the same edition.