To the Editor:

On behalf of the members of the United Independent Liquor Retailers of Rhode Island, we write to strongly endorse Nicholas Mattiello for reelection to the House of Representatives for District 15, Cranston.

Without question, Nick has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Rhode Island which are the backbone of our state’s economy. He has championed many legislative initiatives to allow us to remain competitive, and in some instances, keep us afloat in this COVID-19 era. A short list of his record of achievements include cutting the onerous energy sales tax, blacking a proposal to increase the tax on cigarettes and lowering the corporate tax from nine percent to seven percent, effectively making Rhode Island the lowest in the Northeast. Importantly, for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders, he has thus far reduced our car taxes by nearly $95 million and in two short years, no Rhode Islander will pay a car tax.

Most recently, Nick has taken on the big box stores with his opposition to the proposed Costco development slated to be built in a residential neighborhood of Cranston.

We strongly urge the votes of District 15 to return Nick Mattiello to the State House so that he might continue to fight for issues of importance to the small business community of Rhode Island. We need him now more than ever.

Thank you.

Frank P. Fede

Member, United Independent Liquor Retailers of Rhode Island