Ruggerio, Shekarchi Elected Leaders of RI House, Senate

Cranston RI

05 January, 2021

5:03 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — Both chambers of the Rhode Island legislature met Tuesday to swear in members and elect new leadership. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio retained his position, while former Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi was elected to fill the vacancy left by former House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello. "As you know, my goal for this office is to facilitate collaboration and consensus in pursuit of the common good," Shekarchi said. "My approach will be different, but it should never be confused with an unwillingness to make difficult, final decisions at the appropriate time … and make them stick. Let us pledge to listen to each other, and always treat each other with respect and kindness. I will continue to be anchored by the values instilled in me by my hardworking parents. I will also be guided by the values so eloquently addressed by President Kennedy sixty years ago: Courage, judgment, integrity and dedication." Both the House of Representatives and Senate met outside the Rhode Island State House to allow for social distancing protocols. The House met at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, while the Senate met at Rhode Island College's Sapinsley Hall. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea adminstered the oath of office to all the lawmakers. "I continue to be honored to serve alongside such a talented collection of civic-minded public servants," Ruggerio said. "This is the most diverse Senate in the state's history and I am thrilled to be leading this chamber as we address the many issues that face Rhode Island in 2021."