Meet the Candidates: No More Politics as Usual for Former GOP House Member

Bruce J. Long, a former Republican member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and current Middletown candidate running for believes political parties no longer serve their constituents and that it's high time local government becomes non-partisan.

Long, 59, not yet sixty, he pressed to make clear in an interview, had served Jamestown and Middletown as the District 74 RI House Representative for nearly 30 years, making him the longest-serving house member. He was seeking his 15th term in 2008 when Democrat Deborah L. Ruggiero unseated him.

Emphasizing his experience with state government, he said, "I've got over 700 numbers on my cell, and I know how things work and who to call." The candidate described his run for town council as a "natural succession" for someone who still "loves public service."

When asked about his switch from Republican to Independent, Long explained he is still "Republican by principle, meaning I still believe in smaller government, more efficiency and lower taxes."

However, because he is running on a platform that in part is founded on the position that local politics should be about communities, not political affiliations, Long didn't feel it was consistent to remain a Republican working at the level of local affairs. Citing the fact that Newport amended its charter to make its town council non-partisan as long ago as 1954, and that Portsmouth is currently looking into doing the same, he believes Middletown will eventually make the switch, too.

Among the key issues of the candidate's platform, Long, the owner of a Del's Lemonade store on West Main Road, and the father of two children, ages 28 and 18, stressed the need for providing quality education within the rigors of current budget deficits, which he foresees being with us for at least the next two to three years to come.

"The town council, the school committee and the teachers collective bargaining agreement, together with the state, need to address not how much you spend, but how much you actually need," Long stated. Elaborating further, Long explained that the current budget share of 40/60 percent, the split between state and town funding for Middletown public education, and which at one time was inversely proportionate, is no longer tenable.

In terms of his continuing public service, Long currently serves on a task force to combat underage drinking among Middletown youth, in addition to preservation activities. If elected, his vision for the town would include establishing a comprehensive land use review committee, tasked with fiscally responsible development of land and business within the town limits, and holding precedent over zoning regulations.

"If at any time someone needs my help, I want them to know they can call me and I will be there for them," stated Long, when asked about other key components of his platform. "If I can't help them I will connect them to someone who can. People feel better just talking to someone and knowing that they care and listen."

The week beginning Oct. 17, Middletown Patch will profile candidates for Town Council and all articles will remain easily accessible in the Election '10 tab of the Home Page.  Thirteen candidates are running for Town Council on Nov. 2, 2010