Edward J. O'Neill (Rhode Island politician)

Edward J. O'Neill is an Independent member of the Rhode Island Senate, representing the 17th District (Lincoln, North Providence, and Pawtucket) since 2008.[1]

Education and career

O'Neill was raised in Pawtucket where he attended St. Edwards School, Slater Junior High and Pawtucket West (Shea) High School, later earning his B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Bryant University. He retired as a Senior Manager in supply and procurement and was employed by Texas Instruments for 35 years. He was president of the Lincoln Taxpayers Association before starting his political career.[1]

Political career

O'Neill won an unlikely victory by beating Democratic Senate President Joe Montalbano by a 54.3% to 45.7% margin on November 4, 2008. This victory is considered one of the biggest upsets in Rhode Island's political history. O'Neill ran an aggressive campaign emphasized on ending political corruption and decreasing taxes and spending.[2]

On November 2, 2010 O'Neill beat Democratic opponent Linda Butera-Noble to a 54.5% to 45.5% margin and remains the Senator in District 17 for another two years.[3] District 17 remains Rhode Island's only Independent senate district.

On November 6, 2012 O'Neill beat Democrat opponent John Cullen and Independent Derek Meiklejohn. The results were O'Neill 57.3%, Cullen 36.1%, and Meiklejohn 6.4%.[4]

Since taking office he has sponsored and co-sponsored a variety of bills including Camp Meehan Eminent Domain Bill (S685), 20% Health Insurance Co-Pay for municipal employees (S2478), and his Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill, which was signed into law in July 2011. It made Rhode Island the 26th state with such a law. In an award ceremony at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick on Oct. 28, 2011, O’Neill was honored with the RIRA Legislative Award for his sponsorship of his Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill, which extends insurance coverage for children with autism.[5]

He was endorsed by the taxpayer advocacy group Rhode Island Statewide Coalition (RISC) as a pro jobs senator and was rated at the top of the senate by Common Cause RI for his opposition to tax increases.

In 2013 O'Neill is serving on the Finance and Education Committees. He is also secretary of the Government Oversight Committee.[6]

Personal life

O'Neill lives with his wife Carole and daughter Erin in Lincoln. They have a son Jay. His interests include politics, reading, and playing golf.

References

  1. 1 2 "Senator Edward J. O'Neill". rilin.state.ri.us. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Newcomer ousts Senate president Montalbano". The Providence Journal. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  3. ↑ "RI.gov: Election Results". ri.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  4. ↑ http://www.ri.gov/election/results/2012/general_election/races/121.html
  5. ↑ "Legislative Status report". dirac.rilin.state.ri.us. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
  6. ↑ http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/CommitteeMembers/

External links

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