Political Profile: Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin, Candidate for State Representative in District 58

Monday, September 05, 2022

GoLocalProv Political Team

Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin is running for state representative; this is the reason.

1. What do you think is the most important political issue this campaign season in Rhode Island?

Exciting our communities for wanting to vote in the elections. It is the most effective way to have a voice in our government. Many people don’t believe that their vote makes a difference and they couldn’t be more wrong. My campaign is about knowing my neighbors and my neighbors knowing me. I want you to know that I will defend you in the state house as fiercely as I have in my job in the city of Pawtucket.

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I was born and raised in Pawtucket and chose to live here with my family. I am personally invested in the success of the city and state.

2. What must we do to improve Rhode Island’s economy?

Rhode Island is a premium tourist destination. Providence and Newport seem to be the only cities that people concentrate on, but every city and town in Rhode Island has something to offer, especially the Pawtucket Boardwalk.

As a state representative from District 58 in Pawtucket, I want to advocate for resources that support building a vibrant city with culture and a variety of attractions.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has affected the state in many ways, especially our small businesses. If elected, I want to be an advocate for resources and opportunities to ensure that businesses already in our state choose not to leave. In addition, I will support responsible legislation that creates new and diverse business opportunities, like the Tidewater Landing project. Projects like these will breathe new life into Pawtucket and create a truly unique destination.

3. What is the biggest challenge Rhode Island faces as a state?

Rhode Island is always working to catch up with our underfunded social services system. We are reacting to problems, instead of being proactive. If elected, I will work to create a long-term solution. Invest in the tools our dedicated Department of Health (DOH), Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and Medicaid professionals need to serve the most vulnerable populations of Rhode Islanders. We are living in uncertain times and our community needs to know that they will be supported during a crisis.

4. Why are you running for the position? What makes you exceptionally qualified?

Rhode Island needs leaders who are willing to work together to ensure everyone has a voice in their government. After all, regardless of party affiliation, everyone wants the same thing from our local leaders; be heard and engage in dialogue about our most pressing issues.

I have lived in Pawtucket all my life. I attended our public schools (Go Tigers!), attended Roger Williams University for both undergraduate and law school. I have owned a home in this district for over 8 years. I have dedicated my career to serving our most vulnerable populations, serving on both the Pawtucket Board of Juvenile Hearings and the Pawtucket Charter Review Commission. Our community needs strong, consistent and collaborative leadership at the state house to find creative and innovative solutions to our toughest problems.

5. Who is your inspiration?

Immigrant women like my mom, she was 22 years old when she left her home in Colombia to come to the United States in search of a better future for her family. Rhode Island in the 1980s was a different place: People didn’t speak Spanish; textile work was at its peak and Pawtucket was a city that did not have many Latinos. She was homeless, she was discriminated against and eventually she battled a brain tumor, which she beat. She is not the only one who has been through this type of situation. I am inspired by every woman who has left home and immigrated to the United States in search of a better future. Whenever I feel uninspired, I think of all the women who have bravely fought to carve out their own path and remember that any obstacle can be overcome with a little perseverance and a touch of red lipstick.

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