Letter: Jim Seveney understands impact of defense sector

Posted 12/18/15

To the editor:

I believe the most compelling objective of our elected state and local leaders is the growth and development of a robust economy. This initiative must start with supporting our local businesses and assisting them to grow good …

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Letter: Jim Seveney understands impact of defense sector

Posted

To the editor:

I believe the most compelling objective of our elected state and local leaders is the growth and development of a robust economy. This initiative must start with supporting our local businesses and assisting them to grow good jobs.

One sector of our local economy that needs to be leveraged to accomplish this is our defense industry. The latest statistic I’ve seen on local economic impact is $1.3 billion annually. The person we elect to replace Chris Ottiano must be someone who understands the impact of the defense sector, and how to help keep it here, and growing.

Jim Seveney is that candidate. As a former military officer, he understands the need for a strong defense industry supporting our fighting forces, as well as knowing the economics. He has spent the last 18 years in this business, as a technical and business manager, working for large companies like Raytheon as well as smaller concerns. He knows the type of jobs the sector demands, and the impact they have on the surrounding communities.

As an elected official in Portsmouth, he has been intimately involved with the activities and actions needed to keep businesses here and thriving. He knows the importance of good schools, and the demand for a well-educated labor force. He has worked closely with the local economic development committees, is a member of industry associations, such as the Southeastern New England Defense Industrial Association, which successfully lobbied against any adverse Base Closure Realignment Commission (BRAC) impacts on the Naval Station in Newport in the early 2000s, and now represents more than 90 local businesses in the defense sector.

Mr. Seveney knows the business, the issues, and what needs to be done to keep the defense sector a vibrant part of the East Bay and state economy. No other candidate brings this level of experience and direct expertise in this key Rhode Island economic engine. He will have my vote on Jan. 5, and I ask that you vote for him too.

J. Lane McMahon

2651 East Main Road

Portsmouth

District 11, Senate District 11

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