Roberto DaSilva
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Roberto DaSilva | |
|---|---|
| 1st Mayor of East Providence, Rhode Island | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Karina DaSilva |
| Children | Two |
| Alma mater | Roger Williams University |
| Profession | Police officer, politician, non-profit executive |
Roberto DaSilva is an American politician currently serving as the first Mayor of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a State Representative for District 63 in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013.
DaSilva is the first Mayor in the history of the City of East Providence as a result of the passing of a 2017 referendum[1] that changed the city's governance from a city manager and city council form of government to a "strong" mayor and city council form of government.[1][2][3] Previously, the title of "Mayor" in the city of East Providence was bestowed upon one of the city councillors that was selected by the councillors themselves, and was a purely ceremonial role. In contrast, the current mayor is elected by the citizens of East Providence and is the chief executive of city government.[1] According to The Providence Journal, this new system mirrors that of other Rhode Island cities such as Providence, Cranston and Warwick.[1] He is of Azorean descent.
Reform of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families
DaSilva was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives from District 63 in 2008, serving from 2009 to 2013. During his first term, he served on the House Labor and House Municipal Government committees. In his second term, DaSilva served on the House Judiciary Committee. During his time in the legislature, DaSilva championed tougher domestic violence laws, closing the indoor prostitution loophole and full-day kindergarten. DaSilva was often at odds with his own party's leadership during his tenure.[4] DaSilva was one of only a few Democratic legislators that voted against pension reforms pushed by Rhode Island General Treasurer (and later Governor) Gina Raimondo and future political rival Senator Daniel Da Ponte. This move was wide criticized as being too close to the state labor unions.[5]
Representative DaSilva was a strong advocate of reform at the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (the DCYF).[6][7]
Senate race
DaSilva did not seek another term in the House of Representatives in the 2012 election cycle. Instead, he declared his candidacy for the District 14 State Senate seat held by incumbent Sen. Daniel Da Ponte, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. By less than 80 votes, DaSilva narrowly lost to Da Ponte in the primary election.[8]
Time out of office
After the 2012 election, DaSilva went on a six year hiatus from politics. During that time, he volunteered in the community, advanced to the rank of captain in the police department of the city of Pawtucket, and founded the East Providence Youth Soccer Association and served as its inaugural President.[9][10]
Election 2018
In August 2017, DaSilva announced his candidacy for Mayor of East Providence.[11] His first campaign event occurred the following month.[12] In April 2018, DaSilva was endorsed by the East Providence Democratic City Committee.[13]
DaSilva's opponent in the general election was James Russo, a former assistant city solicitor and an ex-Chief of Staff to former Rhode Island congressman Robert Weygand.[14]
In the November 2018 general election, DaSilva defeated Russo with 52.2% of the vote.[14] The Providence Journal remarked that the race for the office of the Mayor was "cordial" and stated that the "two candidates [agreed] on many of the major issues facing the city, including [...] a need to step up development of the waterfront, as well as to lower taxes and repair roads."[14]