Michael Chippendale

Michael Chippendale was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He earned an associate degree from the New England Institute of Technology and a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University. His career experience includes working in consulting, engineering, and manufacturing. He has been affiliated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Eastern States Exposition, Foster Republican Town Committee, and the Highland Rod and Gun Club.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a lifelong Rhode Islander and live in Foster with my wife of 29 years and our two children. I’ve lived in Foster for 25 years and have been an active part of our community the entire time. I served 15 years on our Regional Juvenile Hearing Board, over 16 seasons as a youth sports coach, and a leader in local scouting organizations.

A graduate of New England Institute of Technology in 1989, I worked in the field of engineering and manufacturing before beginning my own manufacturing business in 1994. I’ve invested in real estate and managed investment properties in and out of RI for over 25 years. I currently work as a consultant in the manufacturing industry.

Throughout my professional career I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel all over the North America and Europe and have concluded the Rhode Island is the place I want to be – and by dedicating myself to one state, I also dedicate my efforts toward making that state the best it can be.

My pollical approach is thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative. I will always fight for my constituents, and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work to tackle the toughest of issues. Determination and experience have enabled me to legislatively navigate in a manner that benefits District 40.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My first focus is on my constituents. I spend countless hours in the community supporting the important events and functions that matter to my constituents. I also dedicate the lion share of my time to constituent issues whether it be navigating the DMV, DLT, DBR, DOT or dealing with any state agency or department. I work to provide access to state departments so that constituents can better understand how their government works. I always represent the best interest of my constituents when state work is being done in our towns, and ensure that whenever a problem arises, we work to resolve it satisfactorily.Residents of Coventry, Foster and Glocester know that I am in the House of Representative fighting for them and their families. The lens through which I view all matters that come before the legislature is that of the three towns I represent and the residents that live there. I am a public servant, and the 14,000 people in my district are my bosses. I take this responsibility very seriously and will always work to defend my district and constituents. The physical location of our towns, and our deep rural setting creates a unique set of challenges for any legislator, and I am keenly aware of the struggles of rural districts, and work to ensure that my colleagues hear about these struggles as we work toward solutions.The fact that RI is one of the highest tax-burdened states (per capita), has some of the worst roads in the nation, has failing education system, failing healthcare system, and a stagnant business environment have held our state back for too long. We need to adjust our regulatory burden on residents as it pertains to our out-of-control energy policies, our crumbling roads, and our cost-heavy governmental operations. These things are possible, and as we approach the breaking point in these areas, residents want solutions – and I am here to work on creating those solutions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The quickest and most effective way to address the underperforming dynamics of our state in the areas of; education, energy costs and policies, infrastructure, healthcare, business environment, and to also address the waste, fraud and abuse of the public treasury is to implement an Independent Office of Inspector General. This has been and will remain one of my highest priorities as we continue to work on behalf of all Rhode Islanders. Over 26 US states and the federal government have Inspectors General and the benefits of such an office are clear – when daily operations and expenditures are being scrutinized – efficiencies will result, and those efficiencies lower costs (taxes) and enable better outcomes.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my late mother. She raised my brother, sisters and I as a single mother, and selflessly did everything necessary to ensure that her children never went without. She demonstrated to me that even when the deck is stacked against you, dedication, determination, tenacity - and a strong moral compass will guide you and help determine all outcomes.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Citizenship in a Republic and The Man in the Arena is a speech - widely available in book form, that was given by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910.

This speech was far ahead of its time and the message it delivered over 100 years ago is still relevant today.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials should embody several key characteristics and principles to effectively serve their constituents. Integrity, honesty, transparency, and earning the trust of the public by being truthful and accountable to them is key. Empathy and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of our constituents are a necessity, ensuring that decisions and policies reflect the best interests of our communities. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with constituents, colleagues, and stakeholders, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaboration. As and elected officials I possess a commitment to public service, prioritizing the common good over personal or political gain. Further, we must exhibit adaptability and problem-solving skills, capable of navigating complex issues and finding innovative solutions. Lastly, visionary leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate others are important, guiding communities toward problem solving and solution-based approaches to challenges. Balancing these principles helps any elected official to build trust, create effective policies, and lead with purpose and dedication.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a developed the political knowledge and experience to work with all parties on the important issues. Compromise is a necessary tool in policymaking, and the inflexible legislator is the unsuccessful legislator. I've cultivated relationships across all levels of government, as well as outside of government to be able to bring parties together to tackle tough issues and resolve them.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being responsive to the needs of our constituents and our communities. As one of 75 members of the House - it is my duty to properly represent my constituents in a manner that is reflective of their needs and concerns.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was a good husband and father. I would like my political legacy to be that of a man who deeply cared for his state and was willing to give so much of himself to make it better.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The 1976 Presidential Election. I was 7, and following the Nixon resignation and political turbulence afterward, my family paid close attention to this election as it was largely viewed as a turning point in the direction politics took in our country.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

At age 14 I worked for my town in a program for under privileged residents over the summer painting classrooms in our public schools.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Angela's Ashes"

Francis McCourt

It is one of the most unrelenting stories of human suffering - which arises out of both contemporary economic and world conditions, and personal choices. Being of Irish decent, there were many relatable topics in the book, and in the end, it was a book about a man's ascent to decency and accomplishment despite the unimaginable adversity of his life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Huckleberry Finn. When I read Twain's work featuring Finn, I always admired his carefree nature, adventurous spirit, and his raw and natural curiosity of everything around him.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Only a fool would say that"

- Steely Dan

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My health. Primarily, being physically disabled with Muscular Dystrophy, but that struggle in my day-to-day life has also positioned me to overcome adversity politically as well.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

There must be a natural tension between the two as their constitutional responsibilities differ greatly. However, a functional and mutually respectful relationship that embraces that intended "tension" and succeeds despite it will always benefit the citizenry.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

A failed public education system, a collapsing healthcare system, some of the worst infrastructure in the nation, and an energy policy that is driving businesses and residents away. Unfettered spending is out of control, and drastic measures must be taken to alter our approach to budgeting for our state.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. We are a part-time citizen legislature in Rhode Island and when a group of 113 people, all with different professional and personal backgrounds focus on solving problems, the people as a whole are best represented.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It isn't just beneficial - it's imperative. Understanding where your colleagues stand on any given issue is the cornerstone to brokering compromise. Knowing where you natural allies lie, and where your more fervent opponents enable a good legislator to navigate every aspect of what we do in policymaking.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

While I don't work to emulate another individual in particular, I do work to emulate admirable qualities of others - be they from congress, or local legislative bodies such as town councils.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I hold no interest in seeking higher office. I have built a reputation and an effective approach in my duties as a State Representative and have chosen to remain in service to the public in that capacity.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Recently I was approached by a family whose child has developmental disabilities. A state initiative to offer tuition free attendance to our state's community college was disallowing many disabled children from participating. I worked with this family, and several others as well as our state's leading disability advocates and educational leaders to change the law so that all children are afforded the same opportunity to attend college in Rhode Island under this initiative.

Tell us your favorite joke.

While it would be impossible to select one joke, I prefer to utilize humor, particularly self-deprecating humor when situations become too tense or adversarial. Humor is a great tool to calm tensions.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes - absolutely. In fact, the state of Rhode Island statutorily empowers the legislature to do exactly that. However, during the most recent, and devastating State of Emergency, and due to partisan political pressure, our super-majority-controlled legislature decided that it was in their best political interest not to exercise this authority.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The primary focus of this legislative session will be to create on Office of Inspector General.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

While I am often endorsed, I do not seek, nor publicize endorsements because in contemporary politics political endorsements have lost their value.

What committees interest you?

As House Minority Leader I sit on all committees. However, the following most interest me. Oversight - a committee that oversees government operations or failures and brings to light the issues that need to be addressed to resolve the problem. Corporations - the committee that largely creates the regulatory framework that guides our state's economy. Judiciary - the committee that creates the criminal and civil code that our citizens are held to in every day life.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

"Sunlight is the best disinfectant" is a phrase that summarizes how I feel about financial - and ALL transparency in government. When the state spends the people's money - the people have the right to understand where, why and how it was spent. When the state runs afoul of best practices in this area, accountability must come to bear and must be swift.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I believe that as it pertains to financial or regulatory issues ballot initiatives would be beneficial. However, when considering social issues, it would be devastating.

Michael Chippendale did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Michael Chippendale did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.