Candidates 2022
Senate District 34
Jennifer Douglas
Jen Douglas is a lifelong Rhode Islander and Charlestown resident of 15 years. She is the Town Committee Rep of the RI Democratic Women’s Caucus, a member of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee, and currently running for State Senate in District 34.
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Representative District 39
Megan Cotter
As a working mom, I know Rhode Island families deserve better from our state government, and that’s why I am running again to represent District 39 at the Rhode Island State House. Now more than ever, we need to give our community a voice in the General Assembly that understands this District, and I am committed to promoting compassion and unity over hatred and division.
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Town Council
Lauren Cacciola
Lauren expresses four core values. Mercy: compassion to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Services: helping others before yourself, especially those who have been silence.
Justice: understanding the whole picture but understanding things need to change to help others. Hospitality: respecting others and seeing each person’s point of view.
Lauren works for mental health awareness and assistance, recreation, economic development, affordable housing, and conservation.
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She was elected to the Town Council in 2020. She championed and supported DEM Grant for the dog park, worked with the Dog Park Committee to assist in the grant process, and advocated and communicated with Congressman Jim Langevin’s office in assistance for an Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding for 4 Richmond Townhouse Rd. This grant totaled $578,000 for the Richmond Community Recreation Area pavilion, including a bathroom facility, plus a playground and basketball courts.
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Born in Wakefield, Lauren has lived in RI and South County most of her life and is a Clinician at Chariho’s Alternative Learning.
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Samantha Wilcox
Samantha Wilcox is a lifelong RI resident. She spent most of her adult life renting in Exeter and bought her home Richmond in 2018. She chose Richmond for its rural character, outdoor recreation and great schools.
She has been volunteering her time through both the Richmond Conservation Commission and the Dog Park Committee. Last year, she helped write a grant through the DEM for the relocation of the Dog Park to be near the Heritage Trail. Her goals on council include protecting and preserving our natural resources, supporting economic growth and encouraging civic engagement. She believes the Town Council has the responsibility to listen to all residents and to encourage productive conversations so everyone is a part of the decision making process.
She is committed to continuing to help our town and the people who live and work here while upholding the RDTCs value-driven goals.
Chariho School Committee
Jessica Purcell
As a former public school and voc-tech student, and the daughter of a high school custodian, Jessica's life has been shaped by public education. She and her husband have two young children who are enrolled in the Chariho Regional School District.
In addition to her career as a graphic designer, Jess is happy to volunteer for RES initiatives such as the Food Ambassador program, the Green Team, and the School Improvement Team. Last year, she worked as a coach for three sessions of the BOKS program, leading students in twice-weekly fitness classes prior to the start of their school day. Jess is a dedicated attendee of Chariho School Committee meetings, and a vocal supporter of our students, staff, and teachers. She is an advocate for the creation of a student representative position to participate in School Committee meetings because students deserve a voice at the table where decisions are made that affect their education and their futures.
If elected to the School Committee, Jess will bring a perspective balanced by critical thinking and respect for others. She hopes to make a positive local impact as a civil servant in this role with the goal of ensuring that all children receive the education they deserve.
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