RI DEMOCRATIC CHAIR NAMES MAYOR JAMES DIOSSA AS 2ND PARTY CHAIR TO FILL VACANCY IN LEADERSHIP BY DeLORENZO’S DEPARTURE

WARWICK, R.I. – “It is my great honor to name Mayor James A. Diossa as the new 2nd Vice Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party State Committee,” said Joseph M. McNamara, Chair of the Democratic Party Thursday. “Mayor Diossa exemplifies the future of this great party. Elected at the age of 27, he was one of the youngest mayors in our state’s history. He took his city of Central Falls– which was on the edge of bankruptcy – back to a strong, vibrant and growing urban center,” said McNamara. “He clearly represents sound thinking and professionalism, and made his “Comeback City” more than a talking point in Rhode Island history. We are very fortunate to have Mr. Diossa in our party and willing to serve in this capacity.”

McNamara filled the vacancy caused by the departure of former Rep. Joseph DeLorenzo Thursday, with his disaffiliation from the Party. Under the party Bylaws (Art. II Section 6,) the Chair fills the vacancy until the next meeting of the State Committee at which a Chair is elected (2018.)

McNamara also appointed former State Representative Agostinho “Gus” Silva of Central Falls, to fill the now vacant spot left by Mayor Diossa as a member of the state committee. “Gus has been a hard-working legislator, dedicated to his party, to his community and to all Rhode Islanders. He will be a great addition to the state committee,” said McNamara. Silva served as a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly from 2007-2014, as its Deputy Majority Leader, and member of the House commission to Study Municipal Financial Integrity. He was a former City Councilmember and active in his community schools.

Names Former Central Falls Rep. Agosthino “Gus” Silva to Replace Diossa on State Committee