Michael English on his criminal record

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Providence From Michael English:

Dear Friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of Providence,

I stand before you not as a polished politician, but as a resident who has experienced the full measure of life in Rhode Island. I want to address my past directly. I will not deny that in 1996, while running for House District 4, I made immature decisions that led to my arrest and a period of incarceration coupled with I dropped out of Hope High School in 1990 and, simply put, I failed to live up to my potential.

But accountability is not just admitting a mistake; it is dedicating your life to making it right. While serving my sentence, I committed myself to self-improvement. I earned my G.E.D., received my paralegal certificate, and continued this disciplined path, ultimately earning a two Bachelor's, two Master's, and a Doctor degree. This journey—from failure to academic and professional accomplishment—is not unique to me; it is the embodiment of the resilience that defines Providence.

My experience has given me a perspective few leaders possess. I understand the struggles, the desire for a second chance, and the dedication it takes to rebuild. I have seen the world as most of Rhode Island sees it, and I know what is possible when you refuse to quit.

Now, I am running for Mayor because Providence deserves a leader who has fought for their own future and is ready to fight for the city's. We must stop managing decline and start leading innovation.

My platform is built on securing a smart future for our city, focused on three core pillars:

• Job Creation: We need a robust Job Creation Plan to attract new industries and empower our local businesses, ensuring every neighborhood benefits from economic growth.
• Rethinking Education: The success of our students is the foundation of our future. We will Rethink Education to provide every child with the resources and pathways needed for success, regardless of their zip code.
• Energy Thought: Providence can and must be a leader in sustainability. We will implement forward-thinking Energy Thought initiatives to reduce costs and protect our environment for generations to come.

I am not asking for special privileges, but for the chance to serve. I have more to prove and too much invested in this city to fail. I believe in absolute transparency and the high standards of integrity you deserve. If I ever lose your trust, I will step aside.

I ask for your vote. I ask for us all to Rethink Providence and play a unified role in building a better city for everyone.

Sincerely,

Michael English

Candidate for Mayor of Providence