PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is once again offering everyday Rhode Islanders a useful tool for connecting with local, state and federal officials.
The 2011 version of the “Rhode Island Government Owner’s Manual” includes contact information for the state’s Congressional delegation, municipal leaders and key officials in all three branches of state government including Governor Chafee's new administration.
“Making government more open and accessible is one of my priorities. Town halls and the State House belong to the public. This tool acknowledges the critical role they play and links them with the assistance that government offers,” said Mollis.
Mollis has 5,500 hardcopies of the 312-page directory for distribution. Printed every two years to reflect the results of November elections, the book has historically been popular with the public.
The new owner’s manual includes contact information for every member of the General Assembly as well as city and town councils and school committees. The directory even lists key staff for state agencies and municipal departments.
“We are making it easier for people to connect with officials, seek help and learn more about the way public policy is made,” Mollis explained.
The guide also continues a practice Mollis introduced four years ago – publishing the name of every registered State House lobbyist as well as the companies and organizations they represent.
“Rhode Islanders deserve a comprehensive guide to the business of government. This is a useful tool for making their voices heard,” Mollis explained.
The directory is available free of charge at the Public Information Center in Room 38 at the State House.
The owner's manual is also posted on the Secretary of State's website at sos.ri.gov as the "Directory of Government Officials."
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the directory, contact the Secretary of State's Public Information Center at 222-3983 or publicinfo@sos.ri.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Barnett at 222-4293 or cbarnett@sos.ri.gov