Joe Polisena Explained

Joseph M. Polisena
Office:4th Mayor of Johnston, Rhode Island
Term Start:January 8, 2007
Term End:January 9, 2023
Predecessor:William Macera
Successor:Joseph Polisena, Jr
State Senate1:Rhode Island
District1:25th
Term Start1:January 7, 2003
Term End1:January 3, 2007
Predecessor1:Donna M. Walsh
Successor1:Christopher Maselli
State Senate2:Rhode Island
District2:28th
Term Start2:January 2, 2001
Term End2:January 7, 2003
Predecessor2:William P. Tocco Jr.
Successor2:Elizabeth H. Roberts
State Senate3:Rhode Island
District3:28th
Term Start3:January 5, 1993
Term End3:January 5, 1999
Predecessor3:Gregory J. Acciardo
Successor3:William P. Tocco Jr.
Birth Date:27 June 1954
Birth Place:Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Spouse:Lucille Polisena
Party:Democratic
Relations:Joseph Michael Polisena Jr.
Children:1
Education:Community College of Rhode Island (AS)
Roger Williams University (BA)
Cambridge College (MEd)

Joseph M. Polisena (born June 27, 1954) is an American politician from Rhode Island. He served in the Rhode Island Senate from 1993 to 1999 and again from 2001 to 2007.[1] He served as mayor of the Town of Johnston from 2007 until he was succeeded by his sone in 2023.[2] He is a Democrat.

Early life and education

Polisena was born to Julia Marie and Joseph Anthony Polisena on June 27, 1954. He graduated from Johnston High School in Johnston, Rhode Island in 1972. In 1985, Polisena graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island with an associate degree in nursing.[3] [4] In 1988, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in health services from Roger Williams University in Bristol.[5]

In 1998, he completed a Master of Education through Cambridge College.[6]

Career

He was employed by the Community College of Rhode Island as a registered nurse and assistant professor. He also worked as a nurse at the Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.[7] He worked as a firefighter for the Johnston Fire Department.

Rhode Island Senate

He served a total of twelve years in the Rhode Island Senate, from 1993 to 1999 and from 2001 to 2007. He served as Deputy Majority Leader.[8] He served on a state commission studying improvements to the state fire code following a fatal 2003 fire,[9] and he sponsored a 2005 bill to clarify and strengthen the state's fire code.[10]

Mayor of Johnston

Polisena serves on the Rhode Island Municipal Pension Board along with Mayor Angel Taveras of Providence.[11] He has been an outspoken proponent of pension reform throughout the state.[12] He has proposed a plan to freeze cost of living adjustments (COLAs) in retirees' pensions.[13] Polisena has also been a strong supporter of Governor Lincoln Chafee's Municipal Relief Package for the cities and towns of Rhode Island.[14] Polisena did not seek reelection in 2022, and he endorsed his son, Town Council Vice President Joseph Polisena Jr, who went on to win the general election.

Personal life

He is married to Lucille "Lucy" Polisena. His son, Joseph Polisena, Jr., is Polisena's campaign manager.[15]

References

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Polisena, Joseph M. . Our Campaigns . June 16, 2012.
  2. Web site: Welcome to the Town of Johnston, Rhode Island . TownofJohnstonRI.com . June 16, 2012.
  3. Web site: Mayor Joseph M. Polisena. 28 September 2012.
  4. http://www.ccri.edu/president/pdfs/2011_annual_report.pdf
  5. Web site: Mayor Polisena . CampaignSiteBuilder.com . June 16, 2012.
  6. Web site: Mayor Polisena . CampaignSiteBuilder.com . June 16, 2012.
  7. Web site: Mayor Joseph M. Polisena. 28 September 2012.
  8. News: PowerPlayer: Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena. McGowan. Dan. May 14, 2012. GoLocalProv. 23 June 2012.
  9. News: Panel starts investigation of fatal R.I. nightclub fire. Mello. Michael. March 21, 2003. Associated Press, cited at Bangor Daily News. 23 June 2012.
  10. News: Rhode Island Senate committee passes bill revising fire code. June 1, 2005. The Day. 23 June 2012.
  11. Web site: Taveras, Polisena named to R.I. municipal-pension panel. . January 12, 2012 . June 16, 2012.
  12. Web site: Reynolds. Mark. Mayor sees slow progress on municipal pension reform. March 19, 2012. The Providence Journal. June 16, 2012. https://archive.today/20130131192744/http://www.providencejournal.com/business/pensions/content/JOHNSTON_PENSION_03-19-12_RETUJ29_v64.275228f.html. January 31, 2013. dead.
  13. Web site: Reynolds. Mark. Johnston mayor considering a freeze on cost-of-living pension adjustments. May 15, 2012. The Providence Journal. June 16, 2012.
  14. Web site: Local leaders who support Chafee plan. The Providence Journal. March 30, 2012. June 16, 2012.
  15. Web site: Mayor Joseph M. Polisena. 28 September 2012.