Dear Neighbor
Hello, I’m reaching out to introduce myself. My name is Lesley Bunnell and I’m running as a write-in candidate for State Representative of District 9. I recognize this is an unusual way to enter a political race a week before Election Day, but being an independent candidate is hard with little money. However, here I am; this is my Hail Mary pass and I hope I can count on your vote on November 3rd!
For the past 4 years, Representative Enrique Sanchez has only been recognized for embarrassing public missteps, unexplained absences at the State House, and overall poor decision-making. Our community must be protected from overzealous landlords and property developers, and federal law enforcement overreach because unconstitutional ICE raids are terrorizing our residents and small businesses. There is so much at stake, and we deserve a leader who is competent and driven to fight for our collective safety and quality of life issues, and I am the right person for the job.
I have been involved with West End community advocacy since my family arrived over 20 years ago. I moved to Providence in search of a better life for my daughter and myself, and choosing to live in the West End is the best decision I made. We were immediately accepted by our neighbors; a vastly diverse group of folks of all ages, racially, socio-economically, spiritually, and culturally. I am a single Black mother with few resources, so I’ve been reliant on Medicaid and SNAP programs to keep us alive and healthy. Trying to raise a family on a modest, single income is extremely difficult, and our circumstances mirror so many other members of our community.
My work is in nonprofit organization administration, and I serve on the boards of other local social service agencies that focus on uplifting underserved populations. Currently, I serve as Vice President of the Board for the Omni Development Corporation, which is Rhode Island’s only minority-controlled nonprofit agency building affordable housing in the region. Previously I served on the boards of the Montessori Community School, Planned Parenthood, the National Organization for Women, and Providence Roller Derby. I have devoted my life to service and advocacy, fighting for disenfranchised folks.
I am an Oberlin College graduate, where I earned two bachelor’s degrees in dance performance and African American studies. My daughter just earned her bachelor of science degree from Temple University. Now she is working at an Oak Street Health Clinic in Philadelphia while she applies to medical schools. Without scholarships, numerous part-time jobs, multiple loans, and a lot of hard work, none of this would’ve been possible, and neither of us would’ve been able to achieve our goals. Our struggles are not unique at all, and I want to put my real life experiences into practice to help others pursue and realize their dreams.
My daughter attended Providence Public Schools and has first-hand experience with the disparities between low-income students and educational institutions. In fact, she was part of the original group of students who sued the state’s Department of Education over their takeover of Providence schools, because community voice and input was not included in their plans. It’s thrilling to see that after all these years, Providence Public Schools have finally returned to local control. As your Representative, I’ll insist the City of Providence, School Department, and School Board ensure we are a part of the importnt process to support our schools during this transition.
The Cranston Street Armory is a historic and treasured monument for the West End. For close to 12 years, I served on the state’s Cranston Street Armory Committee with other local leaders and advocates, in an effort to urge city and state investment in our Armory. Plus, I was a part of the final technical committee tasked with selecting the design partner with whom we would collaborate with to rehabilitate and revitalize the Armory. The project was close to commence, when it collapsed due to unforeseen circumstances, which broke my heart into pieces. But, that lengthy, painful experience fuels my passion to realize the Armory’s full potential as a central hub for our community. If elected, I intend to restart this project and want to finish the job for District 9.
A few years ago, I was working at the State House to protect women’s reproductive rights in Rhode Island. Some legislators asked if I would ever consider running for State Representative, which shocked me because I never considered becoming an elected official. But, after reflecting, I realized I have spent years watching, listening, learning, and advocating for our community and I can do so much more in an official capacity.
I am running to represent YOU, my neighbor, and all of my neighbors. I have spent my whole life serving this community, which has taught me it’s a lot easier to build bridges rather than tear them down. The best place for me to continue this work is with a seat at the table. As our neighborhood changes and grows, we need representation that understands where we have come from, and is ready to fight for where we go next.
I am humbly requesting you elect me as State Representative of District 9. I know a write-in campaign is out of the ordinary, but it is quite simple. Please fill an empty bubble and write my name BUNNELL on the blank line next to it.
