“I believe that the job of an elected official is to ensure that our community is heard. We need to create an environment that encourages students to learn, families to thrive, and businesses to grow. We need to do so with energy and vision,” Kallman said. “I promise to always be accessible. I will always listen, and I will always be transparent about my decisions.”

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Meghan Kallman has announced her candidacy for Rhode Island State Senate District 15.

Kallman, of Capwell Avenue, has served two terms on the Pawtucket City Council representing Ward 5, having defeated an incumbent in 2016. During her time as an elected official, she has championed small business empowerment, economic justice, and affordable housing. Kallman is co-founder of Crash Pawtucket, an organization that showcases small businesses in partnership with community groups.

“It has been my honor to serve the residents of Pawtucket for the past four years,” Kallman stated. “And I am committed to bringing the concerns of the people of Pawtucket and North Providence to the State House. It’s going to take all of us, working together, to build a strong and resilient Rhode Island. COVID-19 has brought challenges, but it has also shown our strength as a community. We must move forward together. We can’t leave working people behind or ignore the urgent need for living wages, safe housing, clean energy and healthcare.”

Pawtucket resident Janie Seguí Rodríguez said, “Meghan really listened to my concerns about housing, and I saw how hard she fought for affordable housing in our city. I am proud to support Meghan’s candidacy for state senate. She is the kind of leader we need, fighting for those who have been marginalized or left out.”

Woodlawn resident Hilary Bodell said, “Meghan Kallman is one of the most caring people I have known. Whether it is sending out weekly emails, making sure we had updated information about COVID-19, or organizing an Earth Day festival for our neighborhood, she is always in touch and ready to help. She will make an excellent state senator.”

Fairlawn resident Stephanie Olarte commented, “As a City Councilor, Meghan took the lead in working with the disability community in Pawtucket to implement accessibility measures and help those who are deaf or hard of hearing. I think she will make a great senator, because she works for all of her constituents.”

Kallman is a sociologist and a professor, and is deeply committed to public and higher education. She currently teaches at UMass Boston and has taught at the RI Adult Correctional Institution and Brown University. She plays trumpet with the Extraordinary Rendition Band and recently published a book about the Peace Corps.

“I believe that the job of an elected official is to ensure that our community is heard. We need to create an environment that encourages students to learn, families to thrive, and businesses to grow. We need to do so with energy and vision,” Kallman said. “I promise to always be accessible. I will always listen, and I will always be transparent about my decisions.”

[From a press release]