Major Endorsement

It is a distinct honor to write a letter of enthusiastic support for Louise Dinsmore, who is running for School Committee in Richmond. Rhode Island and the country need more dedicated leaders like Louise, thoughtful, fair, full of enthusiasm and willing to engage in the important challenges of our times, particularly education for the next generation.

Louise is a unique, hardworking individual committed to values that have made our communities strong and vibrant. I first met her in 1988, as a Providence College student. Even then, she was eager to become involved in the democratic process.

She became involved in my first and successful campaign for U.S. Congress.

I was so impressed with her ability and enthusiasm, that in 1990, she was hired as a full-time member on my Congressional staff, where she excelled in scheduling the many required events of the congressional office. She was detail-oriented, focused and always prepared, using both her warm and enthusiastic personality and her keen intelligence.

What a pleasure it was to watch as she matured into a seasoned, accomplished professional, developing relationships with all constituents and community organizations regardless of their political affiliation or views.

As we know, life is not all positives without sometimes heart-breaking events. I firmly believe that mature leadership and values are formed in these crucibles of personal tragedies. And for the Dinsmores, that tragedy came all to soon with the loss of their young daughter, Gabrielle, from an incurable congenital heart disease. As the pain ebbed, she used her personal tragedy and loss as the basis of her dedication for Gabrielle’s Heart Camp, which she created with Hasbro Children’s Hospital. She used her skills and commitment to raise the necessary funds to help countless other heart families.

Louise is a successful fundraiser and non-profit consultant. Organizations seek out her skills for her amazing track record. She is dedicated to community causes that she truly believes makes a difference. Most recently, she spearheaded successful capital campaigns for Wood River Health in Hopkinton, Jonnycake Center for Hope in Peace Dale, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern RI. Her commitment to make a better and stronger Rhode Island community for all is unsurpassed.

I know from personal conversations of Louise’s desire to give back to Chariho. She is committed to helping provide the best education possible for the next generation, which is both affordable and effective in educating K-12 students, particularly after the two-year COVID interruption. As a former president of Bryant University for 24 years, there is nothing more important for our future as a country than helping our young students overcome this two-year hardship and excel in academic achievement.

Rhode Island and Richmond need committed individuals like Louise Dinsmore, who want to ensure that students excel in this world because of their education. I have worked with many talented individuals during my career, but none more accomplished, enthusiastic and dedicated. If elected, Louise will be a great champion for Richmond and the education of its children.

Ronald Machtley

US House of Representatives

Rhode Island 1st Congressional District

Served 1989 to 1995