Rep. Paul Crowley, the longest-serving Democrat in the R.I. House of Representatives, has died

[Ghost in the Machine]

Obituaries in the News
Published: 9/25/07, 7:05 AM EDT
By The Associated Press
(AP) - Paul Crowley

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rep. Paul Crowley, the longest-serving Democrat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, has died. He was 57.

He died Monday of cancer at his Newport home, a legislative spokesman said.

Crowley, who owned La Forge Casino Restaurant, was first elected to office in 1981 and served as deputy chairman of the House Finance Committee. Much of his legislative career was spent trying to improve Rhode Island's school districts.

He backed a law that created annual school evaluations and he supported consolidating Rhode Island's school districts to save money. He also backed charter schools, pushed for increased vocational education and wanted more predictable state funding for education.

http://home.bellsouth.net/s/editorial.dll?bfromind=7814&eeid=5245195&_sitecat=1522&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=0&ck=&ch=ne

[stellanoir]

1. RIP

He was a really kind hearted soul and a quintessential Democrat.

His restaurant always seemed far more energized when he was in attendance and he'd invariably be willing to involve himself in a lively discussion with anyone.

Nobody will fill his shoes.

He was a character for sure.