Brian Coogan Announces Candidacy For House District 64

East Providence, R.I. — Brian G. Coogan, a businessman, former State Representative, and East Providence City Councillor, has declared his candidacy for District 64 of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

“I’ve sat back and watched our state do nothing but decline over the past decade. It’s time for me to get back to the State House and work on behalf of the hardworking people of District 64 and for the citizens of our great state,” said Coogan.

Once elected, Coogan plans to hit the ground running. “Our state needs a comprehensive solution to the heroin epidemic - plain and simple. Everyone knows someone who has been affected or is being affected by this atrocity,” Coogan explained. “As soon as I walk back into the House Chamber, I will have a coalition of community organizations behind legislation that will eradicate and destroy this life-threatening issue.”

Coogan also understands Rhode Island’s urgent need for jobs. Coogan explained, “As an employer and as a former public servant, I understand that there is a need to help the private sector to create jobs. In the coming weeks, I will release my plan to combat job loss and help reinvigorate our economy.”

An East Providence native, Coogan has had a storied public and personal life. In the early 90s, Coogan was credited by the Town of Warren and the state Fire Marshal with saving the life of John Rebello who was trapped in a burning building on the second floor. In the early 2000s, Coogan, as a sitting State Representative, witnessed a bank robbery at a BankRI in East Providence and then chased the bank robber with the police on the phone where the suspect was apprehended. He was later recognized with an award from the Providence Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Representative Helio Melo, who has decided not to seek reelection, was thanked by Coogan for his service to his constituents and welcomes the opportunity to take back the torch. “He served District 64 with honor and I wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Coogan.

Brian and Heather Coogan have five sons who are the joy of their lives. “I enjoy being a father more than anything in the world and it is my hope that I can make Rhode Island a better place for not just my family but for the larger family of District 64.”