Dr. Isadore Ramos appointed by Governor Raimondo to RI Board of Elections

Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced her intent to nominate Dr. Isadore "Izzy" Ramos to the Rhode Island Board of Elections panel. In a May 3rd press release the Governor also said she will also appoint Diane Medeiros, a former Bristol Town Administrator with Ramos. Raimondo will submit their names to the Rhode Island State Senate for confirmation later this week.

"The Board of Elections is important to our democracy, and we need to have strong leadership," Raimondo said. "Last month, I was proud to sign into law legislation that will allow Rhode Islanders to register to vote online. This is just one way we are working hard to make it easier for people to engage with government so that our state becomes a place of opportunity for all. I am confident that Diane and Izzy understand these priorities and will serve our state well, bringing their management experience and commitment to public service to this Board."

Ramos and Medeiros are replacing board members Frank Rego and former Senator Rhoda Perry. "It is an honor to have been selected to join the Board of Elections," Mederos said. "I am excited to get to work," she added. "I look forward to serving on the Board of Elections, and thank Governor Raimondo for her dedication to protecting the integrity of the electoral process," Dr. Ramos said.

Mederos is the former Town Administrator of Bristol. She served in that role from 2004-2012. She also previously worked as District Director for Congressman David Cicilline and as Bristol Town Clerk. Mederos holds a Master of Science degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island, a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Roger Williams University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and elementary education from Rhode Island College. She lives in Bristol.

Dr. Isadore S. Ramos is the former mayor of East Providence. He also was elected to the East Providence School Committee. In addition, Dr. Ramos previously worked as an Assistant Superintendent for the East Providence School Department. His 35 years of service to the East Providence School Department were recognized in 2014 when the gymnasium at East Providence High School was named in his honor. Ramos is also a member of the East Providence High School Hall of Fame and several other organizations both city and statewide. Ramos received Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in education from the University of Southern Illinois, and a certificate of administration from Rhode Island College. He also earned a certificate of advanced graduate study from the University of Connecticut and obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. He lives in East Providence.

"Diane and Izzy are hardworking and have high ethical standards," said Raimondo. "Izzy rose through the ranks of the East Providence School Department, beginning as teacher and finishing his career as Assistant Superintendent. In that role, he oversaw personnel and human resources," said Raimondo. These are important skills for the role at the Board of Elections. I urge the Board with its new appointees to have a fresh start with a new executive director."

Dr. Ramos said that he was "gratified that the Governor considered me for this position. I appreciate the chance to help out and will do my best to uphold the integrity of our elections in Rhode Island," Ramos told The Reporter today. Ramos had been appointed to the East Providence canvassing board and submitted his resignation to City officials. "Obviously I can't represent both boards at the same time. I wish the city council well in moving ahead with the local canvassing board," added Ramos. Although state board of election members receive a stipend for their yearlong responsibility, Ramos told Raimondo that he will serve on the board pro bono.

Ramos has previously been appointed by Raimondo to a state task force on education funding for Rhode Island.

The Board of Elections is the state agency responsible for protecting the integrity of the electoral process and for effectively and efficiently administering the provisions of election laws. The Board is composed of seven members who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate to serve nine-year terms. These are the first two members Raimondo has nominated to the Board.

Raimondo is not happy with the current executive director of the Board of Elections, Robert Kando. Kando, who is paid $143,000 has been suspended by the Board of Elections and ordered to enroll in management classes. Kando's job performance has been an issue with some of the current board and he does not have the support of Governor Raimondo. It is unclear if Kando will retain his position once a new board is sworn in.