Joe Polisena


Joseph M. "Joe" Polisena is an American politician from Rhode Island. He served in the Rhode Island Senate from 1993 to 1999 and again from 2001 to 2007. He is currently mayor of the Town of Johnston, having been elected in 2006, and sworn into office in January 2007. He is a Democrat.

Early life and education

Polisena was born to Julia Marie and Joseph Anthony Polisena on June 27, 1954. He graduated from Johnston High School in Johnston, Rhode Island in 1972. In 1985, Polisena graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island with an associate degree in nursing. In 1988, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in health services from Roger Williams University in Bristol.
In 1998, he completed a Master of Education through Cambridge College.

Career

He was employed by the Community College of Rhode Island as registered nurse/assistant professor and previously by Our Lady of Fatima Hospital as a nurse.
He was a firefighter for the Johnston Fire Department.

Senator

He served a total of twelve years in the Rhode Island Senate, from 1993 to 1999 and from 2001 to 2007. He served as Deputy Majority Leader. He served on a state commission studying improvements to the state fire code following a fatal 2003 fire, and he sponsored a 2005 bill to clarify and strengthen the state's fire code.

Mayor

Polisena serves on the Rhode Island Municipal Pension Board along with Mayor Angel Taveras of Providence. He has been an outspoken proponent of pension reform throughout the state. He has proposed a plan to freeze cost of living adjustments in retirees' pensions. Polisena has also been a strong supporter of Governor Lincoln Chafee's Municipal Relief Package for the cities and towns of Rhode Island.

Personal life

He is married to Lucille "Lucy" Polisena. His son, Joseph Polisena, Jr., is Polisena's campaign manager.