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Rhode Island's Most Influential

The 256 people that make our state work

The Arts & The Humanities

Heather Ahern -- founding member, Groundwerx * Keeping a space for burgeoning choreographers.

Jon Berberian -- proprietor, Columbus Theater * Savior of a gem.

Roberto Julio Bessin -- sculptor * A gift for natural forms.

Peter Bramante -- executive director, Business Volunteers for the Arts/Rhode Island * A staunch advocate.

Len Cabral -- storyteller, national/international recognition * Giving his stories to generations of listeners.

Colleen Cavanaugh -- freelance choreographer * Modern ballet with emotional content.

Liz Collins -- clothing designer * A blast of funky flair.

Jo-Ann Conklin -- director, Brown's David Winton Bell Gallery * Cutting-edge curator.

Trudy Coxe -- executive director, Newport Preservation Society * The homes of Newport's Gilded Agers.

Bert Crenca -- artistic director, AS220 * Helping to build something great.

Amanda Dehnert -- associate artistic director, Trinity Rep * Leading the next generation at Trinity with skill and imagination.

Misha Djuric -- artistic director, Festival Ballet * Rhode Island's oldest professional ballet company.

Kim Nathanson D'Oliveira -- designer, Mill's Tavern, Golden Key nomination * Turned old mill building into elegant early American tavern.

Oskar Eustis -- artistic director, Trinity Repertory Company * Getting the regional theater to look beyond Washington Street.

Barnaby Evans -- artist * Playing with WaterFire.

Cheryl Faria -- director, The Center for Design and Business, a collaboration of RISD and Bryant College * A concept long overdue.

Barbara Gaines -- program coordinator, Rhode Island Historical Society * Don't forget the past.

David Gasper -- director, Rhode Island Philharmonic * And the beat goes on.

Vanessa Gilbert -- associate artistic director, Perishable Theatre * Keeping the annual Women's Playwriting Festival memorable.

Malcolm Grear -- president, Malcolm Grear Designers * From logos to environments, merge sight and sense.

Bill Harley -- storyteller, NPR commentator * Makes you remember what it was like to be a kid.

Catherine Horsey -- director, Providence Preservation Society * Saved from the wrecking ball.

Paula Hunter -- dancer, choreographer, founder, JUMP! children's choreography group * Channeling boundless energy into performance pieces.

Bob Jaffe -- actor, independent theater producer * Improving the level of conversation through theater.

Phillip M. Johnston -- director, The RISD Museum * A treasure trove on tap.

Dorothy Jungels -- artistic director, founder, Everett Dance Theatre * Moving with the times.

Don W. King -- artistic director, Providence Black Repertory Company * Opportunities for local theater and performance artists.

Al Klyberg -- historian, executive director of Heritage Harbor Museum * A rich source of knowledge.

Michelle Koulibaly -- African dance instructor, performer, choreographer * Going back to the basics.

Marc Lerman -- artistic director, Perishable Theatre * Making sure Providence keeps an avant-garde edge.

Kathryne Jennings -- executive director, Opera Providence * Guiding the transformation from light opera.

Virginia Lynch -- founder, Virginia Lynch Gallery * Supporting the arts by discovering new artists.

Xander Marro -- puppet maker, projectionist * Steeped in the underground.

George Marshall -- executive director, Rhode Island International Film Festival * A haven for filmmakers.

Don Mays -- freelance filmmaker * Bringing issues of the hood into film and arts literacy into the classroom.

Deb Meunier -- artistic director, Fusionworks Dance Company * Jazzy, spirited modern troupe.

Denny Moers -- photographer, RISD teacher * Passing on what he's learned from the likes of Aaron Siskind.

M. Drake Patten -- executive director, Rhode Island Committee for the Humanities * Committed and charting an intelligent course.

Erminio Pinque -- artistic director, Big Nazo * Whimsical humor and over-the-top puppets.

Bob Rizzo -- director, Office of Cultural Affairs at the Providence Department of Public Parks; and prime mover, Convergence Arts Festival * Much more than public sculpture.

Bernadet and Ricardo Pitts-Wiley -- producers, directors, performers, original African-American plays and musical performances * Celebrate diversity and ethnic heritage.

Mimo Riley -- painter * Bringing Fox Point to life.

Ed Shea -- co-founder with Pat Hegnauer, 2nd Story Theatre * Carrying on a tradition of excellence.

Monica Shinn -- painter, set designer * Another local favorite.

J.L. "Lynn" Singleton -- president, Providence Performing Arts Center * Leading the landmark theater from near bankruptcy to first-rank tours.

Doris Stephens -- director, First Night Providence * Ringing in the New Year with the performing arts.

Julie Strandberg -- professor of Dance, Brown University, co-founder, American Dance Legacy Institute * Preserving modern dance choreography.

Fred Sullivan Jr. -- actor, Trinity Rep; director, Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theater * His productions have been must-sees.

Dale Thompson -- director, Providence Public Library * Winning recognition for strong leadership.

Valerie Tutson -- founder, FUNDA Fest * A gathering of ethnic storytellers from around the country.

Katherine Veneman -- artist, director, Hera Gallery, Wakefield * Guiding a creative wellspring away from the big city.

Paula Vogel -- playwright and educator * Inspiring generations of playwrights.

Bill Warner -- architect for the Renaissance City * He leaps tall buildings and moves wide rivers.

Rose Weaver -- actor, singer, playwright * Speaking out on women's issues.

Jeremy Woodward -- set designer * A behind-the-scene talent.

Community Activists

Ade Becker -- founder of the Multicultural/Multilingual Center at Brown * National model for teaching languages and ESL.

Debbie Block, Erbin Crowell, and Anna Galland -- organizers, American Friends Service Committee in southeastern New England * Sending out high alerts for peace.

Carol Bragg -- coordinator, Rhode Island Peace Mission * A gathering of peace groups.

Elizabeth Burke-Bryant -- executive director, KIDS COUNT * Making the numbers talk.

Christopher Butler -- AIDS Project RI * Compassion is his job.

Carole Costanza, Marc Levitt, Kim and Jamie Murdoch -- South Kingstown Neighborhood Congress * Watchdogs for over-development in southern Rhode Island.

Kate Coyne-McCoy -- rabble-rouser and local force for women in politics * Gutsy, funny, and a food-lover, too.

Deb DeBare -- executive director Coalition Against Domestic Violence * Violence against women hurts everyone.

John Dineen -- lawyer, ACLU volunteer * His heart's in the right place.

Nancy Fleming -- environmental activist and successful SLAPP suit defendant * Turned the other cheek and passed stricter legislation.

Bill Flynn -- community organizer, Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty * Give me your tired, your poor.

Greg Gerritt -- standard-bearer of the Rhode Island Green Party * An active voice for ecology and alternative ideas.

Nancy Gewirtz -- director, Poverty Institute * A war that never ends.

The Reverend Anne Grant -- pastor, Trinity United Methodist Church * Reaching out to recent immigrants.

Teny O. Gross -- executive director, the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence * Helping to make a difference in Providence.

Marguerita Guedes -- director, Southside Broad Street * Visibility for neighborhood concerns.

Casby Harrison III and Mary Sylvia Harrison -- lawyer-activist, and executive director of Rhode Island Children's Crusade for Higher Education * A truly dynamic duo.

Eileen Hayes -- executive director, Amos House * Feeding the hungry through thick and thin.

James Holt -- executive minister, Rhode Island State Council of Churches * Bringing new meaning to the bully pulpit.

Matthew Jerzyk -- director, Rhode Island Jobs With Justice * Taking it to the streets.

The Reverend Matthew Kai -- president, Ministers' Alliance * Drawing on each other's strengths.

Linda Katz -- policy director, Poverty Institute * Changing attitudes, changing laws.

Joyce Katzberg -- longtime peace activist/folksinger * All she is singing is "give peace a chance."

The Reverend Duane Klinker -- activist, pastor, Hillsgrove United Methodist Church * Working for peace and justice.

Bernard LaFayette Jr. -- civil rights veteran of the '60s and scholar-in-residence at the University of Rhode Island * Bringing wisdom and idealism into the present.

Peg Langhammer -- executive director of the Sexual Assault and Trauma Prevention Center * Making children and women strong.

Dennis Langley -- executive director, Urban League * Working in the neighborhoods for justice and education.

Joseph Lee -- executive director, Socioeconomic Development Corporation for Southeast Asians * A hand up, not a hand out.

Martin Lepkowski -- coordinator, Coalition for Central America; member, Witness for Peace and School of the Americas Watch * Fighting the good fight.

Dr. David C. Lewis -- project director, Physician Leadership on National Drug Policy * Lifting reason and rationality against the war on drugs.

Anthony Maione -- executive director, National Conference for Community and Justice, southern New England chapter * An energetic foe of bigotry and prejudice.

Dr. Ken Mayer and Dr. Chuck Carpenter -- AIDS researchers * On the frontlines of this war.

Pat McGuigan -- director, The Providence Plan * An eye on the future of the city.

Makna Men -- Liaison to the Southeast Asian community at the Education Alliance, Brown University * Promoting fair representation.

Sara Mersha -- executive director, Direct Action for Rights and Equality * The people united will never be defeated.

James C. Miller -- minister of the First Baptist Church * An activist on an array of important issues.

Kate Monteiro -- president, Rhode Island Alliance for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights * An articulate and forceful advocate.

Liz Morancy -- director, Alzheimer's Foundation * Providing respite when most needed.

Robert Mulvee -- bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence * Keeping the faith.

Luisa Murillo -- executive director, Center for Hispanic Policy * Viva Latinos de Rhode Island!

Anne A. Nolan -- president, Traveler's Aid * A place to lay your head.

Howard Phengsomphone -- director, Southeast Asian Youth and Family Development Project * Helping to wean teens from gangs.

Jean Rayack -- coordinator, South County Coalition Against Racism * Bringing "town and gown" together for a common good.

Marti Rosenberg -- executive director, Ocean State Action * Watchdogs on our elected officials.

Noreen Shawcross -- Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless * Striving for affordable and available housing.

Henry and Carol Shelton -- founders of George Wiley Center * The Energizer bunnies of RI activists for social justice.

William Shuey -- executive director, International Institute * Haven for refugees and immigrants.

Jennifer Cole Steele -- Rhode Island coordinator, Conservation Law Foundation * A bastion of well-informed community values.

Angel Taveras -- lawyer-community activist * Exemplifying intelligence and commitment in public service.

Nondas Hurst Voll -- executive director, The Fund for Community Progress * Steering money where it's most needed.

Food and Drink

Bob Antignano -- Angelo's * Down-home Italian cooking for more than 75 years.

Jed Arkley & Tonya Langford -- proprietors, White Electric Coffee * Dedicated to the best beans and doing the right thing.

Bob Burke -- owner, Pot au Feu * French to the core.

Maurice Collins -- co-proprietor, the Wild Colonial, Providence * The thinking person's barkeep.

Ralph Conti -- chef/owner, Raphael's Bistro * Nuovo Italiano with panache.

Tony Diciccone -- owner, Tony's Colonial Food Store * Biggest variety of Italian delicacies of all kinds.

Jaime D'Oliveira -- owner, Mill's Tavern * Heavy hitter/trend setter back in town.

John Elkhay -- owner,10 Steak & Sushi * The happening surf/turf and bar spot.

Loren Falcone and Eric Moshier -- chef/owners, Empire * The heirs to Al Forno.

Stephanie Finizia -- proprietor, Nick-a-Nee's, * Keeping it real.

Steve & Regina Goulding -- proprietors, Snookers, Metropolis * Showing a knack for nightlife.

Jimmy Ilarraza -- co-proprietor, the Safari Lounge, Providence * He knows the kids are alright.

Mike Kent -- owner, NV@ The Strand, America, Finnegan's Wake, the Keg Room, ReBar, and the Art Bar * Rhode Island innovator.

Sara Kilguss & Ed Reposa -- proprietors, the Red Fez, Providence * Serious about two floors of food and fun without taking themselves too seriously.

Johanne Killeen and George Germon -- chef/owners, Al Forno * They started the Renaissance in Providence's food scene.

Josh Miller -- proprietor, the Hot Club and Trinity Brewhouse, Providence * Factoring in the fun and frivolity.

Neath Pol -- chef/owner, Neath's * Cambodian-French that nicely fuses.

Joann Seddon -- co-owner, the Decatur Lounge, Providence * A stitch and one of our favorite 24-hour party people.

Bruce Tillinghast -- chef/owner, New Rivers * International inspirations with the farm-fresh ingredients.

Derek Wagner -- chef and co-owner, Nick's on Broadway * A culinary rising star.

Education

Robert Carothers -- president, University of Rhode Island -- Leading the charge for the Rams.

Robert Coover -- professor of English, Brown University * Hip on hypertext.

Laura Freid -- vice president of public affairs and university relations, Brown University * Part of the power in the administration.

Lorraine Howes -- former head of the apparel department, Rhode Island School of Design * Paradigmatically soignée professor emeritus.

Melody Johnson -- Providence school superintendent * Taking on a world-class challenge.

Dennis Littky and Elliot Washor -- co-directors of the Met School and the Big Picture Company * Offering hope for the future of public education.

Roger Mandle -- president, Rhode Island School of Design * Erudite, personable, and charting the expansion into downtown.

Patricia McLaughlin -- director of corporate and foundation relations, Rhode Island School of Design * Cianci confidante moves to College Hill.

Peter McWalters -- state education commissioner * Focusing on partnerships.

Ruth Simmons -- president, Brown University * An inspiring and unstoppable force.

The Reverend Philip A. Smith -- president, Providence College * The main Friar.

Charles Sullivan -- poet, scholar, professor of English at the Community College of Rhode Island * Beloved friend of the humanities.

Labor, Business and Law

Dr. Joseph Amaral -- president, Rhode Island Hospital * Modest enough to take a smoke with the nurses.

Ronald Battista -- president, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island * Undeniably powerful.

Rick Brooks -- director, United Nurses and Allied Professionals * Labor still exerts might, part I.

Steve Brown -- executive director, American Civil Liberties Union, Rhode Island chapter * Standing up for civil liberties and other unpopular things.

Lewis Campbell -- CEO, Textron * The quiet power behind this corporate giant.

Lawrence K. Fish -- president and CEO of Citizens Financial Group * Helming Citizens' growth to mega-status.

Carol Grant -- vice president for human resource, Textron * Ubiquitous in serving on boards.

Jim Hagan -- president, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce * A steady voice for business interests.

Alan Hassenfeld -- CEO and chairman, Hasbro Inc., Pawtucket * Reaching beyond Potato Heads and G.I. Joes.

Stan Israel -- vice president, New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199 * Labor still exerts might, part II.

Ira Magaziner -- president of SJS Advisors, former Clinton wonk * Thinking about the big issues of the Internet economy.

Robert Mann -- lawyer * A keen advocate for civil rights.

Frank J. Montanaro -- president, Rhode Island AFL-CIO * Labor still exerts might, part III.

Stuart Mundy -- secretary-treasurer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 251 * Labor still exerts might, part IV.

Terrence Murray -- chairman, FleetBoston Financial * Oversaw the rise of the little bank that could.

George Nee -- secretary-treasurer, Rhode Island AFL-CIO * Labor still exerts might, part V.

Joseph R. Paolino Jr. -- developer, Paolino Properties * Decidedly well-connected.

Maria Reback -- president, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals * Labor still exerts might, part VI.

Edward C. Roy Jr. -- president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers * Speaking out for the other side.

Tom Ryan -- CEO, CVS Corporation, Woonsocket * There's a lot of money in that dental floss.

Gary Sasse -- executive director, Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council * The man with the numbers.

Timothy F. Schick -- administrator, Providence Newspaper Guild * Taking on the powers that be at Belo.

Matthew Thomas -- chief sachem of the Narragansett Indians * Fighting for an even break.

George Vecchione -- president and CEO, Lifespan * Overseeing the state's health-care colossus.

Joe Walsh -- former Warwick mayor, lobbyist * Still a player.

Letters

Jon Cooke -- publisher/editor of COMIX, just won another Eisner Award * Not just "the funny papers" anymore.

Ann Hood -- novelist, memoirist * Evocative scenes of Rhode Island, poignant scenes of family life.

Peter D. Kramer -- writer, psychologist * Got everyone Listening to Prozac.

David Macaulay -- Caldecott-winning children's book author * Illuminates how things get built and The Way Things Work.

Ray Rickman -- host, Booksellers, Channel 36 * Conversations with new and distinguished authors.

Chris van Allsburg -- Caldecott-winning children's book author * A wild ride in Jumanji and aboard The Polar Express.

Keith and Rosmarie Waldrop -- poets, teachers, founders, Burning Deck Press * Publishing writers, proving small is beautiful.

C.D. Wright and Forrest Gander -- poets, teachers, Brown Creative Writing Program * Inspiring others to spread their creative wings.

Media, Pundits, and PR Types

M. Charles Bakst -- political columnist, The Providence Journal * In the thick of it.

Martha Bebinger -- reporter, WRNI-AM * Steadily exuding calm in the fray.

Lisa Churchville -- general manager, WJAR-TV (Channel 10) * Charting Providence's top station.

John DePetro -- talk show host, WHJJ-AM * Fond of third-person references.

Mike Doyle -- president, RDW Group * Specializing in public image, part I.

Guy Dufault -- principal, Cornerstone Communications Groups * An astute observer.

David Duffy -- chairman of Duffy & Shanley * Specializing in public image, part II.

Katherine Gregg -- State House bureau chief, The Providence Journal * A fierce watchdog.

Steve Kass -- talk show host, WPRO-AM * A pro from way back.

Scott MacKay -- reporter, The Providence Journal * Wielding an encyclopedic knowledge of politics.

Maureen Moakley -- political science chairwoman, University of Rhode Island * Expert on the nuts-and-bolts of state politics.

Scott Molloy -- professor and labor expert, the University of Rhode Island * A supporter of the little guy.

David Preston and Frank McMahon -- principals, McMahon Preston Communications * Specializing in public image, part III.

Mike Stanton -- investigative team leader, The Providence Journal * Writing away on his much-anticipated Buddy book.

Jim Taricani -- investigative reporter WJAR-TV (Channel 10) * Terrific sources.

Arlene Violet -- talk show host, WHJJ-AM * Bringing her legal acumen to work.

Darrell West -- political science professor, Brown University * Incisive and never at a loss for a quote.

Jack White -- investigative reporter, WPRI-TV (Channel 12) * One of the best in the biz.

Dan Yorke -- talk show host, WPRO-AM * "The new guy" makes some waves.

Music

John Chan -- Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz * Chinese cuisine and live jazz performers.

Bob Drouin, Mary Lee Drouin, Phil Edmonds -- founders, Pendragon * Fanning the Celtic flame.

Russ Guisetti -- organizer, Blackstone River Theatre * Presenting pan-Celtic performers.

Bill Harley, Debbie Block, Steve Snyder, Joyce and Kate Katzberg -- founders, Stone Soup Coffeehouse * Folk music is alive and well.

Seth Jacobsen -- director, non-commercial jazz programming, WRIU * Blue notes and blues.

Michelle Kaminsky and Alan Bradbury -- band leaders, Magnolia * The Cajun sound of Rhode Island.

Robert Thomas Leonard -- band leader, Slippery Sneakers * The zydeco beat in Rhode Island.

Mark Malkovich -- executive director, Newport Music Festival * The ABCs of classical music, from Bach to Wagner.

Kate Vivian -- coordinator, live music/dance series at the Towers, Narragansett * Feet don't fail me now!

Julian Wachner -- director, Providence Singers * Voices lifted in song.

Chuck Wentworth -- organizer, Rhythm & Roots Festival * Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Personalities

Tom Bates -- beneficent presence, the Hot Club, Nick-a-Nee's * Tough looking on the exterior, but a sweet guy.

Buddy Cianci -- WPRO-AM talk show co-host and former Providence mayor * Need we say more?

Tom DiLuglio -- former lieutenant governor * The new sheriff in town (for now).

William Macera -- Johnston mayor * What is it about Johnston, anyway?

Vincent Mesolella Jr. -- developer * Famous for draining the Pascoag Reservoir

Ben Mondor -- owner, Pawtucket Red Sox * Beloved savior of local baseball.

Phillipe & Jorge -- columnists, Providence Phoenix * Did they really say that?

Bruce Sundlun -- former governor * One of a kind.

Public Servants

Roberta Aaronson -- executive director, Childhood Lead Action * Getting the lead out for Rhode Island's children.

Robert Arruda -- chairman, Operation Clean Government * Casting a sharp eye on the state.

Gerald S. Aubin -- executive director, Rhode Island Lottery * Keeping the coffers clanging.

Scott Avedesian -- Warwick mayor * The GOP's great hope for the future.

Matt Brown -- Democratic candidate for secretary of state * A new face in Rhode Island politics.

Frank Caprio, Frank T. Caprio, and David Caprio -- TV star/presiding justice of Providence Municipal Court, state senator, and state representative * One of the state's most powerful political families.

Don Carcieri -- Republican gubernatorial candidate * From relative obscurity to a highly competitive campaign.

Robert Carl -- director of administration, State of Rhode Island * Linc Almond's man in charge.

Arnold "Buff" and Johnnie Chace -- developer, Trinity Rep leadership * Working hard to make Downcity more livable.

Malcolm and Elizabeth Chace -- philanthropists * Keeping the arts alive and well.

Lincoln Chafee -- US senator * Why can't more Republicans be like this?

Barbara Colt and Liz Morancy -- founding mothers, Rhode Island Women's Political Caucus * You go, women!

Bob Cooper -- executive secretary, Governor's Commission on Disabilities * Differently challenged, differently abled.

Margaret Curran -- US attorney * Cites a big win in the Plunder Dome case.

Laureen D'Ambra -- state child advocate * Fighting the good fight.

Albert DeRobbio -- chief justice of the district court * Drives home the importance of the lower-level court.

Sheila Dormody -- program director, Clean Water Action * Making our drinking water safe.

Alan Shawn Feinstein -- chair and philanthropist, Feinstein Foundation * Making community service a household phrase.

Robert G. Flanders -- justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court * A welcome voice of dissent.

Mark Genest -- political science professor, University of Rhode Island * Offering good commentary.

Nellie Gorbea -- president, Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee * A force to be reckoned with.

Brad Gorham -- state Republican Party chairman * Onward and upward, or so he hopes.

Peter Hocking -- director, the Center for Public Service at Brown University * Learning is more than just books.

Gilbert Indeglia -- Superior Court judge * A just and honest man.

Miriam Inocencio -- president/CEO, Planned Parenthood * Keeping women's choices open.

William V. Irons -- majority leader, Rhode Island Senate * One of the most powerful guys in state government.

Jane E. Jellison -- executive director, Southside Community Land Trust * Back to the land in the city.

Patrick Kennedy -- US Representative * Crown prince of the Kennedy clan.

James Langevin -- US Representative * The picture of persistence and fortitude.

John J. Lombardi -- acting mayor of Providence * His moment in the spotlight.

William Lynch -- state Democratic Party chairman * Shrewd, savvy, and smart.

Karen McAninch -- business agent, Service Employees International Union, Local 134 * Working for underdogs for 20 years.

Jack McConnell -- lawyer-Democratic fundraiser * Helping to keep the green flowing.

Norman McCulloch and Ron Gallo -- chairman of the board and executive director, The Rhode Island Foundation * Doing the right thing, funding the right stuff.

Patricia Nolan and Dr. Peter Simon -- director and assistant medical director, Department of Health * Protecting Rhode Islanders' health and safety.

Thomas O'Connor -- director of administration, Providence City Hall * Part of the permanent government in the capital city.

Janice O'Donnell -- executive director, Providence Children's Museum * For the child in us all.

Colonel Steven Pare -- superintendent, Rhode Island State Police * Spit and polish with matinee idol looks.

Jack Reed -- US senator * Intelligent and smart on the issues.

Roberta Richman -- warden, Adult Correctional Institute * Creating opportunities for women's recovery and rehabilitation.

Dr. Pablo Rodriguez -- longtime abortion advocate, vice-chair, Rhode Island Foundation * A voice for women and for Latinos.

Hilary Salmons -- Health Education and Leadership (HELP) * Getting the information out.

Curt Spalding -- executive director, Save the Bay * Preserving Rhode Island water and waterways for future generations.

Rogeriee Thompson -- Superior Court judge * A woman's voice in the court.

Ernest C. Torres -- US District Court judge * a model of probity and fairness during the Plunder Dome trial.

Richard Walton -- writer, teacher, peace activist, founder of Sister City Project between Providence and Niquinohomo, Nicaragua * A voice of conscience, a force for good.

Mark Weiner -- Democratic fundraiser * Another source of clout for the party.

Frank Williams -- chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court * Not afraid to flex his strength.

Sheldon Whitehouse -- attorney general * A man of integrity and not about to fade away.

Myrth York -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate * Hoping the third time is the charm.

Issue Date: October 25 - 31, 2002