ri_gov_ALMOND
GOVERNOR LINCOLN ALMOND
Age: 62 Born: June 16, 1936; Pawtucket, Rhode Island Education: Boston University, J.D. (1961); University of Rhode Island, B.S. (1958) Military: U.S. Naval Reserve (1953-61) Family: Married - Marilyn; Two children Hometown: Lincoln, Rhode Island Religion: Episcopalian Career: Governor (1995-present); President, Blackstone Valley Development Foundation (1993-95); U.S. Attorney (1981-93, 1969-78); Lincoln Town Administrator (1963-68); Practicing attorney (1961-63) |
• Almond was born in Pawtucket to a modest middle-class family of English descent. His boyhood was spent in the tiny city of Central Falls. His father ran a gasoline station and later became a salesman for a bakery. His mother worked for a time in a retail store.
• In order to help make ends meet, Almond drove a truck after graduating from high school instead of going to college. After a year, he enrolled at the University of Rhode Island, where he studied political science. He also met his future wife, Marilyn, on a double-date.
• After earning his degree in 1958, Almond went to Boston University Law School. He graduated in 1961 and then returned to Rhode Island to practice law in Providence. In 1962, Republicans chose the 26 year-old to fill a vacancy as Lincoln Town Administrator. He subsequently won election to three consecutive terms.
• Defeated in a 1968 race for Congress, Almond planned on a rematch in 1970, but in early 1969, was appointed U.S. Attorney by President Nixon. He served until 1978, when he ran unsuccessfully as GOP candidate for governor against popular incumbent Joseph Garrahy.
• The Reagan administration called him back as U.S. Attorney in 1981, but when Bill Clinton took office in 1993, Almond was replaced by a Democrat. He went on to serve as president of Blackstone Valey Development Foundation, a non-profit land development organization.
• Almond made his second run for the governorÂ's office in 1994. As U.S. Attorney for 20 years, he had a record of high-profile convictions resulting in wide name recognition. He defeated the perceived frontrunner, then-Congressman Ron Machtley, in the GOP primary by 58% to 42%. He was elected in a hotly contested general election race against former State Senator Myrth York, who is also challenging him this year.
• AlmondÂ's first year in office was rocky and included a $98 million deficit and a 5-week budget impasse with the legislature. Since then, however, the stateÂ's economy has taken a turn for the better, and Almond can claim credit for tax cuts and job growth.