Dusablon seeks election to open District 49 seat

NORTH SMITHFIELD – A North Smithfield resident who operates a museum in neighboring Woonsocket filled with military artifacts has announced his intent to run for the House District 49 seat to be left vacant by the retirement of Rep. Steven Lima, who is not seeking re-election.

Glenn Dusablon, an electrical inspector and operator of Woonsocket’s Veterans Memorial Museum, hopes to fill the open seat representing Woonsocket and North Smithfield.

Lima, a Democrat, has held the seat representing Woonsocket since 2020. A portion of North Smithfield was added to the territory during the recent redistricting process following the 2020 census.

“I am running to help families, working men and women, our elderly, our veterans, people with disabilities, our children, and our grandchildren — I will be working for them as State Representative,” said Dusablon, a Democrat. “I have experience bringing people together with different viewpoints, and I will bring an independent voice to the State House to improve the lives of those who are struggling right now in Woonsocket and North Smithfield.”

Dusablon, who was raised in Woonsocket, has served as the chief electrical investigator at the state Department of Labor & Training for 13 years. In 2015, he opened the Veterans Memorial Museum inside the Earle Street city building that also holds the American French Genealogical Society.

He said he is committed to helping residents who are struggling with the rapid rise in cost of living by keeping more money in their pockets through elimination of the car tax and suspension of the state gas tax. His priorities include reducing prescription drug prices, adequately funding Medicaid for seniors, providing necessary resources for individuals living with disabilities, and ensuring frontline caregivers earn a living wage.

Dusablon said he also supports continued implementation of the Act on Climate legislation passed last year, which he said will create new jobs.

Dusablon and his wife have lived in their North Smithfield home for 26 years.