House Dist. 18 now a Three Way Race

Mark Stoutzenberger has announced his candidacy for the District 18 seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Stouzenberger, 30, manages a group home for at-risk teenage boys with Child and Family Services in Newport, RI. He is a 2004 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in psychology. He managed the campaign for Joe Lusi for governor in 2010 and in 2006, worked for former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter's campaign.

According to his campaign website, Stouzenberger supports term limits for elected officials, ballot reform, investing in infrastructure and education — including support for school vouchers and charter schools.

In an interview with the Cranston Herald, Stouzenberger promised to encourage civic participation and make the legislative process more accessible.

"Why are people not more interested? Because they’ve been beaten to death with the way politics have been played,” he said.

Stouzenberger, who is running as an unaffiliated candidate,  is challenging Arthur Handy, a Democrat who has served in the General Assembly for nine years.

Also in the mix is William McKenna, who once served in the district. His campaign site: www.Facebook.com/BillMcKennaforStateRepresentative