Dennis J. Roberts

Dennis J. Roberts

Dennis Joseph Roberts (born April 8, 1903 in Providence , Rhode Island , † June 30, 1994 ibid) was an American politician and governor of the state of Rhode Island from 1951 to 1959 .

Early years and political advancement

Dennis Roberts attended Fordham University and then studied law until 1930 at Boston University . After his admission to the bar, he began working in his new profession in Providence. Politically, Roberts was a member of the Democratic Party . Between 1935 and 1939 he was a member of the Rhode Island Senate . In 1938 he was also Chairman of the Democrats in Rhode Island. In 1936, 1940, 1948 and 1960 he took part as a delegate at the respective Democratic National Conventions . Between 1941 and 1951 he was mayor of his hometown Providence. His tenure was interrupted by World War II, in which he participated as a soldier in the US Navy .

Governor of Rhode Island

In 1950 Roberts was elected as the new governor of his state. After he was confirmed three times, he was able to serve as governor between January 2, 1951 and January 6, 1959. During his tenure, some ministries were restructured or newly created. With the Department of Administration , a new authority was created which, among other things, controlled the budget. The Development Council , which was also newly created, was supposed to promote the economic development of the state. Roberts' re-election in 1956 was very close and was only decided in his favor by the state Supreme Court. It was about the validity of postal votes. Two years later, Roberts was defeated by the Republican Christopher Del Sesto , who had been his opponent in 1956.

Another résumé

In 1960 Roberts ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the US Senate . Later he was a member of a commission for the revision of the state constitution. He caused a stir when he proposed a unicameral system for Rhode Island. Dennis Roberts died in June 1994.

Web links

• Dennis Roberts in the National Governors Association (English)

• Dennis J. Roberts in the database of Find a Grave (English)