Quick Facts
Biography
Thomas C. Slater (1945–2009) was a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
Thomas C. Slater was born in Providence, Rhode Island 21 May 1945 to Thomas J. and Edith M. (Simpson) Slater. He grew up in Providence, attended La Salle Academy, was a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve retiring after 30 years with the rank of Sergeant Major. He was a Past Grand Knight and fourth degree member of the Cranston Knights of Columbus and a longtime member of the Providence Democratic City Committee.
Slater ran for office on 8 November 1994 defeating incumbent Republican Representative Mary C. Ross by a margin of 55%-45% of the votes cast. Slater served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 3 January 1995 until his death from lung cancer. One of the final pieces of legislation that Slater sponsored was during the 2009 session involving the legalization of medicinal marijuana.