Aram J. Pothier

Aram Jules Pothier ( born July 26, 1854 in Philimene, Quebec Province, Canada, † February 4, 1928 ) was an American politician and 1909-1915 and 1925-1928 Governor of the State of Rhode Iceland.

Early years

Aram Pothier attended the Nicolet College in Quebec. Then he moved to Woonsocket in Rhode Iceland, where his parents lived already. In his new home he worked in a savings bank ( Institute for Savings ) and soon became a respected member of the local business community. Between 1889 and 1900 he represented Rhode Iceland to the respective world exhibitions in Paris. He succeeded to move some French textile companies to settle in Rhode Iceland.

Political rise

Pothier was a member of the Republican Party. In 1887 he was elected to the House of Representatives from Rhode Iceland. In 1889 he was auditor in Woonsocket and from 1894 to 1895 he was mayor of this municipality. After he had held office as Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Iceland from 1897 to 1898, he retired for a few years out of politics and devoted himself to his private affairs. In 1907 he returned to the political scene and was a member of the education committee of his state.

Governor of Rhode Iceland

1908 Aram Pothier was elected governor of his state. He took office on January 5, 1909 and was re-elected in the following years, respectively. After a change of the constitution, he was elected as the first governor of his state in a two-year term in 1912. In all, he could remain in office from January 5, 1909 and January 5, 1915. After the expiration of his term of office he retired again for a few years from politics and became head of the bank in Woonsocket and the Providence Union Trust Company.

In 1924 he was nominated by his party as their candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election, which he won. Two years later he was confirmed by the voters in this office. His second consecutive reign began on January 6, 1925 and ended with his death on February 4, 1928. During his years as governor of the labor laws in Rhode Iceland have been improved for the benefit of women and minorities. At that time, compensation for accidents at work was also regulated by law. In addition, under his government created a tax commission. In the above-mentioned reform of the state constitution, the term of office of other governmental dignitaries has been extended to two years in addition to the extension of the terms of office of the Governor. The position of the Governor has been strengthened with a veto. The budget system was reformed and unified the state police. Aram Pothier died in office. He was married to Francoise de Charmigny.