Anthony Giarrusso says he's running for the state representative Dist. 30 seat opening up because of the retiring Bob Watson for one main reason.

"The number one reason is it breaks my heart that everybody that's got a college-age kid tells them, 'Get your diploma and get out of this state,'" he said Monday after turning in his Declaration of Candidacy papers.

Giarrusso, 50, lives on Lenihan Lane, is married to Janet, and has four children. His jewelry manufacturing company in Johnston employs 100, he said. He is running as a Republican, which means there will be a primary. Fellow Republican Bob Bolton has also submitted papers to run.

This will be Giarrusso's first foray into politics. He's served on the board of the East Greenwich Little League for many years in addition to coaching. [Ed. Note: A correction has been made to this paragraph since it was originally published.]

Giarrusso, who was born in Italy and came to the U.S. at age 4, is listed as "Antonio Giarrusso" officially, but is known as Anthony.

He said he plans to campaign door to door. He's hoping to make a difference but said he's realistic.

"Am I going to solve the world's problems?" he said. "If you're going to eat an elephant, you've got to start with one bite."