Since taking office three years ago, we have achieved many of the goals I set when I was first elected Secretary of State in 2006. From creating tools that make it easier to do business in Rhode Island to cleaning up the voter rolls and opening the doors of government, there is much to be proud of.

We registered a record 700,000 voters.

We effectively managed record-setting elections. More Rhode Islanders turned out to vote than at any other time in state history.

We have made more information about government available to the public today than ever. At any time of the day or night, Rhode Islanders can find the agenda for their town council meeting, see how much companies are spending to lobby at the State House, monitor the General Assembly’s compliance with the state’s Open Meetings law and review proposed state rules and regulations before they become law.

We helped 6,900 new businesses get started last year — more than 21,800 since taking office, introduced new technology to help businesses grow and launched an initiative that helps start-ups get fast answers from government agencies.

It has been an honor to serve as Secretary of State, but this is only the beginning. With the challenges facing our state, it is more important than ever to continue our work. With your support, the coming years will be even more successful.