From the Police Force to Politics: Simon Sarkisian’s Vision for Providence’s Ward 5

​PROVIDENCE, RI — For decades, Simon Sarkisian has served the city of Providence in one capacity or another. Now, the former police officer and long-time assistant to Judge Frank Caprio is setting his sights on a new role: representing Ward 5 on the Providence City Council.
In a recent Spotlight interview with the Rhode Island Wave, Sarkisian discussed his deep roots in the community, his motivations for running, and his vision for the neighborhoods of Elmhurst, Mount Pleasant, and Manton.
A Lifetime of Local Experience
Sarkisian’s American journey began in 1974 when his family immigrated to the United States. By 1978, they had settled in Providence. A product of the Providence Public School system, Sarkisian attended Nathaniel Greene Middle School and Classical High School. After a brief stint working as an aircraft mechanic in Connecticut, he found his true calling in public service, joining the Providence Police Department in 1989.
"For the first time, I experienced all of Providence," Sarkisian recalled, noting how his upbringing had largely kept him sheltered in specific neighborhoods. He retired from the force in 2010, but his time in the public eye was far from over.
When Judge Frank Caprio’s television show became syndicated, Sarkisian was asked to step in as his assistant—a role he cherished for ten years. He also recently made a brief, drama-free cameo on the Housewives of Rhode Island. However, it was Judge Caprio’s recent health battles and core philosophy that ultimately pushed Sarkisian into politics.
"The core message the judge had was to help anyone," Sarkisian said. "If you were in a position to help anyone, you help them... I didn't like the direction the city was going in. We definitely have a lot of challenges, and I figured, let me give it a shot."
A Promise of Accountability
If there is one message Sarkisian wants voters to hear, it is a promise of unwavering accountability. He cited mounting frustrations from residents who feel ignored by their current elected officials, referencing past issues with the city's 311 system and unreturned phone calls.
"I want them to know I'm reliable and dependable," Sarkisian stated. "I'm the type of person who would lose sleep if I didn't contact that person and figure something out."
Taking a Stand on Rent Control
As housing costs soar across Rhode Island, rent control has become a pivotal issue. Sarkisian approaches the topic through the lens of simple economics—supply and demand—and his past experience as a landlord.
He expressed concern over a proposed 4% cap on annual rent increases, arguing it could stall new housing developments and inadvertently hurt the city's best tenants. Sarkisian explained that many landlords, himself included, often avoid raising rent on reliable tenants for years at a time. Under strict rent control, he argues, landlords might feel forced to implement maximum yearly increases out of fear that they will be restricted from adjusting the rent to market value when the tenant eventually moves out.
"The developers will stop building if this is passed," Sarkisian warned, emphasizing that increasing the overall housing supply is the most effective way to lower rental costs.
The Upcoming Primary
Sarkisian faces a competitive primary election on Wednesday, September 9, running against Michael Solomon and Jackie Goldman.
As the election approaches, Sarkisian is urging all Ward 5 residents to ensure they are registered to vote and to participate in the democratic process. For voters looking for a candidate who promises to prioritize constituent services and common-sense solutions, Sarkisian hopes to be their top choice.
To learn more about his campaign, voters can visit his website at SimonFor5.com.