PROVIDENCE, RI -- Former Rep. Fausto C. Anguilla, D-Bristol, has been hired as the new House policy director, starting Februrary 2.

A Georgetown University-educated lawyer, Anguilla did not seek reelection after a 2001-06 stint in the House where he played a major role in the enactment of Separation of Powers legislation in 2003. He has what a State House press release today described as "an extensive background in health care, employee relations and government administration.

"In the post-Separation of Powers world, the House will be more heavily involved in the oversight of state government," said Speaker William J. Murphy. "Fausto Anguilla will provide an extremely professional level of expertise on the staff level to assist our House members in carrying out these new duties."

In addition to oversight and directing the policy staff, Murphy said that Anguilla will also be assigned to assist the House members serving on the newly-created study commission looking into development of port facilities in Rhode Island.

Anguilla replaces Gary Ciminero, who retired on January 9. It could not be immediately determined how much Anguilla will make in his new job.