Editor’s note: these are the candidate’s responses to questions provided by RIPR. The views expressed are the candidate’s alone, edited only in cases of inappropriate or libelous language. No changes have been made to correct errors of fact, spelling or grammar.
Do you support trucking tolls for tractor-trailers on Rhode Island highways?
I think this an unfair burden on small businesses in Rhode Island. We need to reexamine this issue to determine whether tolls are the right way to go for Rhode Island and potentially look for alternative ways to generate revenue.
Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program?
I support a program that provides universal health care for all Rhode Islanders. Health care is a human right and something that costs all taxpayers a lot of money. Rhode Island should focus on expanding preventative care and treatment to reduce the cost of a preventable health emergency.
Are you in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to include domestic workers (such as nannies) and volunteers (such as interns)?
I favor such a proposal because sexual harassment is pervasive as ever in our society, and we need to take actionable steps to prevent it.
If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law?
Absolutely. We need to protect a woman’s reproductive rights and privacy, especially considering there is a chance the US Supreme Court could strike down Roe v. Wade
Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?
Rhode Island needs to do more to address the income inequality and stagnant economic mobility. Rhode Island can take a couple of steps such as increasing the minimum wage, expanding trade programs, investing in our infrastructure (to create jobs) and attracting businesses to our wonderful state.
Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how?
Our school year was designed for the 18th century; an upgrade is needed for the 21st century by reducing the gap during summer break and not overwhelm students with standardized testing requires which are questionable at best. We also need to increase investment in the STEM fields so that Rhode Island students can be competitive for this century.
Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not?
Rhode Island should seek to be a state that protects the most vulnerable people in our society. Many of the undocumented immigrants I know simply come to Rhode Island in search of a better life and are concerned about their future. With the election of President Donald Trump, I would like the state to intervene to protect undocumented immigrants from executive abuse of power.
