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? While trucks do cause the most damage to our roads I fear the costs of these tolls will befall working class drivers who often are independent contractors. I am undecided on this issue.
Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program? Yes, I am a supporter of Medicare for All. I think a way for RI to do it on it’s own is to create a public option that is available to individuals and employers, as well as move over all current State Employees and retirees. If the public option is successful, and keeps costs down, then more and more businesses will drop private insurance and move to the State public option, which could eventually lead to essentially a single payer system, without creating a huge shock to the current system.
Are you in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to include domestic workers (such as nannies) and volunteers (such as interns)? Yes, everyone should be protected by these laws, the industry one works in should not strip away a persons human rights.
If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law? Yes, it is about women having free agency over their bodies. It should be the woman’s choice and government should not interfere with that decision.
Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?
No. The state should open up free college at CCRI to anyone who wants to pursue an education, it is currently age restricted, which keeps older Rhode Islanders from benefiting from the law. There also needs to be alternative paths, college is not right for everyone or every profession. RI needs to encourage apprenticeship programs, vocational education, and job training for displaced workers.
Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how? The way we fund public education creates a systemic problem in which the zip code one lives in determines the quality of education they receive. That should not be the case, Public Education must be equally accessible and of equal quality for all RI students. We need to find a different way to fund education so that the system is equal no matter where one lives.
Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not? Yes, we should be welcoming of people trying to escape violence in Central and South America, much of which is a direct result of ill thought USA policies and interventions in the region.
