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?
Although at face value the idea of tolling tractor trailers to fund infrastructure repair and maintenance sounds good, I am worried that it may soon lead to the tolling of all vehicles that travel the state. This may come around as a result of the Trucking Association’s lawsuit against the state, or if in the future the General Assembly needs to raise more revenue. Either way, Rhode Island would not benefit overall if every car that travels the state is required to pay a toll.
Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program?
I would support legislation to make universal healthcare a reality in Rhode Island. Access to good and affordable healthcare should be a right of every citizen throughout the country. The nation’s healthcare system needs to be reformed, and Rhode Island should take steps to insure all of its residents, standardize the prices of treatments, while reducing administrative costs.
Are you in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to include domestic workers (such as nannies) and volunteers (such as interns)?
I am very much in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to more classes of workers, including interns and volunteers. If reintroduced, I would vote in favor of bills like 2018 H-8276, 8278, 8279, and other bills like them.
If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law?
Due to the potential of greater restrictions on abortion, or its complete repeal by a conservative SCOTUS I believe it is necessary to codify a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices. As a candidate endorsed by PPV!RI (Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island) I will fight to repeal old and unconstitutional laws from the books, and secure the rights women currently enjoy by codifying them into law.
Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?
They say, “a rising tide lifts all boats”, but what happens if you don’t own one? Though the economy is doing fairly well, there are many people who have been left relatively behind. In order to help these people, the state should better fund job training and educational programs. The power education has to change the lives of people for the better is incredible. Programs should be designed to help people get meaningful, well-paying jobs, while placing them on a path of continued growth and progress. Increasing the minimum wage, eventually getting it to $15/hour and then tying subsequent increases to the regional CPI would also help many of the people the economic recovery has left behind.
Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how?
Primary, secondary, and post-secondary education in the State of Rhode Island could all be improved. Regarding primary education, I believe it is pivotal to instill a sense of wonder and awe within children about the world they inhabit. If you make learning fun, and show children how they can use the knowledge they acquire, they will become lifelong learners. To aid in this I believe schools should tailor their curriculums to allow for more practical and hands on learning.
Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not?
