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?
Trucking Tolls : I honestly don’t know! That’s not a dodge, it’s just an issue who’s complexity I haven’t studied to my satisfaction. The roads in RI are in terrible shape, and it will take money to fix our infrastructure. I just don’t know if trucking tolls are the right way to do it.
Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program?
Statewide Insurance : Short answer : Yes! Long answer : It would need to be affordable for low income residents and provide useful coverage, but as long as it met those requirements, yes.
Are you in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to include domestic workers (such as nannies) and volunteers (such as interns)?
Expanded sexual harassment protections : Yes. No worker loses their right to dignity and safety on the job just because they choose to work in a home, or become an intern.
If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law?
Right to abortion : Yes, I would absolutely codify the right to abortion in Rhode Island.
Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?
Is the state doing enough to help people left behind by the economy : I don’t think so. This could be an entire article on it’s own, but our economy is changing fast and is subject to incredibly powerful forces. I would like to see state funds paired with private or non profit groups funds to help train and retain workers. I see an important role for unions in coordinating training with the companies that are hiring and can’t find enough qualified trade workers (welders, plumbers, etc.) I’ve seen non-profits like the Steel Yard’s “Weld to Work” program train people for jobs using donated money. There are already hundreds of effective programs like that around the state and I want to help them as much as I can. Small and locally owned businesses are critical to a healthy state economy, but those small businesses are facing pressure from all fronts. I think it’s the role of government to help level the playing field between companies like Amazon and Bennies. After all, even if we have a state full of highly skilled workers looking for jobs, they won’t get far unless companies are hiring.
Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how?
Education : This is another issue that’s more complex than I can answer right now. Yes, education needs to be improved. RI has a higher than average drop out rate, and our students don’t do as well as those in neighboring states. I need to meet with more teachers and education experts to find out how to move forward. I don’t have the answers, but I know the hard working teachers and administrators have good ideas. My plan right now, is to listen to them and find out how the state can help.
Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not?
Sanctuary State : Yes, I do support Rhode Island’s designation as a sanctuary state. All people have rights, including the right to be safe from crime and to have a government that protects them. If a victim of a crime fears that reporting a crime will lead to their deportation, this will cause them to keep silent. We need safe communities where all residents feel comfortable, and we need to encourage cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
