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 the toll project and the Rhode Works program might be a gamble. We all know there needs to be a funding program for our roads and bridges. Now we will go to court to determine whether the program will pass muster through the Courts.

My community has some of the oldest bridges in the state, dating back to the 1920’s and 1930’s, and have been crumbling at a fast pace. In 2010 our bridges suffered through the flooding of both branches of the Pawtuxet River, and we actually lost one causing significant economic and public safety challenges lasting for months.

I would have to support the program based on the needs of my community, and other cities and towns similar plight.

Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program?

Yes. Health care costs have sky-rocketed over the last 10 years. A single-payer approach would better benefit citizens, control costs and move toward a national healthcare model.

Are you in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to include domestic workers (such as nannies) and volunteers (such as interns)?

Sexual harassment, in any form or venue, is a crime. If legislation is needed to expand the scope of individual victims, I’m all for that.

If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law?

Yes. A woman’s decision to deal with complex challenges should be left to her and her immediate physician. Not being a female, I sympathize. When a congressional commission, of all men by the way, were having hearings and making decisions regarding women’s health?? Well, I think you get the picture.

Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?

Tough call, I remember in recent years a focus on computers and technology was the way of the future.  I can’t say that it failed, but we need to change or adjust that. Vocational education is a must. My community hosted one of the best regional vocational schools serving many districts, and was a huge success. Students should be able to learn the trades. We need an educated workforce to build our future.

Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how?

Yes. Civics needs to be returned to school curricula. An educated voter is just that, a voter. Election turnout has waned over time; we need to prepare our students to get more involved in the system that governs this country. Oh yeah, the vocational thing too.

Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not?

I don’t think the designation of sanctuary state is proper. Whoever gave us that title likely doesn’t reside here. I tend to think of our state as that “Lively Experiment” that Roger Williams founded as a free state in so many ways, political, religious and spirited.