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- no, That places an extra burden on independent truckers.
Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program?
state mandated health insurance- My platform calls for development of a single payer RI ‘medicare’ for all plan. That will be the first bill I would introduce in the Senate should I be elected.
Are you in favor of expanding protections against sexual harassment to include domestic workers (such as nannies) and volunteers (such as interns)?
protections against sexual harassment- Absolutely! They are more likely to face harassment as they have no power and employers have the power to fire or dismiss those who stand up for themselves.
If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law?
Codify right to abortion- Absolutely! The federal government/SCOTUS may very well strike down federal protections regarding a woman’s right to choose. My platform (under health care) states I support each person’s right to complete autonomy over their own body.
Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?
People left behind- No the state should be offering paid training programs for all those long term unemployed, new high school graduates, people who’s jobs have been mechanized etc. Our State cannot be self supporting if people can’t get a job that allows them to live without needing food stamps and other government subsides to simply survive. Providence, Lincoln, Woonsocket and Warwick have facilities to retrain people. I would have to check to see where else in South County. However learning a new trade or skill should help a great many people re-enter the job market with actual potential to live well.
Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how?
Primary education- Primary education- Yes primary education needs improvement statewide. Every school needs at least one, possibly more depending on the number of students, full time Nurse, full time social worker, in addition to counselors. Schools must be in excellent physical condition. All students need computer classes beginning in pre-K. There should be a classroom set aside for in school detention, no child should be subjected to out of school detention. If a child repeatedly demonstrates unacceptable behavior that child must be afforded a full ED-psych evaluation. Teachers must be aware of any triggers that may contribute to a child’s outbursts .
Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not?
RI Sanctuary State status. Yes. I believe in the worth and dignity of every person. The Federal Leadership, if it can be called that, has made a point of designating certain people unworthy. Those people are people who’s religion separates them from the majority of Americans. If not religion, it’s the color of someone’s skin that is used to single out a person or a particular group. Sometimes it’s the language they speak. In any group of people you will find good and not so good. In my experience, if you treat someone with respect and at least smile and make eye contact, they feel more welcome. Immigrants for the most part are kind and caring people who work hard and are very committed to family. They simply want a better life for themselves and their children. The why the Federal gov. has changed the primary purpose of ICE is disturbing and in my opinion discriminatory.
