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?
In the last 10 years it has become abundantly clear that RI has needed a source of highway funding other than the FHWA allocation. With only a federal highway bill to rely on, roads and bridges have fallen into such disrepair as to make them a danger to motorists.
Bond floating with payoffs of 30 years and more is tantamount to mortgaging the future.
Truck tolling makes the most sense since it has been pointed out that tractor-trailers cause most of the wear n bridges and highways.
I do support truck tolls because there has not been any other solution offered that establishes a predictable and ongoing revenue stream. This is key because bridge and road repair/maintenance is in itself on-going.
● Would you support a state-mandated health insurance program?
To the extent that those who are insurable would be mandated to carry coverage, I would support such a law. Those who are young and healthy who choose not to be insured will unnecessarily pass on the cost of medical care to those who are insured. Mandating has the affect of equalizing the 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 in favor of protections that allow a person to pursue a livelihood and to provide for themselves and their families without the threat harassment in any form.
Those same protections should extend to anyone in the course of their interactions with co-workers and those engaged in volunteer work.
● If given the opportunity, would you codify the right to have an abortion in state law?
In RI where abortion is legal but subject to certain rules and regulations that insure the safety of the mother, codifying would seem to reassure that those tenants remain intact. If we are going to continue to support abortion then we also need to assure that all of the other rights are protected.
● Is the state doing enough to help people who have been left behind by the economy? If not, what additional steps should be taken?
I think the Governor has done the right things to stimulate the RI economy and bring back certain types of jobs. More job training is going to be necessary if we are going to keep our recent college grads in state. We are going to need to point our direction into the “new” RI economy. No longer are we the manufacturing center we once were. Our new direction needs to incorporate our natural resources such as our coastline, our shipping capabilities at Quonset and our colleges and universities. I may not be offering new ideas but I am saying let’s continue the job we have started with the ideas now in place.
● Does primary education need to be improved statewide? If so, how?
Yes, primary education needs improvement. Test proficiency scores and assessments in math and English indicate this. Neighboring states are performing at better rates largely due to the structure of their administrative management approach. We could take a lesson from them.
It is too early to see how RI’s of ESSA implementation will impact proficiencies. This question should be reviewed after there have been measurable results of the ESSA submission.
● Do you support RI’s designation as a sanctuary state? Why or why not?
I see no reason why we cannot welcome law-abiding immigrants who seek gainful employment and will contribute to the betterment of our society.
The issue becomes inflamed and makes the news cycle when illegal immigrants commit crimes and abuse social service programs. However, police are not prohibited from contacting ice in that event, which pulls that criminal from the city/state.
