NEWS

Candidate profiles

Citywide, council candidates

Posted 10/4/22

In an effort to inform voters for the November General Election, the Cranston Herald asked City Council candidates to partake in a written Q&A composed of four questions. (Two of their responses …

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NEWS

Candidate profiles

Citywide, council candidates

Posted

In an effort to inform voters for the November General Election, the Cranston Herald asked City Council candidates to partake in a written Q&A composed of four questions. (Two of their responses will be included in print and the rest will be made available via the paper’s website.) Candidates were asked to submit a short biography followed by a maximum 200-word response to each question. This week’s paper will feature Citywide, Ward 1 and Ward 2 candidates. Next week’s paper will feature Wards 3, Wards 4, Ward 5 and Ward 6 candidates. Cranston’s early voting will take place on weekdays from Oct. 19 through Nov.7 at the Peter T. Pastore Youth Center (155 Gansett Ave.). Election Day will be held on Nov. 8.


Citywide

James Donahue (Republican)


For the past 16 years, I have been President and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) in Sturbridge, MA.  We also manage Coggeshall Farm Museum here in RI, and Old Sturbridge Academy, which I founded in 2017. Prior to OSV, I was the founding CEO of the Highlander Charter School and Institute. I served as the Republican minority leader on the Cranston City Council in 2011 and 2012. From 2013 through 2018, I served as the Chairman of the Fung for Governor campaign, and I currently serve as Co-Chair of the Allan Fung for Congress campaign. In December of 2021, I was appointed to the City Planning Commission. I live in Edgewood.

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

Ideally, ARPA funds would be invested in capital or capacity-building projects -- projects that reduce operating costs like repair and maintenance of buildings and equipment or build capacity for the city to operate more efficiently and effectively, like improved technology. At the same time, I recognize that there may also be a need to use ARPA funds to build a bridge to a balanced operating budget and help with tax stabilization over the next few years. If possible, my preference for ARPA is to invest the resources versus spend them. 

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

You need healthy debate when developing public policy. The key is to center that debate around the issues on the table and avoid having those differences of opinion become personal or political. When I was the Minority Leader of the Council in 2011 and 2012, I felt the Council did a good job of debating and in some cases, dissenting. But it never became personal. We listened to one another. We looked for common ground. We compromised. I plan to bring that approach to the City Council if I am elected.  From the administration, I hope the Council will continue to get all of the information we need to make good decisions on behalf of our residents. The Mayor and his staff have a lot on their plate, so we need to make sure we are communicating effectively with them as well. As the President of Old Sturbridge Village, I push my staff to create a "no surprises" culture. If there is a problem, we need to know as soon as possible so that we can respond effectively. If there is an opportunity, we need an adequate runway to be able to vet a decision well. I hope the Council and the Administration can work together in a similar way.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

I would give Mayor Hopkins a solid A. As a CEO myself, I understand the challenges of leading a large, complex organization as we emerge from the pandemic. This has been unchartered territory for any leader. Mayor Hopkins took the reins and got moving. He facilitated the delivery of the vaccines to our neediest residents. He addressed street paving and capital improvements that have enhanced the quality of life for both residents and business owners. He prioritizes public safety. He has identified potential threats to a balanced budget and raised the flag for both the City Council and the School Committee. I think he has been effective at both responding to the day-to-day concerns of constituents and looking at the big picture for the city.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

I am a big fan of flexibility, so I support each of these bond questions to give the city the ability to borrow money to fund projects in each of these areas. As a Councilperson, I will be looking at a number of factors when a capital budget is proposed. I want to understand how inflation and supply chain issues might affect the cost of a project. I want to understand the impact of rising interest rates on our debt service in light of other budget challenges. For me, public safety is paramount. Infrastructure investments are also critical. Some of the projects we planned to do at Old Sturbridge Village this year have increased in cost by 25 to 30 percent since the pandemic. Some we have to do right now, but others can be deferred with the hope that costs begin to come down a bit and supply chain challenges subside. Cranston is a great city. To keep it great, we have to make capital investments for certain, but we need to make them responsibly.


Robert Ferri (Democrat)


I have been married to my wife Denise for 42 years. I have lived in Cranston for 40 years. We have two grown children that went to Cranston Public Schools. I am currently retired and spend most of my time conducting Council Business and volunteering. I am the Vice President of the Council chairing the Finance and Public Works Committees. I enjoy cycling, bowling, gardening and volunteering at the West Bay Organic Community Farm. I seek reelection because I believe in being a voice for the people of Cranston and fighting for a responsible budget.

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

First and foremost, I feel strongly that none of the remaining funds should be used to plug budget holes like the first half of the Covid funds were used. I feel strongly that a portion of the funds should be spent on housing and, after discussing this with housing experts, here are my suggestions. The following programs should receive funding:

  • Home Repair Program grants for up to $25,000 for health and safety repairs as well as energy efficiency for owner occupied properties limited to homeowners below 80 percent AMI (currently $62,300 for a family of three). Estimated cost to help 50-60 homeowners is $1.4 million.
  • Hire a consultant to identify affordable housing opportunities, identify potential sites and strategies for the development of affordable housing, and identify barriers to develop these sites. Estimated cost: $250,000.
  • Funding to support homelessness diversion grants of no more than $5,000 to address emergency household costs to prevent homelessness. Eligible households must earn below 50 percent AMI (currently $38,950 for a family of three).
  • Funds should also be used to repair or rebuild the Budlong Pool as well as improve our parks and outdoor spaces like the bike path without borrowing money with bonds to do it.
  • I also feel we should use some of the funds to close in or move the gun range from its existing spot.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

The City Council is supposed to be a separate form of government from the Administration. The current differences of opinion extenuate because the administration is constantly looking for the council to agree with everything they want. The Administration favors a few of the council members and this has created a large divide and it was also the main reason I left the Republican Party. Some council members are more concerned with looking good and not doing good. Council people need to study the facts and listen to the constituents. In turn decisions will be made for the best interest of all citizens and not just a select few. Some council people show up to meetings unprepared and vote based on party and pressure, not by being informed.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

I give Ken Hopkins a grade of D for his tenure so far. The obvious reasons are that the city has a spending problem and it is still not under control. The result is that we have a $12.5 million structural deficit. We had a tax increase, and we used more than half of the Covid funds. We had to lay off dozens of people and all the Mayor wants to do is borrow more money. The Gazebo Park will cost $1.4 million and only $400,000 is coming from a grant. The Knightsville revitalization will cost upwards of $3 million of which $400,000 has already been spent on engineering and architectural plans. Mayor Hopkins also made a few poor choices in some of his administrative appointments. He also spent thousands remodeling his offices while we were laying off people. Moral in the city is at an all-time low. All this happened in less than two years.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

I stand as I did with my votes on all of the bonds. I feel that unless we can prove that the structural deficit is solved, we should not borrow one red cent with bonds, especially with interest rates skyrocketing. I voted no on all of the bonds, and I stick by my decision. People need to know that a bond is just a loan. The last thing we need to be doing is borrowing more money. The Covid funds we still have can pay for much of the above or at least be used as a buffer until we get our financial mess straightened out. Then we should sit down and bond only what is really necessary.


Jessica Marino (Democrat)


It has been humbling to serve as your Citywide Council member since January 2021, and I am here to serve again if you so choose. As a daughter of Italian immigrants, growing up in RI, I worked my way through school and have been a civil litigation defense attorney for 23 years. My husband and I have been married for over 24 years in Cranston with two boys in the Cranston Public Schools. For more information, visit marinoforcranston.com.

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

I have advocated that these funds should be spent in a way that is reflected by the needs of our community within the specific guidelines of the U.S. Treasury. I am dismayed at the large amounts used already to avoid budget deficits and do not want to see this continue since it will set the City up for financial failure once those funds run out and because the community deserves better. I have advocated for the use of some of these funds on the restoration of the Budlong Pool (while also seeking commercial private sponsorship to help offset the costs of future operations). I will keep an open mind for other one-time expenditure uses of these funds, perhaps in the area of housing, sewer/septic improvements, infrastructure improvements, public safety improvements, recreational or green space improvements. I will continue to advocate for the City to use the ARPA funds for one-time use expenditures so that we do not have recurring expenses in future years when there are no more ARPA funds.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

The best way to address differences of opinion is to first and foremost respect those differences. I have always conducted myself with respect and dignity for others even when we disagree. The checks and balances inherent in the construction of our local government imply that differences are to be expected in a healthy local government. Majority rules, always, that is the societal, dignified norm of compromise that is an essential element of our democracy. No one person is always right and part of what makes society great is having different perspectives. If you are seeking a council person who is simply a “yes” to go along to get along person, then I am not for you. If you seek a council person who is prepared for each meeting, keeps an open mind, listens to her constituents, treats her colleagues and constituents with respect and tries her best to represent the best interest of the City as a whole in a bipartisan manner, then I am for you.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

In all candor, my answer of C- has little worth because ultimately it is up to the voters to determine whether he passes or fails. There is great room for improvement and I take no pleasure in this assessment. The mayor proudly put forth a budget that I gave an “F” since it continued to use ARPA funds to plug holes to a much larger degree, being $19 million, while at the same time raising taxes without making any significant spending cuts. He was then critical of council members and constituents simply because we raised concerns that this budget was not something to be proud of, in need of responsible spending cuts, and is potentially creating a structural deficit (concerns held on a bipartisan basis). Also, his lack of communication to council prevents the City from operating in unison. The former administration had less support staff and kept all council apprised of significant matters. Yet, the mayor with more support staff chooses too often to drop news stories while not advising the city council. One last example is when the mayor dropped a press release wrongfully criticizing the teachers’ contract and asking council (through a press release) to disapprove of it. The irony was that the School Department was not running a deficit, worked diligently with the teachers’ union and was seeking council approval for a contract that was well within its budget. Simply put, they were spending well within their means for a fair contract. Once again, pass or fail, falls in the hands of the voters.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

The administration after conferring with the respective city departments and directors has already determined and represented to the City Council that there is a need for the City to retain the option of these bonds which are then subject to voter approval this November. If the voters approve of these bonds, this means that the City has the potential to borrow up to those respective amounts. Any such borrowing will then be subject to City Council approval before that borrowing could occur. I am mindful of the rising interest rates and the need to operate in a fiscally responsible manner. The approval of these bond questions does not mean that I approve of that future borrowing without further inquiry. To the contrary, as a council member I will be sure to question the Administration as to the specific need, and I will determine if it makes financial sense for the city as whole to incur that debt. Whether my house or the City, I won’t approve of borrowing more than we can afford.


Nicole Renzulli (Republican)


Nicole Renzulli is a sitting City Wide Councilwoman, finishing her first term. A mother of three and track coach for Cranston Schools, Nicole was born and raised in Cranston and is proud to work to make her hometown an even better city than the one she grew up in. According to GoLocal, “Renzulli is strong, consistent, and she is not afraid to call balls and strikes,” making her one of “22 to Watch in 2022.”

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

I support a conservative use of our remaining ARPA funds. The ARPA funds used to replace lost revenues that fell below projected levels as the pandemic continually pushed budgets out of balance have helped sustain Cranston’s funding for City services, while avoiding deep cuts to these services during the pandemic. Additionally, this conservative usage allowed the city to increase funding by $3.5 million to Cranston Public Schools over the last two years. I believe Cranston’s conservative use of ARPA funds will wisely contribute to the City and State’s economic recovery, making us well-positioned to be more prepared for a future economic crisis.

If grant funding cannot be utilized and ARPA funds are still available after balanced budget projections are presented, I would be in favor of using them to complete projects that were certainly impacted by the pandemic, such as the near end of its life, Budlong Pool, and sound mitigation through enclosure of the Cranston Police gun range at its training facility. I would also like to see another round of grants for assistance to Cranston’s small businesses, who are continuously impacted by labor shortages and revenue shortfalls from the pandemic.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

I firmly believe the best way to address differences of opinion on the City Council and between the Council and Administration is first and foremost, to find a common ground. A discussion about a difference of opinion should always start with finding the common ground for each side. For example, wanting roads plowed well during a snow storm so residents are safe is something everyone can agree on. If each side agrees that this is the intended goal, getting everyone to work together on behalf of the residents is a great way to encourage positive problem-solving. Acknowledging that we all have the same goal, just different ideas on how to get there should make disagreements and debate more amicable. Disagreement should never mean disrespect. Diversity of thought provides better outcomes because when everyone thinks the same way, innovation is typically suppressed and the most creative ideas are not explored. We need to respectfully challenge each other’s existing biases and think outside the box, being willing to accept and support ideas that are not our own in support of a greater good for Cranston… that’s real leadership.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

Mayor Hopkins has been visible on the frontlines of the Covid pandemic, the resulting economic downturn and considerable social unrest in an increasingly divided nation. Under regular circumstances, I think mayors have a difficult job because they are some of the closest officials to the people and they are often held accountable for things that are out of their control. That being said, in my humble opinion, the Covid crisis has perhaps been the ultimate test of leadership for mayors. Mayor Hopkins was a strong, visible figure during the heart of the pandemic, present at vaccine clinics, indoor events taken outside, supporting our students and local businesses and plowing streets himself, just to name a few instances. I have been extremely impressed by his resolve, resourcefulness and example of resilience during his tenure so far and thus would give him an “A” grade. No one is perfect and no one could have been prepared for a crisis of this magnitude, which I think often gets forgotten. I’m grateful to have been part of a team where our leader, Mayor Hopkins, understood that this is a marathon, not a sprint, making it necessary to pace ourselves to successfully get to the finish.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

I voted in favor of placing each of the four bond measures on the ballot because I am in favor of each of them and hope the residents of Cranston are as well. I want to emphasize that there is no authorized spending in conjunction with these bond measures. That is an entirely different, multilayered process that safeguards against unnecessary spending. I think having the ability to utilize bond money for the projects under the listed categories, if necessary, while the City has an excellent bond rating is important and essential for a well-functioning municipality, especially during unpredictable economic times.


Thomas Trudell (Republican)


I’m Tom Trudell, new resident of Cranston. My wife and I have two children, one currently attends Cranston Public Schools. I’m a graduate of Pilgrim High School and attended classes at CCRI. I am employed at General Dynamics as a machinist for the past 10 years. I am a Third Degree Knight at the Knights of Columbus #1738 and past Senior Deacon at Thomas Smith Webb Lodge. I was also a Eucharistic minister at St. Timothy’s in Warwick. 

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) fund must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026.  Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term.  What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

I would like to have the American Rescue Plan Act funds be used on the Budlong Pool, senior services, water, sewer and infrastructure improvements. These improvements are needed, and the taxpayers will see the City’s commitment to them.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

The best way to communicate any issues with elected officials and Administration is by email. For a more executive way, call a meeting of discussion with the parties or set up a docket for discussion on that matter. There should never be social media added into any communication, which can send added negativity and false information.

 What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far?  Why?

I would give Mayor Hopkins an “A” rating. He introduced a fair and affordable budget. This FY23 budget may not be what residents like to see, however, tax increases are sometimes needed in order to balance budgets and grown the city. ARPA funds have assisted in the offset of the pandemics impact to the City’s deficit. The mayor increased funds to the schools and increased pension funds of 20.7 million to police and fire. He has increased economic development and it is visible by seeing many new projects coming into the city such as Topgolf, Trolly Barn Plaza and Comstock Crossings. In turn, these will also increase tax revenue.

The November ballot has four local bond questions.  One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

I will stand by all these bonds seeing Fitch gave the City of Cranston an “AA” plus bond rating. Having such a bond rating lowers the interest rate the city pays on the bond. These improvements are valuable assets to the City. The positive impacts of supporting these bonds are that it helps increase the safety of the taxpayers and our first responders. It also assures that the infrastructure of our city is maintained the best it can be. Lastly, that our school grounds are kept safe and continually improved and updated.


Robert Wilson (Democrat)


I am a lifelong Cranston resident who attended/graduated from the local public schools. I have 10-year-old twins currently in the public school system and I have been married to my wife for 20 years. I have been employed by the same employer for over 20 years as well. I have a BS degree with distinction from American International College. I am the PTA President at Daniel D. Waterman Elementary School as well as a coach and board member of the Edgewood Girls Basketball League. I am very active in my community having stop signs and basketball hoops installed, crosswalks repainted as well as advocating for my neighborhood at numerous City council meetings.

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

The APRA funds should be used for improving infrastructure and education within the City. While I have been out canvassing, many people have expressed to me how they would like to see the quality of our roads and open spaces improved upon. We can start by reopening the Budlong Pool. These funds should not be used for plugging holes in the budget, which to my understanding, is the way the funds have been used to this point. If you would like to learn more about the issue I support, please visit wilsonforcranston.com.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

I feel that if all elected officials acted responsibly in their duties and adhered to the three Branches of Government and its intended purpose, the rest will take care of itself. Differences of opinion are a normal part of the process and like any communication both sides should be heard and respected. Your opinion should be independent of party affiliation and based solely on the individual issue and how best to resolve it for all of the constituents involved, period. If you would like to learn more about the issues I support, please visit wilsonforcranston.com.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

As for an overall grade for the Mayor, I would rather grade him on individual issues rather than a cumulative performance grade. Since we are limited by the Herald text guideline, I would be open to a discussion/debate in an open forum. I could weigh in there on case by case issues. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the issues I support, please visit wilsonforcranston.com. A more accurate grade could be given if all members of the community were polled. The people's involvement and voice is the only grade that matters.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

I support all four of the bonds listed in the question. So long as the funds are directly appropriated to the actual entity the bond is for rather than into the general fund where the administration could then use the funds how they see fit which is not the designed intention and purpose of these bonds. If you would like to learn more about the issue I support, please visit wilsonforcranston.com.


Ward 1

Lammis Vargas


Lammis Vargas, the first woman of color elected to the Cranston City Council in 2018, is running for re-election in Ward 1. Dedicated to diversity and quality of life, she’s championed for resident’s needs. Lammis works as the Deputy Secretary of State/Director of Administration at the Office of the RI Secretary of State. She is married with two children, a freshman at the University of Rhode Island and a sixth grader at Park View Middle School.

 

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

As many know, we had a community survey and finance committee hearings that took place earlier this year where we heard a lot about allocating funds towards housing, which I agree with. Collaborating with local nonprofits to help with rising utility costs, recreation spaces such as playgrounds that are accessible and inclusive with sensory activities for children with disabilities; working with nonprofit organizations to help with rising utility costs. We should also focus on public health disparities, mental health, and green initiatives to support our environment through bike paths and open spaces and public broadband. 

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

Even if we disagree, we should do so respectfully, listen to everyone's opinion, and give everyone a chance to speak out. Communication between the Council and Administration at all levels is crucial to maintaining a collaborative work environment. To avoid communication, regardless of party lines, an open line of communication is essential in moving Cranston forward and improving our residents' quality of life.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

Rather than tenure, my score is determined by topics and issues discussed. I’d say, in terms of communication with the (some) council members, particularly throughout the first year, it is not deserving of an A grade but has improved. With the Administration discussing having plans to raise director salaries while laying off staff, the budget for FY23 didn't pass muster in my grade book. In terms of addressing constituents issues that I have brought to the administration's attention, I give it a B+ as I know there are nine of us all reaching out simultaneously with concerns throughout the city to be addressed.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

As far as municipal bonds are concerned, I support them all. Fire: When responding to calls, we want to ensure our fire department has the necessary and up-to-date equipment. Investing in public buildings is essential: our infrastructures need to be updated and maintained to keep everyone safe and up-to-date, and the same applies to city infrastructure. Sidewalks and roads need repair as years pass and we need the right equipment to make that happen. Regarding playgrounds, I also support the bond. We need to take into account each playground/athletic field individually. We need to decide which ones will be prioritized so that the whole city can benefit and not just specific areas.

Ward 2

John Colasante (Republican)


My name is John Colasante, I live at 30 Norman Ave., and I am a third-generation business owner. I have been a resident of Cranston for just over six years, but my family's business in Cranston, Michelangelo’s Deli, has caused Cranston to be a part of my life since birth. I come from a large family, I am one of six brothers and sisters, all of whom have families and successful careers. All of those who have grown up in a family business know that to work in that business is a “rite of passage” and, for me, the challenge, freedom and pride of operating a small business and the opportunity to serve the community was just what I knew I wanted to do in life. The same desire to be challenged and to serve is what has inspired me to find a new way to serve my community in an even more meaningful way, and to run for City Council to serve my neighbors.

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

I am a strong advocate for the taxpayer and will always work to have their hard-earned money spent wisely. There is no “free” money given by the government, every dollar comes from the labor of a taxed American. The ARPA funds will be, in my opinion, best spent on infrastructure across the city (in Ward 2 -- Budlong Pool -- I have had talks with the Mayor and am looking forward to being a part of this project), programs to assist small businesses that are still being affected by loss of revenue and the lasting economic repercussions of the pandemic and improving our senior centers for our elderly residents.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

I see the best way to address differences of opinion between council members and between the council and the administration is to always maintain respect for each other and to never let ego or partisanship stand between progress for our City. Our City's structure of government allows for the needs of our people to be served most effectively and a council that functions for the good of the people, with the administration, and not in spite of, is what we need to maintain Cranston’s reputation of excellence. We will always have differences of opinion, but if our priorities are in order we can always work together for the collective good.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

I believe Mayor Ken Hopkins is serving our city with excellence. I have had the pleasure of having many conversations with Mayor Hopkins and his commitment to and love for this city is always evident. Throughout this campaign season I have also had the ability to connect with many passionate residents who have tremendous respect for our Mayor and their wide approval is clear.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

These proposed investments are all reasonable and responsible ways to spend our tax money. I believe where you invest responsibly, you grow and reap rewards. I believe the residents of Cranston will reap the rewards of these investments. Our firefighters deserve the best equipment for their safety and for the safety of those they protect. Our public buildings are a direct reflection of this City and updating them, keeping them safe and operational is an integral part of this City’s success. Our playgrounds and athletic fields are a place for our children to play and learn valuable lessons, keeping them safe and up-to-date is an investment into our children’s future and our city’s future. A strong infrastructure is a mark of a strong city. We have seen in the past two years alone the revitalization, and plans of revitalization, of many cornerstone sections of the City of Cranston as well as many newly paved roads and sidewalks. Continuing this, I believe, is a great plan for the City of Cranston and its future success. As a councilman and an advocate for this spending, I would be committed to using the taxpayer’s money wisely and ensure each project is completed in a way that every dollar spent is in the interest of the City of Cranston’s residents.

 


Aniece Germain (Democrat)


Aniece Germain is passionate about social justice and the well-being of every human being regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or economic status. She is the first Haitian American to be elected in the City of Cranston, representing Ward 2. In 2016, she co-founded Hope and Change for Haiti, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life in the community. She married Dr. Norly Germain and is a mother of three boys. She is an educator and holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. Councilwoman Germain is a strong advocate for deliverable services to Cranston residents and continues to work to address the issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. She has sought to improve the quality of life for residents through such efforts as traffic control, public education funding, parks, and recreation facilities, a clean and healthy environment and public safety. Since being elected, Germain has brought people together by building community.

Cranston’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be designated by the end of 2024 and dispersed by the end of 2026. Should you be elected, the funds would be designated during your term. What do you advocate spending the funds on? Why?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are once in a lifetime opportunities that the City has to make a meaningful impact in the community. Although based on the federal guidelines, the City cannot spend the money on projects that are not Covid-related, there is some flexibility offered to use the money wisely and make a difference in our community. The result of the survey about the use of the ARPA funds gives an idea of where the money should be spent such as whether investing in housing, broadband or playground renovations. The participants, yet not totally reflective of the population, made some interesting recommendations that the administration can consider. As we know, the needs are not homogenous. It’s all about what the vision for the population is and what mechanism and tools the Administration has in place to execute it. I am curious to know what the Administration’s plan is to disperse the funds by the end of 2026. The Covid pandemic has been an eye-opener for many. It showed the level of disparities that existed in our community. I believe that we can take this opportunity to right the wrong in spending the ARPA funds.

I would love to see the money spent to improve the quality of life of our residents. That’s why I sponsored a resolution a couple of months ago urging the administration to use the ARPA fund to fix, renovate or repair the Budlong Pool. The priority must be an investment in the community. I am advocating for the use of the ARPA fund to improve the quality of life in the community whether updating our parks and playgrounds or building affordable housing.

What do you see as the best way to address differences of opinion on the council or between the council and the administration?

The best way to address differences of opinion is first and foremost to be respectful when we talk to each other regardless of the matter at hand. We must understand that each of us is from a different walk of life and we all have different expectations. What we need to do is to listen to each other and try to understand opposing views without judgment. However, finding a common ground depends on our ability to compromise for the greater good. We need to value each experience. Our differences are assets, not a negative burden. I believe that everyone can improve their behavior and learn from mistakes and move forward.

What grade would you give Mayor Ken Hopkins on his tenure so far? Why?

Governance is a complicated matter. It’s not as if you go to school and you have a scale of 1-10 and you must score the average. It’s deeper than that.

The November ballot has four local bond questions. One is for fire equipment (up to $2 million), one for public buildings (up to $3 million), one for playgrounds and athletic fields (up to $3.5 million) and one for city infrastructure (up to $4 million). Where do you stand on these bonds?

I voted for all four bond questions to be on the ballot because I believe that we need to ensure that Cranston has the resources available if need be, to do any project. Some people may not understand what the bonds are about and be skeptical. When we pass a bond, it does not engage anyone or indebted the city. If the bonds passed in the election in November, it means that the population enables the city the ability to borrow money to do a project whether paving more roads, renovating playgrounds, or buying equipment for the Fire Department.

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