All state senate candidates were asked the following questions:

• What do you consider to be the most pressing issue in your district, and how would you seek to address it? (150 words or less)
• Do you consider the actions taken during the last legislative session regarding gun control have been more beneficial or more harmful to the state? Why? (100 words or less)
• Would you support a bill that would seek to codify portions of Roe v. Wade into state law? (100 words or less)
• Would you support a bill to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes? (100 words or less)

DISTRICT 29 – MICHAEL MCCAFFREY (D) (NO CHALLENGER)

Most pressing issues

Public service is about improving the quality of life for every member of society, regardless of his or her age, gender or race. That's why I co-sponsored a strong pay equity bill last year that would have ensured equal pay for equal work regardless of those factors. Still, in order to get paid fairly for a job, you need a job. Not long ago Rhode Island's economy was in freefall. The State Senate immediately worked to pass sensible economic development policies to empower small businesses and support workers. We cut taxes on local businesses, increased investments in workforce development and supported the expansion of career and tech education. Warwick now has the lowest unemployment rate in the state and more Rhode Islanders are working than ever before. When I return to the State Senate in January, my focus will be on sustaining this economic growth and ensuring workers are treated fairly.

Gun reform

As Senate Majority Leader, I have worked to ensure we passed common-sense gun reform measures that also respect an individual's right to bear arms. Two years ago, we passed legislation that protects victims of domestic abuse by temporarily confiscating their abuser's firearms. This year, we passed Rhode Island's first ever "Red Flag" law. This measure allows concerned family members and friends to petition the court for a warrant to temporarily confiscate an individual's firearms if there is reason to believe the individual poses an imminent risk to themselves or society. We modeled the legislation after a Connecticut statute that had proven to be an effective tool in reducing gun-related suicides.

Roe v. Wade

Roe v. Wade is the law of the land and it should remain the law of the land. While I do not foresee the Court overturning the case, I understand and appreciate the very real concern about what happens if Roe is overturned as it relates to abortion laws already in Rhode Island statute. Personally, I am pro-life. That said, I recognize that we live in a diverse society. Consequently, I would carefully review and consider legislation that codifies provisions of Roe v. Wade.

Recreational marijuana 

The Rhode Island State Senate has considered legislation for several sessions. Our deliberations even included the appointment of a House and Senate commission last session where members of the law enforcement and medical communities gave testimony on the topic. I still have concerns, including increased use among our youth, the dangers of driving while high and the necessary testing for controlling THC levels for product consistency. The reality is Massachusetts has already legalized so, very soon, Rhode Islanders will bear all of the social burden without any of the tax or regulatory benefits. I will carefully consider any proposal in the forthcoming session that puts into place a tax and regulatory framework if it addresses the many valid concerns raised by public safety and public health professionals.

Bio information:

Name: Michael J. McCaffrey

Address: 115 Twin Oak Drive, Warwick, RI

Age: 54

Party: Democrat

Education: Bishop Hendricken High School; Providence College, B.S. in Accounting; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.

Current Employment: Attorney, McCaffrey & McCaffrey

Government Experience: Rhode Island State Senator (1995-Present); Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader (2017-Present); City Solicitor, City of Warwick, 1991-1992

DISTRICT 30 – MARK McKENNEY (D) (NO CHALLENGER)

Most pressing issue

As I walked Senate District 30, starting back in April, the concern I heard most was the lack of opportunity in the state. I’ve been fortunate - my children went to school in the Carolinas, but came back to Rhode Island (though two have now left). Many people told me their kids left the state, and aren’t coming back, as there are simply not enough opportunities here.  We have to stop chasing jobs, opportunities, and young people out of Rhode Island.  We need to do better.

Gun reform

The actions taken on gun control during the last session were beneficial. More needs to be done, however, and I intend to press for further reasonable legislation. I support the police chiefs: when they indicate that civilians shouldn’t have military-style assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines, that strikes me as wise.  When they say there’s no need for guns in K-12 schools, except for peace officers, that seems rational. I favor reasonable, Constitutional measures to reduce the proliferation of guns and keep our community safe.

Roe v. Wade

I would support a bill to codify Roe v. Wade, if that decision is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. I will not support efforts to go beyond Roe. I take a Joe Biden-type position. Personally, I try to follow the teachings of my church. But I’m not running for a church position – it’s a secular, public office. I’ll represent a diverse population - where many people, of good will, have different views - including what a woman should be able to do, for health care and pregnancy. I’ll advocate for better education and access to contraception. These measures actually work. As a pragmatist, I see that as positive.

Recreational marijuana

In my view, the jury is still out on this issue. I would advocate continuing to watch and learn from states that have legalized pot. It’s often the “unintended consequences” of legislation that need to be considered. Here, too, an issue exists as to whether law enforcement has the ability to deal with problems of OUI - operating under the influence - with marijuana use. If I were satisfied in that respect, and convinced that legalization would not create other serious problems, I would consider a favorable vote.

Bio information:

Name: Mark P. McKenney

Address: 22 11th Avenue, Warwick, RI

Age: 62

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Warwick Public Schools; Bishop Hendricken High School; Boston College; University of Kent at Canterbury, England; Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America

Current employment: McKenney, Quigley & Clarkin

Government experience: Past positions: Chair, Board of Supervisors, Buttonwoods Fire District; Chair, Library Board of Rhode Island; Moderator, Buttonwoods Fire District; Vice-Chair, City of Warwick Zoning Board; Chair of various Task Forces, Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council; Governor’s Designee on Boards of Providence Public Library and Providence Community Library

DISTRICT 31 – ERIN LYNCH PRATA V. JENNIFER MOFFAT

ERIN LYNCH PRATA (D)

Most pressing issue

I believe our economic development and quality of life efforts are all rooted in a quality education system, which is why I cosponsored the $40 million construction bond to repair Warwick’s crumbling schools and support the $250 million construction bond on November’s ballot. I want to ensure that our seniors have every advantage, which is why I voted to eliminate taxes on Social Security and reduce taxes on retirement, while doubling funding for our senior centers. I want to continue working to help local residents and small businesses, by continuing to phase out the onerous car tax, reducing business taxes and cutting burdensome business regulations. I will continue to champion minimum wage increase, and work to pass strong pay equity legislation.

Gun reform

The legislation passed last session provides an effective tool to prevent gun violence while respecting the Second Amendment. It may be difficult to achieve total consensus on firearms issues, but I believe the vast majority of Rhode Islanders agree that firearms shouldn’t be in the hands of dangerous individuals. I worked on our new Red Flag law as Chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee. It provides for removal of firearms from persons who pose a clear danger to themselves or others, following a judicial process. This builds upon previous progress we’ve made, such as removal of firearms from abusers who pose a danger.

Roe v. Wade

Yes, I support legislation to codify the provisions of Roe v. Wade into state law. This is an issue that, in the past, I have always believed to have been settled by Supreme Court case law, therefore it was not necessary for the state the delve into it. However, with what has been happening on the national level, I now have real concern that these rights could be under threat. Therefore, I believe that we need to act on the state level to ensure that these rights are preserved.

Recreational marijuana

I continue to keep an open mind on this issue as the state looks into the regulatory and workforce challenges that come with it. The potential impact on children is a particular concern, with regard to increased access to children directly, as well as increased availability and usage by parents and guardians. I believe we need to study the social and economic impact, positive and negative, on states that have already done so. While the increased revenue may seem more attractive, we need to determine if that outweighs any negative impacts legalization may have caused. As we continue this public policy discussion, I will proceed cautiously.

Bio information:

Name: Erin Lynch Prata

Address: 28 Goodwin Street, Warwick

Age: 43

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: TollGate High School, Boston College, B.A., Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D.

Employment: Self employed attorney, Law office of Erin Lynch Prata, L.L.C.; Rhode Island Sentate

Government experience: State Senate 2009-present, Chairwoman of Judiciary Committee 2017-present

JENNIFER MOFFAT (R)

Most pressing issue

While canvassing my district and speaking with hundreds of residents, the overwhelming concerns that I have heard relates to failing infrastructure, crumbling schools and failing businesses despite an ever increasing tax burden. People want to know where their taxes are being spent so I will be fighting to establish an office of Inspector General to fight the fraud and waste that has plagued our state. I also will be working to curb the out of control spending in this state.

Gun reform

I have grave concerns about the unintended consequences of this bill. It is not only an encroachment on both our 2nd and 4th Amendment rights but also a danger to our mental health system. We have fought for decades to remove the sigma attached to mental health, to encourage people to reach out for help. This bill will set us back decades as this will only discourage people from seeking out help in fear of being labeled a risk to others or fear of losing their inherent right to protect themselves and their families.

Roe v. Wade

I am pro-life and will always take care to protect life within the confines of current law. At this time Roe v Wade is the law of the land, I do not foresee that changing so codifying it into state law appears to be unnecessary at this time. 

Recreational marijuana

During all of my campaigning this issue never came up. It does not appear to be a major concern for most citizens in my district. If however this comes up in legislation I will certainly reach out to my constituents and take their concerns into consideration. One issue that should be discussed prior to legalizing marijuana would be to ensure a sufficient process for testing people who are suspected of driving under the influence to ensure safely to all other citizens on the road. There have been new technologies coming forward but unclear if they will be usable at this time. 

Bio information:

Name: Jennifer Moffat

Address: 158 Corona St, Warwick RI

Age: 46

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Johnson and Wales University and CCRI

Current employment: Registered Nurse at Bayberry Commons

Government experience: No prior government experience