To the Editor:

There is a lot at stake this election. Decency, character and honesty are on the ballot. Not just nationally, but here, in our very own state and district. This is a time for us to pay close attention to what our candidates are saying and doing. 

My campaign has been as much about listening to what folks in the community want, care about and struggle with as sharing my plans and hopes for positive, constructive change. My campaign has demonstrated my values of honesty, hard work, and open-mindedness. 

I believe in solutions not perpetuating the problems. I value unity and have no interest in creating division. I bring with me a vision for District 31 free from unnecessary fear mongering. 

While I would prefer to focus on the issues and solutions that are long overdue for our residents, I must now address the words and actions of my opponent in his recent mailer and with voters, face to face.  

Simply put, he is distorting the truth about my positions. He is attacking my character, and putting words in my mouth. He is trying to win votes by sowing fear and doubt,

I am working to win this State Senate seat to serve the people, the very people who are tired of divisive politics, misinformation, and hateful rhetoric. To this end, I believe in honest and open conversations about complicated issues.

Let me say clearly, I have always found the phrase ‘defunding the police’ problematic. I support conversations about race, racism, and how to restructure the current system so that resources are allocated to our community in a smart and equitable way. We residents need to support our police force by not asking them to take on roles outside of the critically important job to serve and protect. I have never called for funding cuts to the Warwick Police Department, nor do I believe that is productive.

Anyone who knows me or has gotten to know me over the last five months knows that it is ludicrous to think I would support putting dangerous criminals back in our neighborhoods. As a single mom, a teacher and a civic leader, I have worked on many issues including common sense gun laws to keep our residents safe. I have testified at the State House to raise the minimum wage, protect our health care, and our environment.

I stand for a Green Economy by transitioning our state to 100% renewable energy by 2030. This will create thousands of good, high paying jobs, lower our utility bills and leave a sustainable planet for future generations. I stand for all children to have a constitutional right to a high quality education. I stand for a transparent government that works for all people not just the well-connected few. 

I can tell you from my thousands of conversions with the residents of District 31, people want unity, help, cooperation, and a clear vision of where we are going from this uncertain time. They want elected officials that are true public servants, that strive for civil discourse, that walk their talk, that stand proudly in the truth of who they are backed up by their record and their actions. 

 I will continue to talk about the issues. I call on my opponent to join me. At the end of the day, winning this election means representing all of our residents at the State House. We owe it to our community to elect someone who listens to their community and legislates on their behalf. I am that leader and that’s why I ask you to vote for me, an independent Democrat, on November 3rd. Vote for vision not division.

As always, I invite you to contact me with any questions about where I stand on a particular issue by calling 401-287-2809 or emailing kendraandersonri@gmail.com. To learn more about my platform, visit www.kendraandersonri.com.

Kendra Anderson

Candidate For Senate District 31