Bristol-Warren Election Profile: June Speakman

BRISTOL-WARREN, RI — June Speakman is running for re-election in District 68, which covers Bristol and Warren. The 66-year-old Democrat was first elected in a special election in March 2019.

Speakman previously served on the Barrington Town Council from 2002 to 2016, as well as the Warren Planning Board from 2017 to 2019. She has been a professor of political science at Roger Williams University since 1995 and has two adult sons: Adam and Jason.

Campaign website

junespeakman.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

From my website:
’m running for re-election to continue the fight for families who are struggling to get by. Especially in these times, we need a firm commitment of state resources for social services, health care, workforce development, and high-quality education, no matter where you live. I will continue to stand up for women’s reproductive rights and the rights of the LGBTQ community. I will continue to support a fair school funding formula and a robust school budget that relies less on local property taxes and more on state aid. I will work to ensure that Rhode Island’s nursing homes have the resources they need to support their residents and that the health professionals who work in those facilities are paid a fair wage. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that the state of Rhode Island is fully prepared in the event of another pandemic. And I will work to protect our sensitive environment and ensure the resilience of our coastal communities.

I am committed to working for racial and social justice by supporting legislation the ensures equity in contracting, judicial appointments, state employment, and encourages statewide reforms so that our officers can earn and maintain the trust of their communities and have the training they need to protect our communities without violence.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

Gov. Raimondo's approach has been the right one: closing the state quickly, mandatory masking in public spaces, aggressive testing and tracing, limits on large gathering. The shutdown and slow opening are great for flattening the infection curve, but very difficult for restaurants, tourism and small businesses. Directing more of the CARES Act money to supporting these sectors is essential.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

Systemic racism is by definition a problem everywhere...embedded in the economic, political and social systems. We need an array of policies to address economic inequality, discrimination and police violence. The RI Police Chiefs' 20 in 20 set of principles to address the latter is a good start. The Governor's proposal for a steady funding stream for workforce housing is another. And implicit bias training for hiring managers, and all managers.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent is a Libertarian whose views on government are very different from mine. It is my firm belief that government can be, and must be, a force for good, to make people's lives better. Legislators must be guided by data, science and analysis, and must be willing to work constructively--in light of the data and evidence--with those who disagree with them to come to consensus about how best to address the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Although I've had only two truncated sessions in the House, that time has taught me a lot about how legislation moves through the General Assembly and how I can be effective in advocated for the needs of District 68. My fourteen years as a town councilwoman have deepened my knowledge of an array of policy issues and the complex interplay between the state and municipal governments. I use that knowledge every day in my work as a State Rep.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Speak truth to power. Look for the light in every person. When you speak, keep in short and to the point.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It has been my honor to represent the residents of District 68; I humbly ask for their support as I seek re-election. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about me or my issue positions. junespeakman.com