Portsmouth Election Profile: J. Mark Ryan

PORTSMOUTH, RI — J. Mark Ryan is running for a seat on the Portsmouth Town Council. The 62-year-old Democrat is an incumbent, and his wife, Linda Ujifusa, also serves on the council.

Ryan has been a primary care physician for the past 36 years and holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard College and a doctorate from Brown University. He and his wife have three children, John, Katie and Jamie, all Portsmouth High School graduates.

Campaign website

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been a primary care physician since 1984 and have lived on Aquidneck Island most of my life. Over time, I have seen the island change significantly. When my wife Linda Ujifusa and I decided to move to Portsmouth in 1993, the things that attracted us were the natural beauty of our town, its excellent school system and the fact that it was a great community in which to raise a family. I am very grateful that our 3 children, John, Katie and Jamie, were able to grow up in such idyllic surroundings, find such good friends, and receive a great education in our public schools. Since they moved away from home, I have had more time to become involved in town affairs. I have been a Town Council member since 2016 and want to use what I have learned to help the town continue to deal with its challenges and keep the Portsmouth we all love a vibrant community.

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

We need to follow the science — masks, social distancing. Nothing is more important than saving lives. The "Hero's Bill" that was passed earlier needs to be extended. Ordinary people need to have money to spend or the economy will collapse. Record numbers of people are facing eviction and unaffordable healthcare costs, and they should be given funds to meet their expenses.

At a time when millions are losing health insurance during a pandemic, Congress must pass a single payer Medicare-for-all bill.

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?

Yes. Part of the system that enforces racism is unequal access to services. In health care, persons of color disproportionately have Medicaid which pays providers of care a lower rate and makes care more difficult to obtain. We need a Medicare for All single payer system to fix this.

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?

I'm part of a slate of 7 Democrats running for town council. I believe all of these candidates would do a good job and urge you to vote for the 7 Democrats.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I'm an incumbent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

COVID-19 has made all of the issues that face Portsmouth more difficult, including protecting our schools, keeping taxes low, maintaining properties and infrastructure, and developing a vision for the town that balances competing interests.

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

I have been a primary care physician for 36 years and have treated countless patients as well as taught medical students. I am used to making life and death decisions based on science and facts.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Learn all the facts and weigh all the options before you make a decision.