Portsmouth, Tiverton, LC Election Profile: Michelle McGaw

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Michelle McGaw is running to represent District 71 in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, which covers Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton. The 54-year-old Democrat currently serves on the Portsmouth Waste and Recycling Committee, the Portsmouth Democratic Ton Committee and on the executive board for the RI Democratic Women's Caucus, and previously the Portsmouth Charter Review Committee.

McGaw and her husband, Jim, have been married for 29 years and have two sons: Jake, 26, and Max, 24, as well as a dog named Coltrane. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Occupation

I am a pharmacist. I currently work as a nursing home consultant, working with prescribers to optimize care for skilled nursing patients. I have been a pharmacist for 30 years, working in multiple facets of the industry including retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, home health, specialty pharmacy services and managed care. In 2005, I left a corporate position in managed care to get back to more direct care with patients. This change also allowed me to spend more time connecting with family and connecting with my community which includes volunteer work.

Campaign website

http://www.mcgaw4ri.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

For too long Rhode Island has tolerated top-down politics. We won’t fix our state if we keep electing insiders, and that’s why I’m running to be the next State Representative for District 71. We need leaders who will listen and put the people first.

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

Wearing masks and practicing social distancing is extremely important until a vaccine is made available.

I have been advocating for a healthcare system where our health insurance is not tied to employment. It is concerning that so many people are losing access to healthcare at the very time when we need it the most.

I was happy to see that interest on student loan debt has been put on hold. I would also like to see a hold on evictions so that we do not force people out of their homes, worsening the current situations.

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 a problem in America and in RI that we must continue to address. Addressing racism in Rhode Island can be approached in a multitude of ways. Some items to consider include the following:

The Fair Pay Act is needed to address disparities in wages.

Our current educational system does not guarantee an adequate education to every student. An amendment in our state constitution to guarantee the right to an adequate education would be helpful in insuring that education is funded appropriately for every student.

Our municipal service workers should be required to complete diversity training with a curriculum that is uniform and proven.

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 have been reaching out and connecting with voters in Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton for several years. My commitment to those communities has been about advocacy and education.
I declared my candidacy back in September because I recognized the importance of having a representative that is working for the people of our district and I wanted to have the time to really listen to what was most important to our neighbors.

I have spent countless hours at our State House and across Rhode Island advocating for important issues and connecting with people across the state to gather ideas and build relationships that will foster solutions.

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

The current Representative for District 71 is not running for re-election. When I announced my candidacy back in September it was because I believe that we should have a representative that is working for the voters and will speak up for them. If we keep electing people that support the status quo, we will continue to struggle to make progress.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I would like to be a voice for legislative reform. The current systems and rules in place for our state government play a role in why it is so difficult for legislation with widespread support to be heard and voted on. Until we address the inherent issues with the systems, we will continue to struggle to make progress on the issues that impact us most.

I would also like to focus on climate and environmental actions. We need to invest in green energy and green infrastructure, which can be a path forward not only for climate, but for jobs and the economy.

Healthcare is also a priority for me. As a pharmacist I have seen the pitfalls of our current system and what can happen when people do not have access to the care that they need.

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

I have built relationships within my community and with people across the state to learn ways that we can work together for change.

Locally- I have always been someone that steps up when they see a need. A prime example would be the formation of the Portsmouth Trash Collaborative. When the Portsmouth Town Council voted against a curbside trash program, despite strong support from the community per a town wide survey I saw people frustrated and stepped into action. Daniela Abbott (now town council member) and I reached out to local curbside vendors to negotiate a service contract that provided service at a reduced rate if we could garner enough support from the community. We organized and reached out to the community and were able to enroll over 300 households into a reduced rate curbside trash program. Our initiative led to further price reductions for other companies and the result was many families in our community receiving the service they needed at a reduced rate.
I saw a need, I sought out solutions, I negotiated contract terms and I reached out for community support and found a way to solve a problem for my community. Experience like this is exactly what a legislator needs.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My father taught me that healthy communities are built on caring relationships.

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

I love the community I live in. Each time I drive over the Sakonnet Bridge I look across the landscape and think to myself how lucky I am to live here. I want to be sure that families can grow and prosper in this beautiful community for generations to come.