Little Compton Election Profile: Anya Wallack

LITTLE COMPTON, RI — Anya Wallack is running for a seat on Little Compton's Town Council. The 54-year-old Democrat is a professor at Brown University's School of Public Health.

Wallack holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont and a PhD in Social Policy from Brandeis University. Although she has never held an elected office, she was previously appointed as Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services for RI, RI Medicaid Director, RI Health Insurance Exchange Director, the chair of the Green Mountain Care Board in Vermont, a member of the Vermont Board of Medical Practice and a member of Hilary Rodham Clinton's Health Care Task Force. Before becoming a professor, she spent 25 years as a state government official and health policy consultant.

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Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for Town Council because I care about Little Compton and how it is governed, and I want to do my part to keep it well-governed. I want LC to be safe, beautiful, accessible and affordable, for those of us who live here and for visitors who show respect for our natural resources.

I was raised to be aware of government and its power to affect lives. My career has been mostly in State Government, in Vermont and Rhode Island. Here in Rhode Island, I have served as the State’s Medicaid Director, Health Insurance Exchange Director and Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services. In those jobs I worked to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders but I also understood that I was managing huge amounts of taxpayer dollars and had to be accountable to the voters for their money.

I hope to bring that experience to bear on a Town Council that is transparent, accountable, and responds to the needs of the community for sensible policy and funding.

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

All levels of government should promote a culture of safe behavior -- social distancing, limited social or public interaction, wearing masks, and taking other necessary precautions -- until we can be sure that we have contained the spread of the virus and, ultimately, have a vaccine. If people make small sacrifices in their personal behavior, our economy can function semi-normally. If not, our economy will suffer. We all can do our part, take this seriously, and support our business community. At the federal level, far more leadership is needed to create a comprehensive and science-based response to the crisis. States should not be shouldered with the responsibility to figure out the best policy/public guidance in this crisis.

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 I do. I think white people, including me, need to think and learn more about what it feels like to be a descendant of people who were stolen from their homeland, brought to this country against their will and have been at a systematic disadvantage in almost every aspect of American life ever since. Beyond that, we should pursue policies that actively root out, eliminate and correct for bias in government and all other major institutions in this country.

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 share a common platform with my Democratic candidates: increasing transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in town government.

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

The incumbents on the Little Compton Town Council are good people who work hard at the job. Nonetheless, I think a fresh perspective and new energy could make the Town Council more responsive to the needs of the voters and diversify the perspectives represented in town affairs, and could bring some much-needed review to town policies, contracts and commissions that manage large amounts of taxpayer dollars.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

1. Improve public access to town government; 2. Protect Little Compton's landscape and natural resources; 3. Promote professional and efficient administration of town government; 4. Promote community through inclusivity and civility

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

I was Director of Rhode Island's Medicaid Program and Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services. In these jobs, I had responsibility for managing nearly half of the State budget. I demonstrated an ability to understand and balance competing, legitimate needs and be a good steward of taxpayer dollars.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always remember your roots and maintain your integrity

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

I am honest and approachable. I speak my mind and adhere to my principles but try not to antagonize people. I am seeking to be on the Town Council because I care about our community and want to keep it a great place to live, not just for wealthy people.