Tiverton Election Profile: Deborah Janick

TIVERTON, RI — Deborah Janick is running for a seat on the Tiverton Town Council. The 61-year-old Democrat has served on the town's budget committee for the past six years.

Janick spent 38 years as a physical therapist and hold's a bachelor's degree in physical therapy form Quinnipiac University. She is the daughter of a state representative and has three children with her husband, Mike, and one granddaughter.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Elective office is a way of giving back to our community. I love our town and want to be part of its' growth and development. I have been a member of the Budget Committee for 6 years. One of the many challenges of Budget Committee has been the inability to change policy. I look forward to learning more about how Tiverton's government interacts with department heads, and other town employees. I want to be part of the inner workings of our town.

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

As a healthcare worker, I support the CDC and their recommendations. Good hand hygiene, social distancing and mask in public. I do believe that businesses should be allowed to be open; workers and customers need to be responsible. I have enjoyed supporting local businesses during the pandemic to allow them to remain viable.

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?

Unfortunately, I must say racism is a problem in America, including RI. Racism is learned, children are not born racists. We need to unlearn it, learn compassion, and educate ourselves. We need to be open to and learn about other cultures. I believe some of our state and local leaders are setting positive examples by setting up learning situations. We can't sugar coat the truths. Embracing our differences makes us stronger.

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 love our town. I want the best for all our residents. I am hoping we can find balance. I want good quality schools, a safe community and ample space for recreation and leisure activities. We have so many great residents who want the same and are already working so hard to improve Tiverton. I want to support their efforts. They say it takes a village, and I want to be part of the Town Council to help garner and support that energy.

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

I feel that the current Town Council has performed well. I would like to be part of the change that is happening in Tiverton. I would like to help define the growth and assist with policy making. We are in uncharted times, and the next few years will be challenging to overcome and take Tiverton forward.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I want to help our town retain its character, yet still have controlled growth. Important this upcoming year will be: managing the budget; capping the landfill; maintaining quality education within Covid restrictions; and returning to some type of normalcy so that our residents feel safe returning to activities and enjoying our beautiful waterways and open spaces.

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

I have been on the Budget Committee for 6 years. The current situation with Covid-19 has made developing the 2021budget most difficult due to the massive cuts in revenue we have experienced. The budget cuts we have proposed have been deep and painful, but we have worked extremely hard to protect services and schools as much as possible. I have worked with the Town Council, School Committee and individual department heads in developing a town wide budget. I feel that I have worked within the financial constraints to develop fair budgets for all our residents. I have over 30 years of managerial experience developing and overseeing a million dollar plus department budget, managing personnel and working proactively in a union environment which all relate to situations facing the town.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

From my Dad: The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory.
From Anna Gotwald (a past Tiverton teacher): Your mind is like a parachute. It only works when it is open.

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

I am a lifelong Tiverton resident. I also raised my family here. I care about all our residents. I promise to listen to all sides of issues, and make decisions which I feel will be in the best interest of bringing our town forward.