Letter: Why I’m voting for Jason Knight

Posted 9/28/16

To The editor:

As a resident of Warren, I write in response to hearing concerns that Jason Knight, candidate for State Representative for District 67, and a resident of Barrington, will not …

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Letter: Why I’m voting for Jason Knight

Posted

To The editor:

As a resident of Warren, I write in response to hearing concerns that Jason Knight, candidate for State Representative for District 67, and a resident of Barrington, will not represent the interests of Warren if elected. I feel strongly that Mr. Knight will faithfully look after Warren, and continue the laudable work of Jan Malik in advocating for both towns which comprise the district.

Mr. Knight’s mother grew up on Union Street in Warren and although he was raised in Idaho (after spending his first year in Rhode Island) he spent summers coming back to visit his grandparents and extended family in Warren. His grandfather (many, many years ago) owned Rossi’s Variety on Water Street — and Mr. Knight has deep ties to this community.  

Many groups came together to support Mr. Knight’s candidacy.  Constituents want their opinions to be reflected in the votes of their representatives. These people, and clearly the majority of voters in District 67, are hoping for new voices in government. Mr. Knight, as a veteran, will continue the strong advocacy from this district in the area of veterans’ affairs. The majority of voters in District 67 were in favor of marriage equality (along with the majority of voters in Rhode Island), and Jason Knight’s full support of marriage equality represents this collective voice.  

The other candidate, Mr. Gould, represents the Libertarian Party. Admittedly, some of the basic principles of personal freedom espoused by this group sounded appealing to me initially. But their platform begs the questions: Who decides whose individual freedom has more value? Where does compromise come from? And most importantly, where is the compassion? And I disagree with the hands-off role that Libertarians espouse about important social issues, including not supporting common sense gun legislation.

Mr. Knight is a student of the law. Specializing in Special Education law and Criminal Justice, he understands the importance of recognizing personal differences while ensuring individual rights. He constantly grapples with issues of where one person’s rights intersect with another person’s rights and finds ways to protect both. In criminal settings, he helps people to become healthier people and makes their communities safer.  He is a consensus builder. He leaves things better than he found them.

The change that Mr. Knight will bring (along with the many other new voices being elected in elections across the state) to the State House will be evidenced in many ways. His constituents will enjoy a new level of accessibility and transparency. Legislation will more accurately reflect the varied opinions of voices across District 67. His strong group of supporters will remain loyal and more neighbors will be proud to be represented by him. Integrity. Change. Accessibility. Inclusion. This ‘kid’ can and will do it all. Thank you for putting yourself forward, Mr. Knight.

Jennifer Trachtman-Rooks

4 George St.

Warren

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