Question: What are the top issues that you want to address if you are (re-) elected to the general assembly?

House, District 66

• Liana Cassar — "We need the general assembly to be trustworthy." Ms. Cassar said her top priority would be building good government that the residents of Rhode Island can trust. The Democrat said there needs to be a process for vetting and passing legislation; she said it needs to be transparent and not rushed or politically-motivated. "Without that, we don't get good legislation," she added. Also important, said Ms. Cassar, is ensuring access to high quality healthcare for all residents. She said an investment in that area will pay dividends.

• Rhonda Holmes — "I definitely want to see more support for increasing state aid for our schools." Ms. Holmes, a Republican, added that it is important to be mindful of every how taxpayer dollars are spent. She is also focused on senior citizens who live in District 66. She said there are many people who are retired who want to stay in Barrington and Riverside but can't afford to do so because of the ever-rising property taxes. Their hands are tied because of the taxes, and they can't manage."

House, District 67

• Jason Knight — "One of the biggest issues facing Rhode Island is the quality of the schools." More specifically, Mr. Knight would like to reduce the classroom sizes in Rhode Island public schools, creating a smaller student-to-teacher ratio. "I would like to talk to my colleagues in government about making this a priority." Mr. Knight said he is also interested in streamlining the processes surrounding opening a business, and possibly reduce requirements for businesses "that are just getting off the ground." A Democrat, Mr. Knight also aims to continue fighting for the rights provided under Roe v. Wade.

• Daryl Gould — "I think the biggest challenge that our district faces, is that we don't have an advocate for our district. We have someone who goes up and … represents special interests or small groups of people who support him." Mr. Gould, a Libertarian, was critical of the progressive Democrats in Rhode Island. "Where progressives in this state have been effective is finding an emotional issue, building support, and monetizing it." Mr. Gould said he knows he faces a difficult challenge this election. "If I can't win, I want people to see what's going on. If I have to be a messenger and bring this to light, that's not a bad goal. I don't want him (Mr. Knight) to be my Rep. It bothers me more that he's my Rep than that I lost to him."

Senate, District 32

• David Aucoin — "I'm pro-life, so the last few years I've been active at the statehouse. They want to make Rhode Island a go-to place for abortion on demand… we're not just talking about choice, we're talking about making Rhode Island a target for abortion on demand." Mr. Aucoin, a Republican, said he is also concerned about increasing property taxes and the expansion of government. "And to go along with that, I think the state government seems to be closer to telling people what to think and what their ideology ought to be. I see that they're going around parental rights, in the schools, down in the elementary age, when it comes to sex ed and other cultural issues. They're making decisions without parental input." Mr. Aucoin ranked his top three issues: "In order it is parental rights, pro-life, and taxes."

• Cindy Coyne — 

Editor's note: All candidates included in this question of the week were interviewed by phone. Sen. Coyne refused to answer by phone and requested that the question be answered via email. For the sake of fairness to all candidates, we denied that request.