Candidates running for the District 32 seat in the Rhode Island Senate shared their opinions about gun control, abortion, the economy and a few other topics during last week's candidates' …
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Candidates running for the District 32 seat in the Rhode Island Senate shared their opinions about gun control, abortion, the economy and a few other topics during last week's candidates' forum.
Democrat Cindy Coyne and Republican David Aucoin shared different views on women's rights and abortion early in the forum. Ms. Coyne said state law needs to protect the rights provided under Roe vs. Wade, while Mr. Aucoin cautioned that in Rhode Island, 25 percent of all pregnancies end in abortion.
Mr. Aucoin is a Riverside resident who works as pastor at a church in Swansea. He said he was very concerned about family life in Rhode Island, and specifically referenced transgender policies in public schools. But when questioned about whether the general assembly should pass a law protecting rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation, Mr. Aucoin and Ms. Coyne agreed that everyone is entitled to equal rights.
Ms. Coyne told the crowd assembled inside the Barrington Town Hall council chambers that she has worked hard to support legislation strengthening gun control laws, including the ban on bump stocks. Ms. Coyne is a Barrington resident and former Rhode Island State Trooper.
When the questions turned to gun control, Mr. Aucoin said he supported comprehensive background checks and limiting access to guns for certain high-risk individuals.
When the conversation turned to the economy, Ms. Coyne, an incumbent, said much had already been done to improve the state economy. She cited a list of changes the Senate has made that were economy-related.
Mr. Aucoin said the general assembly needs to find ways to lower the tax burden placed upon Rhode Island residents.
Both candidates also mentioned a handful of other issues facing the state: Mr. Aucoin spoke about potential legislation to address the opioid epidemic and called for a move toward "school choice" or a voucher system where students and their parents could choose the schools they want to attend. Ms. Coyne said legislators needed to do something about the education funding formula. She also said she wanted to preserve the East Bay's "beautiful natural resources."