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Conley, Mendes spar during Senate 18 Democratic primary forum

Each seemingly attempts to prove who is the more progressive candidate in the race

By Mike Rego
Posted 8/31/20

EAST PROVIDENCE — The lone League of Women Voters of Rhode Island/East Bay Media Group candidate forum of the 2020 primary election cycle in East Providence took place last week between …

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Conley, Mendes spar during Senate 18 Democratic primary forum

Each seemingly attempts to prove who is the more progressive candidate in the race

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The lone League of Women Voters of Rhode Island/East Bay Media Group candidate forum of the 2020 primary election cycle in East Providence took place last week between incumbent William Conley and challenger Cynthia Mendes, both seeking the Democratic nomination for the State Senate District 18 seat.

The district is split between mostly East Providence residents and a small portion of Pawtucket. Since there are no Republican candidates in the race, the victor of the September 8 Democratic Primary is the presumed winner of the seat.

The forum, which took place via a Zoom conference meeting, was moderated by EBMG General Manager Scott Pickering, who presented the candidates with questions submitted to the League prior to the event.

Two other primary forums were initially scheduled, but did not take place.

A three person field for the Ward 2 East Providence School Committee seat held by Tony Ferreira was canceled when one challenger, Damian Ramos, stepped away from the race because of his pending move out of the district. His departure left only Mr. Ferreira and another challenger, Max Brandle, in pursuit of the seat, which now will be determined at the general election in November.

A third potential forum for the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the State Representative District 64 seat between incumbent Joe Serodio and challenger Brianna Henries was canceled when Mr. Serodio opted out for personal reasons.

That left just the Conley-Mendes contest between the four-term incumbent and current chairman of the Senate Finance Committee versus a member of the progressive Rhode Island Political Cooperative (RIPC) contingent.

The pair spent the better part of their 45 minute-plus exchange pretty much espousing their liberal bona fides on such issues as women’s choice, the environment, access to healthcare, affordable housing, an increase in the minimum wage and gun control.

Ms. Mendes posited herself as a working mother, who never intended to run for office, but was encouraged to do so by those who feel they do not have a voice in the current system.

She said she is representing the portion of the community that is “fed up with politicians who don’t represent us, a State House that doesn’t listen to us and policies that do not help us.”

Mr. Conley presented himself as a politician who has delivered in his eight years in office, saying at the moment of the COVID-19 pandemic he has led the state-wide effort to freeze evictions, offer relief to small businesses and allow schools to open safely amid the crisis.

To a question about sustaining opening space, which included the current controversial effort to develop Metacomet Golf Club in city, Mr. Conley said he has long been a supporter and sponsor of legislation that maintains green areas in the city and around the state.

He called it a “core” issue of his and that both in his role as a legislator and as part of the Marshall Development team attempting to purchase Metacomet he supports keeping as much of the parcel open as possible.

Ms. Mendes countered, saying it was time to stop giving large tax breaks to developers such as Marshall, instead turning the focus to small businesses and on listening to neighbors. 

To another question, Mr. Conley said he sponsored the creation of the Small Business Development fund and while working with the Rhode Island Commerce Commission gained approval for some $20 million of private investments, which will soon be made available to businesses in East Providence and Pawtucket.

Countered by Ms. Mendes about the topic of housing, Mr. Conley added he recently submitted legislation for eviction and foreclosure moratoriums.

On a question about the need for greater state funding of schools, Mr. Conley boasted of having helped steer some $10 and $27 million more, respectively, in aid to E.P. and Pawtucket during his years in the senate.

Ms. Mendes challenged his support of exempting private schools in city, like Providence Country Day, from paying property taxes. She later said the funding formula needed to be more equitable between municipalities and in the opportunities provided to low income and minority students.

Mr. Conley said he was among the lead supporters of the $250 million state bond for school construction, which voters passed in 2018, and helped fund the new East Providence High School. He later added the funding formula needed to be stabilized and should included more monies for programs such as English Language Arts and Pre-Kindergarten.

In their closing statements, Ms. Mendes said the status quo has failed voters and that residents need leaders, like she would be, who will listen and represent “our” values.

Mr. Conley said he has been a “leading voice” on all of the key issues discussed during the forum.

At the end of the meeting, the League reminded voters in East Providence they can currently vote early at City Hall in the lead up to next week’s primary. Those who have mail-in ballots can also leave them at the City Hall lockbox. And that polling stations, of course, will be open on September 8.

The full Senate District 18 forum can be viewed at https://my.lwv.org/rhode-island/article/east-providence-forums.

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Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.