Concluding our coverage of the 2026 campaign leading up the November 3 election, The Times-Gazette recently engaged the candidates seeking the vacant District 67 seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives — Independent Joseph DePasquale and Democrat Nicole Jellinek with one last inquiry.

At various times throughout the fall, the candidates have been asked to respond to questions about both local and state-wide issues as well as outline the contrasts in how they would legislate if elected.

As has been the case with campaign stories on the Warren Town Council race, the District 67 entrants were tasked to respond in 300 words or less.

The final question posed to the District 67 candidates was as follows:

Why are you the better of the two candidates to serve in the Rhode Island General Assembly to fulfill the expectations of residents in District 67?

Joseph DePasquale: My 22 years of experience as an independent public servant sets me apart. I have built my career on the basics: always returning phone calls, truly listening to the needs of others, and never forgetting that every dollar spent falls directly onto the shoulders of our taxpayers.

By consistently collaborating across party lines, I have delivered positive results in economic development, public safety, environmental protection, and public education. Navigating tough budget cycles has taught me exactly how to build lean, responsible fiscal plans.

Having served as Council President, Councilman, and Chair of the Joint Finance Committee, I am fully prepared to bring this proven, nonpartisan discipline straight to our state budget process. There is no substitute for experience. I will not let you down.

Nicole Jellinek: I’m a first-time candidate for political office, but I bring decades of experience as a clinical social worker, activist, and community member. I believe I have the skills, knowledge, and temperament to represent District 67 in the General Assembly.

Rhode Island has so much to offer, but we also face real challenges. Over the past several months, I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors and spoken with residents of District 67, listening to concerns about health care, the environment, energy costs, education, concern about democracy, taxes, and more. I’ve asked questions, studied the issues, consulted experts, and listened to residents.

I became a social worker more than 25 years ago because I believe we must look beyond the symptoms of a problem to address its root causes. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals and families, listening with compassion and helping folks navigate life’s challenges. I’ve seen firsthand how harmful laws and policies create barriers to health, well-being, and opportunity, making it harder for people to build stable lives.

For nearly four years, I’ve served as Vice Chair of the Barrington Democrats, helping engage community members, support candidates, and encourage civic participation and local involvement in the political process.

For the past seven years, I’ve chaired the RI Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, advocating to protect and expand access to reproductive health care. I’ve spent countless hours at the State House meeting with legislators, testifying before committees, and helping turn good ideas into good laws.

These years of experience make me the best candidate for District 67: I understand the legislative process, know how to advocate for change, and am ready to put my experience to work for Barrington and Warren. I will bring compassion, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to lasting solutions to the General Assembly.