To the editor:

As we reach the end of a long campaign season, it is critical to remind people that local elections matter. That is especially true here in Rhode Island’s House District 67, covering parts of Barrington and Warren. As local voters, we have the opportunity to fill one of the few open seats in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and we couldn’t be more certain that Nicole Jellinek is best prepared to serve as our next State Representative.

We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nicole both personally and professionally and know that she is committed to making Rhode Island more affordable, equitable, and accessible for all of us. As a clinical social worker, she has spent her career healing Rhode Islanders and knows firsthand the problems we face when trying to navigate the health care system, whether trying to find a primary care provider or paying for our prescription drugs. Nicole believes that access to comprehensive health care is a basic human right, and she will fight in the State House to expand our access to care, including mental health services and reproductive healthcare.

Nicole loves our community and believes we all deserve the opportunity to build a good life and raise a family. That’s why she will fight to fully fund our public schools and invest in Rhode Island’s green economy by protecting our shorelines and the environment. She is also committed to providing access to homeownership for more families while maintaining local control over affordable housing initiatives. Affordability is an issue we all face, and Nicole will fight in the State House to stabilize our utility bills while maintaining our renewable energy commitments.

In order to best represent constituents, it is critical that our elected officials work successfully with their House and Senate colleagues at the State House. Nicole’s extensive experience at the Rhode Island State House will serve her well as our next State Representative. She has spent years advocating for and ensuring the passage of critical bills related to issues such as reproductive healthcare and sensible gun safety. She has established working relationships with members of all political backgrounds in both the House and the Senate. Nicole’s existing relationships will help ensure that the needs of Warren and Barrington residents are heard and addressed at the State House— no small matter when talking about the clout of a freshman legislator.  

As the next State Representative for House District 67, Nicole will work tirelessly to promote and protect the quality of life for all of us. We know this because she’s been helping us navigate life’s toughest challenges throughout her professional and personal life. Nicole Jellinek is uniquely qualified and prepared to serve as our next House District 67 State Representative, and we are proud to support her candidacy.

Tim McNamara

Barrington

Erin Schofield 

Warren