Cranston Election Profile: Aniece Germain

CRANSTON, RI — Aniece Germain is running for Cranston City Council. The 44-year-old Democrat is a mother of three, and works as an interpreter and an educator.

Germain holds a bachelor's degree in Social Communications and an associate's degree in paralegal studies, and is pursuing a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Boston College. In her home country, she was a journalist for five years and a teacher for three, before moving to the United States. She currently works as an educator and French interpreter and for the past four years has volunteered as the assistant executive director of Hope and Change for Haiti, a nonprofit organization.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign website

https://www.aniecegermain.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

We live in a wonderfully diverse community and unfortunately, many people are being left out of the decision-making process. Too many residents are strangers in their own city. I am running to give them a voice in our government. We should welcome a diversity of perspectives and opinions as an asset, and leverage these differences to make our city one that brings everyone together, and supports people to prosper.
I am committed to ensuring every child has the same access to a quality, safe, and rigorous education that prepares them for success in life after school, regardless of where they live in the city. I want to bring my perspective as a mother, immigrant, and someone who cares deeply about our community to the Cranston City Council and work collaboratively to end the systemic inequalities in our schools. I am running, not only for my three children but for your children too.

In this unprecedented time of a simultaneous public health crisis and a movement for racial justice, we need people with new perspectives who will lead change that helps people. These challenges are complex, but when we include everyone in the process and have a diversity of thoughts and experiences, we create better and more sustainable solutions. I want to put those ideas to work - improving our schools, creating a more inclusive and equitable city government, and ensuring we have safe and clean neighborhoods.
That’s why I am running to end the educational gap, racial and economic injustice in our communities, and ensure that collectively we improve the quality of life for all our neighbors.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

Compared to most states, Rhode Island has done one of the best jobs containing the virus, but still there remains great danger and we are now seeing again rising numbers of cases and fatalities. We have a long way to go before COVID-19 stops affecting daily life for all of us. This is a team effort where every person, organization, and especially city governments have a part to play. I believe we should continue to follow guidelines and be responsible for the decisions we make to collectively keep each other safe (wear masks, wash our hands, and stay away from crowds, etc) that will keep our state moving in a healthier direction. We also need to maintain high levels of testing and contact tracing to ensure we contain the virus, and to mitigate its economic impact.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy and most worryingly our small businesses. These are the backbone of Cranston’s economy and constitute the majority of jobs in our state. We need to do everything we can to support these businesses through this crisis, and ensure we do not see the permanent loss of whole sectors of our economy. It is extremely important that we keep people safe during this time with continued employment incentive programs for employers, and sustaining benefits to people out of work so they can continue to maintain their health and households. If we let people slip through the cracks during this crisis, we will see further long term economic retraction and job losses, and the collective public health impact will be even greater. We must invest in people and support them in this moment of collective vulnerability.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

Systemic racism is rooted in our society and it is a huge problem in America. Rhode Island is no exception. Unfortunately, we have people who continue to live in denial of this problem. Racism is real and it is a virus. It may not be as visible as COVID19, but it certainly adversely impacts thousands of Rhode Islanders each year and is a malady that needs to be addressed. Traditionally, whenever a Black person speaks out about racism he/she is considered as someone who doesn't love America or who wants trouble. It is not Black people against White people but Black people against racism. For too long Black people have spoken up about racism and nothing has changed. As a result of racism, Black people on average have worse health outcomes, educational attainment, social mobility, and are the victims of all sorts of racial and economic injustice. As a Black person, what I would do to combat racism won't amount to much, if the majority of White people don't recognize that racism exists and continue to hold back people of color across our state. The beautiful thing about acknowledging racism and choosing to be anti-racist is that not only do people of color’s lives become better (by no longer being the subject of oppression), but our entire community gets better. People will better know their neighbors, and we can redirect resources to helping people instead of disproportionately punishing one group or another for the color of their skin.
The solution to racism is white people. When white people understand that we all benefit from actively dismantling racist structures that remain in our society, and see each other as one human race, then we can combat racism.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I don't know my opponent's agenda for the city but I know we are different. I am running because I know first hand the disparities that exist in our system. I know what it looks like when your voice is not heard. I know I want a better future for our children. I know we can do better for our city if we hold our leaders accountable, and bring people together to make the changes we need.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I am not a challenger.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am passionate about social justice and the wellbeing of every human being regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, economic status or so. Every person should be able to live in a society where their rights are respected and treated equally. I believe deeply that we are all equal before the law and God, and that we should live in a fair and equitable society where everyone lives up to these values. My campaign platform is focused on improving the quality of life for our residents by ensuring safety and clean neighborhoods.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a first time candidate, my accomplishments are on a personal and professional level. However, to do this job one must be a leader, a collaborator, a unifier, a negotiator, and be prepared and able to find compromise among many parties for the common good. Being a city councilor is about being able to listen in good faith and being the voice of your constituents, and acting in their interest. My leadership skills, background, and experience are all assets that I will bring to being a City Councilor and representing Ward 2.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My mother always said, “The only way you lift up from poverty in life is by educating yourself.”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been through a lot of horrific things in my life, but my determination to succeed and my resilience have helped me overcome those struggles. I am a good listener and an open-minded person. I will always listen to you and we will create solutions to people’s problems together.