Candidate Profile: Dawn Euer

NEWPORT, RI — Dawn Euer is running for the District 13 state Senate seat, representing Jamestown and Newport. She is a Democrat. This would be her first political office should she win. But she has compiled a record standing up for honest government, she said, noting her work with Common Cause, which advocates for political reform. Euer is an attorney. Facing a Primary election next week against three other contenders, she has collected several endorsements, including one from the Jamestown Democratic Party Committee.

Patch asked all the candidates the same six questions. Here are her replies.

1) How long have you lived in the district?

Since October 2009

2) Why are you running?

We need more strong, independent women in the Statehouse who will stand up for every day Rhode Islanders. I am well versed in policy, how government works, and how the Statehouse works. I have a well-established record of being willing to take stances on difficult issues, working hard to change the conversation by bringing multiple perspectives to the table and having tough conversations in order to make positive change. I want to stand up for my district and for all Rhode Islanders.

3) What do you think is the biggest problem facing people in District 13? And what could you do to solve it, if you are a state senator?

As I’ve been walking in the district and been speaking to constituents, the number one issue that comes up is the increasing cost of housing. There is nothing more fundamental than the ability to keep a roof over your head and support your family. Yet, I’ve been told to avoid talking about this issue because it’s too much of a political hot potato. I see it differently. It is critical for us to address this issue because it speaks to the very fabric of our community. This is an issue that impacts everyone - students and young professionals who want to live near their families in the community where they grew up, seniors living on a fixed income, homeowners who are facing increasing property taxes, our veterans who are coming back home after serving our country, the teachers, firefighters, and employees who serve our city, working families who are being crushed by the stagnation of wages in our country. This issue is incredibly complex, but we’re not going to resolve it by avoiding the question. We need to do more to increase home ownership and explore creative solutions to make sure that working families, seniors, veterans, students, and retirees can continue to live here.

4) Have you held elected office before? If so, which office(s)?

No

5) What is your personal information?

a) where were you born?

Kenosha, WI

b) are you employed? (If so, where?)

I own and run my own law practice - Law Office of Dawn Euer where I work with nonprofits, social enterprise and small businesses. I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to establish the Center for Justice and fight for worker’s rights and prevent utility shutoffs as well as my good government work to demystify state government with Common Cause. I am an independent thinker and good-government advocate and have a record of taking on the good old boy network and winning.

c) where did you attend school? (Did you graduate?)

I worked my way through undergrad at the University of Minnesota and graduated with a B.A. I moved to Rhode Island to attend law school at Roger Williams University School of Law and graduated in 2010 with a Juris Doctor.

d) family relationships

I was fortunate enough to be raised in a close family where my Mom stayed at home and my Dad worked full-time to support us. I’m still very close with them and my brother and sister. As I grew up, I realized how much my parents shielded me from their financial concerns and that experience is part of the reason I’m committed to running and being a voice for working families.

e) hobbies and/or past times

I love being outside - walking my dog, riding my bike, kayaking, swimming, camping. I just learned to sail last year at Sail Newport and look forward to being to spend some time on the water this summer.

6) Is there anything you would like to add?

It's critically important to our democracy that people are engaged and participate. However, especially given the national political climate, more and more people are feeling disenfranchised and frustrated. I believe that we need to stay engaged and involved to make sure that our government works for people. Thank you for taking time to read these responses and consider your vote! I've been humbled by the outpouring of support I've received from hundreds of local donors. Additionally, I've been endorsed by the Jamestown Democratic Town Committee, Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, Planned Parenthood, Working Families, and the Rhode Island National Organization for Women because of my commitment to make government work for people.