RI Election 2022 Candidate Profile: Donnie Anderson For State Senate

PROVIDENCE, RI — The primary election in Rhode Island is less than two weeks away. Although the race has been headlined by a contentious governor's race, there are plenty of other important races at the local level, including who will represent District 1 in the State Senate.

In the district representing parts of Providence, incumbent Democrat Maryellen Goodwin will square off against Donnie Anderson.

To help inform voters prior to the Sept. 13 primary, Patch is publishing candidate profiles. This one focuses on Anderson.

Name

Donnie Anderson

Campaign website

https://www.donnie4senate.com

City or town of residence

Providence

Office sought

State Senate

District, if applicable

1st State Senate District

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BA Barrington College, Barrington, RI MA Providence College, Providence, RI Doctor of Ministry, Palmer School of Theology, Wayne, PA

Occupation

Minister

Family

Four adult children and 6 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None of my children or grandchildren

Age

74 years of age

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I serve on two state commissions, Commission on Prejudice and Bias and the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe our district should have a senator who believes in the right of the individual to make a choice about their own healthcare, especially abortion and transgender healthcare
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

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

My opponent is opposed to the right to choose and is against the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act, I am in favor of both

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

She has failed to support the right to choose, the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act and voted in favor of reducing environmental standards for a plastic burning plant

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I am in favor of lifetime term limits for members of the General Assembly, overhauling the legislative grant program so that it is open to all non-profits, transparent and grants based on merit, not on "who you know," protection of environmental standards and eliminating the exemption of usury laws that allows payday lenders to charge over 260% interest

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

I have advocated for and successfully worked for passage of legislation that has helped the homeless, formerly incarcerated persons, members of the LGBTQ+ community and affordable housing bond issues

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be your authentic self not matter what others may tell you.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm not a miracle worker, but I know how to listen and how to organize committed people to accomplish a task.