To the editor:

I’m looking at the man in the mirror…and on Sept. 13 I’ll be voting for Jason Knight for the RI General Assembly (House District 67).  

The arguments in favor of Jason Knight — and against his opponent, Jan Malik — are overwhelming. Neighbors concerned for the progress of Warren, Barrington and the state can hear them firsthand later this week. You can meet Jason and learn about his background and goals for our community on Thursday, Sept. 1 (6:30 – 8) with refreshments at the Coffee Depot in Warren (501 Main Street). And meet both Democratic candidates on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Warren Town Hall (514 Main Street), sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

This race will be decided on Sept. 13 — which is why our votes in the primary are so critical. 

But is this really a race between two democrats? The candidates couldn’t be more dissimilar. It is only in our reddish-blue state of RI that they could both be considered members of the same political party. Mr. Knight is a progressive liberal, endorsed by the RI Chapters of Planned Parenthood, the National Organization for Women, the Sierra Club and more. An eight-year Navy veteran, he is experienced and fiercely committed to common-sense gun regulation. He is a staunch supporter of marriage equality, women’s rights, and economic reform in RI. He is a vocal and effective progressive committed to bringing major changes to our community and state.

In stark contrast, his opponent, Jan Malik, voted against marriage equality, has received A+ ratings from the National Rifle Association for his positions on gun control, and just this past week an “F” rating for his voting record pertaining to 38 Studios — named one of the “19 worst” voters in the state (see 8/24 edition of the Warren Times-Gazette). Malik has been notably absent for votes that might threaten the RI General Assembly status quo, such as the recent vote on truck tolls.

Let’s face the facts. The candidates are at different ends of the political spectrum, although both running on the Democratic ticket. If you support the core democratic progressive values that Jason Knight stands for — and want to help reverse the stale, ineffective “old boys” network that we read about time and time again in our state — make that change. “No message could have been any clearer…” Come out and vote for Jason Knight on Sept. 13. 

Stephen Buka

Barrington