EAST PROVIDENCE — First term incumbent State Representative Brianna Henries, a Democrat, met challenger and political newcomer Antonio DeSimas in a forum co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Rhode Island and the East Bay Media Group, parent company of The Post, for the candidates vying in the House District 64 race on Monday, Oct. 17, at the Riverside Branch Library.

Not much actually separated the two candidates, both of whom are actually novices in the pursuit of elected office.

Henries only defeated then one-term incumbent Joe Serodio at the 2020 Democratic Primary Election. A member of the upstart progressive Rhode Island Political Collaborative wing of Democrats, she ran unopposed at the general two months later.

DeSimas is on the ballot as an Independent, clarifying releases issued leading up to the forum denoting him as a Republican.

Debate notes

The opening question, a generic inquiry used often at forums throughout the election season, asked why each was the better candidate for the District 64 seat.

Henries immediately referred to her experience and the deep learning curve required to understand the mechanisms at the State House. She called the working in the General Assembly a “deliberate process.” Henries, who called said she represented a constituency with “a lot different values,” added did not want to the progress made on matters of import for the city and the state she brought to the fore during her first term “regress.”

DeSimas claimed he was running to reflect “constituents who are not represented,” adding, “I feel I can advocate for them and foster the change they’re looking for.”

On how the assembly can help combat inflation in the economy at the moment, DeSimas said it “starts with education,” teaching young people about personal finance and fiscal responsibility.

Henries said the state’s resilience to inflation in some parts of the economy has already started due to the resources put into place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. She agreed the need to “strengthen education,” while saying Rhode Island implement more “labor force training.”

On issues of education, Henries said the local and national problem of a teacher shortage is because “we’re not paying them enough and we’re not funding schools enough.” She said it was important to “listen to the teachers and give them the tools to succeed.” In city, specifically, Henries noted the advanced curriculum put into place with the construction of the new East Providence High School was pushing the district “in the right direction.”

DeSimas said he, too, supported increasing funding for education. On how to improve results here and elsewhere, he said it was important to “see what works in other districts and implement that here.”

Late in the forum when asked about issues important to each that was not broached in a question that evening, DeSimas said he was “passionate” in advocating for special needs children. He said he supports “integrating” challenged students into the usual classroom setting, but it remains a challenge because there not enough staff to support to the effort.

Henries said whether she was in or out of elected office, she would advocate for “affordable and accessible childcare.” As she did earlier in the evening, she referred to a host of issues as being line a “ball of yarn” because they are wrapped together tightly. She put childcare in her ball of yarn with employees earning a “living wage” while also having access to affordable housing, healthcare and education. “So many things are interconnected,” she added.

Republicans no-shows

It should be noted the House 64 forum the evening of October 17 was supposed to be one of four involving races for Assembly seats, however three candidates declined the invitation.

Five-term incumbent and Democrat Kathryn Kazarian agreed to participate. Her opponent, Anthony Sionni, Republican, did not.

Three-term city councilor Bob Britto, a Democrat seeking the open State Senate District 18 seat, also accepted the invitation. His opponent, Anna Maria Peters, Republican, declined.

And first-time candidate Matt Dawson, the Democrat vying for the open House District 65 seat, agreed to take part. Again, though, his opponent, John Peters, Republican, opted out.

View the full forum for all races involving city candidates on the League of Women Voters Rhode Island website, https://my.lwv.org/rhode-island, “2022 Candidate Forum Videos” section.