PORTSMOUTH/BRISTOL — One of the more intriguing matchups in this year’s campaign season will be decided in Tuesday’s Statewide Primary Election, as Matt A. Chappell and Linda L. Ujifusa square off to see which Democrat makes the ballot for the general election in November.

The District 11 seat, which is being vacated by Sen. James Seveney, who is retiring, covers Portsmouth and parts of Bristol. The seat’s term is for two years.

Whoever wins Tuesday will get their name on the November ballot along with Republican Kenneth J. Mendonca, and Andrew V. Kelly and Mario J. Teixeira, who are both running as independents.

In interviews on Tuesday, Ujifusa and Chappell — both attorneys — expounded on some of the key issues they’ll focus on if elected. 

Ujifusa, vice president of the Portsmouth Town Council, said one of her key concerns is climate change. “We are, both Bristol and Portsmouth, coastal communities and they are already suffering from the effect of sea level rise and more severe weather we’re experiencing,” she said. “It’s important, on a state level, that we provide adequate funding for municipalities to be able to protect the health and safety of the residents and also prepare them to be more resilient.”

Comprehensive and affordable healthcare for all is also a priority, she said, including the funding of all reproductive healthcare, including abortions. Even more conservative people don’t like seeing health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers “getting fat” while healthcare providers are financially stressed, she said.

“That doesn’t sit well with anyone,” Ujifusa said. “Managed care organizations (MCOs) are controlling about 90 percent of the state medicaid program. I wrote an article that noted those are black boxes with red flags.”   

People should not be burdened by both illness or injury and financial ruin, she said. “We are the only industrialized country in the world where medical bills are a major cause of personal bankruptcy and significant debt — even for those with insurance,” she said.

Government transparency and accountability is another issue she’s focused on. “At the state level, the whole budget process is quite opaque and it’s hard for most people to understand what goes into the budget. In contrast, our town has a very transparent system,” she said.

Ujifusa’s platform also targets affordable housing, a strong public education, pushing back against tax cuts for the wealthy, common sense gun laws, more reliable and affordable internet services, safer roads, and more. You can read more about her platform at ujifusa4ri.com.

Chappell said housing affordability would be one of his biggest issues if elected.

“Look where we live,” he said. “People love it here, they want to raise their families here and it’s not a reality for a lot of people You shouldn’t have to be wealthy or lucky to be able to live here. And it don’t think a lot is being done to address it.”

Another issue, he said, is near and dear to him.

“One of my priorities is mental health and substance abuse, and having the proper resources in place for people who are suffering from those issues. They need to know that it’s OK to struggle, and people are there to help you —  not to judge you. Unfortunately, a stigma has been attached.”

Chappell has said nine of his high school classmates are deceased either due to suicide, or mental health or substance abuse issues. 

“It’s very prevalent and … a lot of people look at Portsmouth and say that’s an issue there. It’s tragic. It’s something that, with the proper resources in place, hopefully we can cut those numbers down significantly,” Chappell said.

Chappell’s platform also targets public safety, revisiting the education funding formula, common sense gun laws, protecting the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community, giving senior citizens more of a voice, and more. You can read more about his platform at chappellforsenate.com.

What have you learned?

Both candidates were asked what they learned from their potential constituents while out campaigning and knocking on doors.

“When you get started the main issues, things like housing affordability and gun safety, kind of jump off the page,” said Chappell. “But one thing I’ve learned that’s on the forefront of people’s minds is shoreline access. Living on the island, that is a big thing. It just confirms how supportive this community can be and how tight-knit it is, and it reconfirms my wanting to run.”

Ujifusa said she was surprised and heartened by all the “overlap” she’s seen between people of different political spectrums and beliefs. “If we get beyond name-calling and start actually talking about specific bills and even more specifically the provisions — the lines in those bills — and discuss the pros and cons of them, we tend to agree about 75 percent of the time,” she said.

She also realized there are “quiet heroes” everywhere in the community, because they’re taking care of family members or dealing with difficult circumstances with grace, and that inspires her.

Why you?

The primary candidates were also asked why they were best suited to represent District 11, rather than their opponent.

“Because I have the background and the record of public service and the work ethic and time to devote to this district,” Ujifusa said. “I’m running on my record and I’m running on the fact that I’ve worked very hard in the past, and I think that really means something to people.”

Chappell said his job as an attorney in the family law firm has given him insight on how to solve problems. “My job is to work with people on a day-to-day basis and find solutions to problems … and the best outcome for my clients,” he said. “You figure out a way to work with others. That’s similar to what I’d be tasked with (at the state level).”