Gubernatorial Candidates Tackle Poverty
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
It is one of the perennial questions of politics and public policy—how do you end poverty?
At a gubernatorial forum hosted by the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition yesterday, six candidates faced the issue anew, in what was their third public event together in a week.
Republican candidate John Robitaille said the main cause of poverty was the absence of fathers—he also said he believed in a social safety net. Democratic hopeful Patrick Lynch, meanwhile, warned that the safety net had been worn down to a thread.
Moderate Party candidate Ken Block highlighted the importance of eliminating waste in social services while Victor Moffitt, a Republican candidate, said job creation was the key to lifting people out of poverty.
The candidates were also asked about education. Independent candidate Lincoln Chafee touted partnerships between community colleges and vocational schools—which he referred to as “middle college.” Democratic counterpart Frank Caprio also spoke about the importance of having advocates who inspired and supported children to excel in school.
The forum was held at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence.
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