Tagged: RWU faculty

Elorza vs. Cianci: Who Will Claim Providence?

The stakes are very high for residents of Providence. Days away until the people will decide who they want to run their city. Democrat Jorge Elorza is focusing on building community schools, a concept that has not been initiated in New England yet. He is running against Independent Buddy Cianci, a two-time convicted felon and former Providence mayor, who talks about expanding the waterfront. Hawk the Vote will be covering all of election night to broadcast live coverage and stay updated on this controversial race to city hall.

Hawk The Vote Presents Science Controversies and the 2014 Midterm Election

IMG_7776BRISTOL, R.I._ Hawk the Vote is a campaign media lab that is very closely following the 2014 midterm elections. The Society of Professional Journalists and WQRI teamed up with Hawk the Vote to broadcast a panel of experts discussing science controversies and it’s role in this election.

Panelists included Dr. Abigail Anthony, Dr. Avelina Espinosa, Mr. Max Green, and Dr. June Speakman, who spoke on issues regarding energy alternatives, health education, sustainability, and women’s reproductive rights, respectively.

Dr. Anthony is the director of the Rhode Island Office Environment Northeast (ENE) and spoke about energy alternatives across the state of Rhode Island.IMG_7788 (1)

“Rhode Island was ranked third in the nation for our energy efficiency programs,” said Dr. Anthony.

However, though R.I. may be at the top of the list for overall energy efficiency, there are still some exceptions, “Rhode Island is behind in electric vehicle adoption,” said Dr. Anthony.

Dr. Speakman is a professor of Political Science at RWU and serves as town council president for Barrington, R.I. She discussed issues of women’s reproductive rights.IMG_7646

“Men’s contraception is never on the table, but that’s a different story,” said Speakman.

She acknowledged that abortion laws usually take place at a national level, however Rhode Island has generally been supportive of pro-choice.

“Rhode Island is ahead of the national curve, at least as long as I’ve been studying Rhode Island politics,” said Dr. Speakman.

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She also recognized where the setbacks occur.

“Rhode Island suffers from a lack of resources more than anything else,” said Dr. Speakman.

Mr. Green works as a staff attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and believes that improved sustainability laws could be the key to environmental stability.IMG_7705

“Small changes to improve our understanding of environmental problems can have big impacts,” said Mr. Green.

Two weeks left until Nov. 4 election night, where voters will decide which controversies matter to them, and how that is going to effect their decision on the ballot.IMG_7741