CLOSING ARGUMENT: Ken Hopkins, Republican Candidate for Mayor of Cranston
GoLocalProv Political Team
CLOSING ARGUMENT: Ken Hopkins, Republican Candidate for Mayor of Cranston
GoLocal asked him the questions and read his closing argument on why he is the best candidate for the office.
We are running a feature this weekend prior to the primary allowing the candidates for Mayor to offer some last words to voters:
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1) GoLocal: Why should voters cast their ballot for you in the primary?
Hopkins: I am the only Republican candidate with the maturity, experience, and leadership ability to be Mayor. I offer character, integrity and the ability to work across party lines to get things done. Unlike my opponent, I do not brag about how smart I am or how important I am. People who know me would say that I am quiet, effective in all that do and I am motivated to get the job done. This is an exciting and challenging time in our city. My experience on the city council, a lifetime of work as an administrator and teacher in our schools has shown me the greatness of our city. I am prepared to handle both the demanding challenges and wonderful opportunities of leading Rhode Island’s second-largest city.
2) GoLocal: What is the most important issue facing the city?
Hopkins: The local economy and our financial status will demand the attention of the next Mayor. Hopefully, the pandemic will begin to subside so we can have a new set of normalcy in our daily lives and city operations. Regardless, I will be prepared to take control of the city reins and immediately assess our budget status as we begin to prepare for next year’s budget that will be due in April of 2021. Watchful spending of tax dollars will be the highest priority.
3) GoLocal: Name three people you will appoint as Mayor?
Hopkins: It would be presumptuous of me to name potential appointees to a Hopkins administration. I will select the best qualified candidates for positions when I become Mayor. During the transition, I will evaluate current department heads and other interested parties. Mayor Allan Fung has done a great job and I may ask some of his appointees to consider staying on. I have pledged to look at bringing diversity to the city hiring process at all levels. My administration will reflect the diversity of our great community.
4) GoLocal: What is the first action you will take?
Hopkins: My first week in office will be all about the people’s business. I will assess our financial status at the six-month mark of the fiscal year. We will put additional spending controls in place if needed. I will invoke the highest ethical standards for all city employees and my expectations for each person as we maximize the delivery of constituent services. The first thirty days in office will be used for assessment, building relationships with a new city council and making sure we have the best team in place to handle the daily expectations of all citizens.
5) What differentiates you from all the other candidates?
Hopkins: My Republican primary opponent is young, impulsive and somewhat immature. As a former Democrat just a few years ago, he has not shown the ability to work with people and lead with motivation and character. I have the wisdom of years and experience that I will use to work across party lines. Voters know me as committed to putting their interests first.
After, the Primary, the voters will have a clear choice between my experience and ability compared with either Democrat. Their agenda for social change and lack of commitment to protect taxpayer dollars and critical city services will be clear. Their lack of emphasis and attention for safe neighborhoods with unqualified support for our police department will be revealing. Voters will contrast my conservative values and approach to government and their liberal agenda to remake neighborhoods, and focus on things that are promoted by activists of government being the answer to every challenge in our society.