Political Profile: Nellie Gorbea, Candidate for Governor

Political Profile: Nellie Gorbea, Candidate for Governor

Nellie Gorbea is a Democratic candidate for governor of Rhode Island. Here is what she has to say.

 

1.  What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign cycle? 

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Housing is the foundation upon which our economy will grow and strengthen. Rhode Islanders’ employment opportunities, educational outcomes, and the overall health of our community require safe, accessible, and truly affordable homes regardless of community or income. Ensuring more housing can be built will be an important political undertaking since most challenges are at the local level. 

 

Rhode Island needs more family housing, senior housing, single-room occupancy housing, and supportive housing for people with special behavioral or physical needs. Sustainably building these homes for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders requires cooperation between the state and municipalities. 

 

2.  What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?

By investing in what we do best locally – our blue economy, our manufacturing, our hospitality and tourism, renewable energy, healthcare and our service economy, we can create an economy that works for all Rhode Islanders. By investing in our most important asset – our people, we ensure a better future for Rhode Island today. 

 

Among my top priorities as Governor will be ensuring that we have a robust and dynamic state economy, so that the Ocean State is also the Opportunity State. This means:

Opportunities for Rhode Islanders at all education levels to find good-paying jobs;
Opportunities for skills training, for transitioning careers, and for increasing one’s earning potential;
Opportunities for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

 

Economic success does not happen by accident. Rhode Island must take proactive steps to prepare for the challenges—and the opportunities—of the coming decades, from automation to climate change. Our tools include partnerships between the public and private sector, taxes and incentives for employers, grants and loans for growing small businesses, and our workforce development programs. 

By tackling the affordability of housing, providing every Rhode Islander with a quality education and addressing the opportunities and challenges of climate change, we set the stage for strong economic growth. 

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?

The current housing crisis has a direct impact on Rhode Island’s ability to be successful. Rhode Islanders are paying too much for a safe and healthy home. This issue directly impacts all aspects of our lives - a child’s education, a millennial's ability to save for their future, and a senior’s ability to move into a more manageable home. With inflation, the housing crisis becomes even more of an issue, with many Rhode Islanders living paycheck to paycheck. As Rhode Island’s next governor I will tackle this issue head on. 

 

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

I am running for governor to ensure that Rhode Island has an economy that is equitable and just. Our first step in getting there is resolving our housing issue, and I plan on being the Housing governor that the Ocean State needs now. 

 

Two things make me uniquely qualified - 1. Rhode Islanders have already experienced the success of my leadership in government through the transformation at the Department of State. They saw it in how easy and safe it's been to vote and how small businesses can easily start and thrive. They saw it in the two dozen pieces of legislation I have passed by the General Assembly. I come to the Governor’s office ready to lead on day one. 

 

Second, no other candidate in this race has 30 years of community leadership, working with diverse communities - from the business community to the philanthropic community to a variety of racial, ethnic, and religious groups. I’ve worked in the private sector, the public sector, and nonprofits. All of these experiences inform me as I seek how to make government work best for people. Government only works when the priority is the people it serves, and when everyone has a seat at the table. 

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

I draw inspiration from Rhode Islanders who work every day to take care of their families and hope for a better life for their kids. I am grateful for the opportunity, now as Secretary of State, and hopefully later as Governor, to make a positive difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders. 

 

Biography: https://nelliegorbea.com/meet-nellie/

Website: https://nelliegorbea.com 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NellieGorbeaRI

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NellieGorbea