For the special election for Congressional District 1, the ACLU of Rhode Island sent surveys to all candidates on the ballot for the special Primary Election for this congressional seat. The surveys asked a series of questions focused on important civil liberties issues which, if elected, this official could face. Below you will find the answers from the candidates who responded to this survey.
The candidates who provided responses are: Gabriel Amo (D); Stephanie Beauté (D); Sandra Cano (D); Donald Carlson (D); Sabina Matos (D); Aaron Regunberg (D); Walter Berbrick (D); and Terri Flynn (R).
The candidates who did not respond are: Stephen Casey (D); Spencer Dickinson (D); John Goncalves (D); Ana Quezada (D); Allen Waters (D); and Gerry Leonard (R).
1. Do you support passage of a federal law to guarantee nationwide access to safe and legal abortion care?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): No response (NOTE FROM CANDIDATE: "Any questions that have not been answered are those that would have to include input from the people in the communities of Congressional District 1, and how I would best represent those that elected me.")
2. Do you support the passage of federal legislation that would provide a private cause of action for individuals whose constitutional rights are violated by federal law enforcement officials?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): No
3. Do you support the passage of legislation to provide LGBTQ+ people with explicit protection against discrimination under federal civil rights laws?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): No
4. Do you support the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act to create a pathway to citizenship and legal residency for Dreamers and immigrants with temporary protected status?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): No
5. Do you support granting statehood to Washington D.C.?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): No
6. Do you support legislation that would end the long-standing criminal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): Yes
7. Do you support legislation that would abolish the federal death penalty?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): No
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): No response (NOTE FROM CANDIDATE: "Any questions that have not been answered are those that would have to include input from the people in the communities of Congressional District 1, and how I would best represent those that elected me.")
8. Do you support legislation to decriminalize marijuana on the federal level?
Gabriel Amo (D): Yes
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): Yes
9. Do you support ending the warrantless surveillance of Americans under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act?
Gabriel Amo (D): No
Stephanie Beauté (D): Yes
Sandra Cano (D): Yes
Donald Carlson (D): Yes
Sabina Matos (D): Yes
Aaron Regunberg (D): Yes
Walter Berbrick (D): Yes
Terri Flynn (R): Yes
10. In 100 words or less, what do you think is the biggest civil liberties issue facing Congress?
Gabriel Amo (D): "Right now, there are many large entities around the country that are collecting and trading data on us, from the stores we shop in to the social media we consume. In an increasingly digitally connected world, it is of utmost priority that we one, have some control over our identities in life and online, and two, that as that information is bought and sold, that we retain as much of our individual privacy as possible – all of which is compounded by the growth in artificial intelligence and the mirroring of our identities in a range of venues."
Stephanie Beauté (D): "Unfortunately, underprivileged neighborhoods often face a significant lack of funding and resources, hindering access to quality education. We believe that addressing this issue is not just a matter of civil liberties but also a practical solution to breaking the cycle of poverty and crime. The lack of education in these communities creates barriers for young individuals, limiting their opportunities for higher education and professional growth. As a result, many are forced into a life of crime, drug abuse, or even prostitution as a means of survival. This not only perpetuates a cycle of poverty but also undermines the safety and well-being of these neighborhoods.
We must also address the systemic issues that contribute to the lack of education in underprivileged neighborhoods. This includes advocating for increased government funding, implementing policies that prioritize education equity, and supporting initiatives that provide mentorship and guidance to the youth. By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the education gap, we can create real opportunities for the youth in underprivileged neighborhoods."
Sandra Cano (D): "With so many civil liberties under attack across the country, it’s difficult to pinpoint just one as the most critical issue. Instead, the most vital thing we must do in service to all civil liberties is to fight for the integrity of our democracy. Between gerrymandering, voter disenfranchisement, inaccessibility of the democratic process, dark money in politics, partisan judiciary corruption and more, the structures and institutions within which we fight to protect all civil liberties are being targeted and eroded. To stand for civil liberties, we need to give everything we have to the fight for our democracy."
Donald Carlson (D): "Overt threats to our democracy presented by MAGA Republicans challenging the validity of our elections, seeking to suppress the votes of legal citizens and rescinding the well-established right to privacy in our jurisprudence."
Sabina Matos (D): "Right now, Congress faces some of the most credible and overt attempts to undermine our democracy and the democratic process that our nation has ever seen. We have seen orchestrated attempts to overthrow the capitol, we have seen rights being stripped away by an activist, conservative supreme court and we have seen former President Trump attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 elections. These actions threaten the fabric of our society and put the American Dream at risk. In Congress, I will fight to preserve our rights and our democracy."
Aaron Regunberg (D): "I can’t choose one issue; there are so many urgent crises we face. We need to reform our criminal legal system, which perpetrates structural violence against communities of color. We need to defend queer and trans folks from the all-out assault from the GOP. We need to stand up for abortion access. We need to protect voting rights from subversion. But one issue ties all of these critical fights together: court reform. We need to reinstate democratic guardrails on our judicial system, to stop Republicans from using the courts as minoritarian vehicles to attack everything we hold dear."
Walter Berbrick (D): "Systemic racism is the justification for our civil liberties being stripped away by the Supreme Court whether women's rights, affirmative action, and the health and safety of our LGBTQIAP+ community. No one in America should ever make less money, pay more for healthcare, housing, or face discrimination because of race, gender, whom they love, or anything else which self defines us. Congress needs to focus on protecting the Equality Act and passing the Equal Rights Amendment to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and have equal rights under the law."
Terri Flynn (R): "Today, the biggest civil liberties issue facing Congress is being an ombundsman between the Executive Branch and private corporations to ensure civil liberties for the people going forward. Since post-9/11 era, national security threats brought the rise of warrantless wiretapping from the U.S. government. Unfortunately, as technology has improved peoples lives, national intelligence agencies are gaining further surveillance abilities due to the rising use of encryption via technology companies. Everday tools like thermostats, cameras and other appliances that are increasingly connected to the internet provide ample opportunity for intelligence agencies to spy on private citizens – something that must have oversight."
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Gabriel Amo (D): No additional comments
Stephanie Beauté (D): "Stephanie, a dynamic candidate who brings a fresh perspective and a new direction for Rhode Island. Unlike traditional politicians and political insiders, Stephanie's background as a former social worker, Ameri-corp. member, and tech professional gives her a unique skillset that will make a significant impact on our state's economy and support small businesses.
Stephanie's experience as a social worker has provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Rhode Islanders. She has worked directly with individuals and families, witnessing firsthand the struggles they face. This experience has fueled her passion for creating positive change and improving the lives of those in our community.
Moreover, Stephanie's involvement in Ameri-corp. has given her a broad perspective on community engagement and service. She has actively contributed to various initiatives aimed at addressing social issues and uplifting marginalized communities. With this background, Stephanie is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment in Rhode Island, where everyone has access to opportunities for growth and success.
Additionally, Stephanie's tech professional background equips her with the skills necessary to boost our state's economy. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, technological innovation is key to staying competitive. Stephanie understands the importance of investing in technology and digital infrastructure to attract new businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth. She will work tirelessly to support small businesses, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive in the digital age.
Stephanie's fresh perspective, combined with her diverse skillset, makes her the ideal candidate to lead Rhode Island into a prosperous future. She is dedicated to breaking the mold of traditional politics and bringing about real change that benefits all Rhode Islanders. Join us in supporting Stephanie and let's build a brighter future for our state together."
Sandra Cano (D): "I stand strongly in support of all the outlined issues above. Abortion care and reproductive justice; police accountability; strong protections for marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community; immigration reform that prioritizes justice, humanity and a path to citizenship; statehood for both Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico as well as other territories according to the wishes of their residents; criminal justice reform including a bold reimagining of the way we classify drug offenses like crack vs. cocaine, as well as legalization of marijuana coupled with record expungement and a justice-oriented rollout; abolition of the death penalty and solitary confinement; and the protection of Americans’ privacy by ending surveillance – these are all vitally important issues that will help us move towards a more just, equitable nation. But the word does not stop there: We need to be intentional about working racial justice, economic justice, climate work and environmental justice, expansive gender equality, and the principles of a healthy democracy into everything that we do. Identity is not everything, but representation matters. It’s essential that we bring an intersectional lens to our work as elected leaders by assessing from all sides and performing robust, justice-oriented impact analysis. These are principles that I’ve employed in my legislative work over the last decade and I’m committed to continuing with that perspective in Congress."
Donald Carlson (D): No additional comments
Sabina Matos (D): No additional comments
Aaron Regunberg (D): No additional comments
Walter Berbrick (D): "As a father and husband, part of the reason why I decided to run is because I am tired of the divisiveness of Congress and the fact my daughter has less civil rights than my wife and mother had. I am tired of seeing communities of color continue to suffer due to systemic racism in the 21st century. Americans gave blood, sweat and tears to achieve what we’ve made but we have a long way to go. As your Congressman, I will fight for the civil rights of all Rhode Islanders to ensure our Americans of color, women and LGBTQ+ community have equal protection under the law.
As a member of the faculty at the Naval War College, I was part of a team to research and determine how we create pay equity among team members within an institution embedded in military practices. It is one example where integrity and strength are core elements and necessary for any candidate with the privilege of being elected to Congress."
Terri Flynn (R):
"#1
Reproductive rights are no longer an issue at the federal level and the election is for a federal seat. Rhode Island already codified reproductive rights, as well as provided for abortions under medicaid. If it came back to the federal level, the conversation would have to include how I would best represent the district that elected me.
#2
There is already a remedy in criminal law for citizens to file a lawsuit for violation of Constitutional Rights. Additional federal legislation that would provide a private cause of action for individuals whose constitutional rights are violated by federal law enforcement officials seems redundant.
#3.
Discrimination law covers all peoples. Consequences of naming specific peoples in legislation would inherently create a bias against any groups not listed. Further complications of legislation to provide LGBTQ+ people with explicit protection against discrimination under federal civil rights laws would be having to name every possible group that exists, and then update the legislation each time a new group is created. A law like this would be redundant and impractical.
#4
I believe all are welcome who immigrate here legally, and although I believe in bipartisan solutions on issues like immigration, the details of American Dream and Promise Act as it is proposed is not in the best interest to the people of Rhode Island's First Congressional District or the nation generally. As I read it, the current proposed bill: may actually encourage more families to attempt living in an undocumented status; it does not expressly forbid U.S. entry, which may be a risk for criminal activity or national security; and lastly, it is constitutionally speculative and may even face a challenge by the judiciary.
#5
At this time I do not see any benefit to Congressional District 1 from granting Washington D.C. statehood, as federal tax dollars would then be spread over 51 states not just 50.
#6
The data for legislation that would end the long-standing criminal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine is supported by data. Further criminal justice reform and greater emphasis on restorative justice and mental health programs need to be administered.
#7
The response for supporting legislation that would abolish the federal death penalty would have to include how I would best represent the district that elected me.
#8
In Rhode Island, lawmakers approved the cannabis decriminalization law on April 1, 2016. This legislation has stood the test of time, being on the books over 6 years, and seems like legislation the people in Congressional District 1 would support.
#9
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows for unconstitutional “backdoor searches” of the American people. This is a blatant flaw in the legislation which makes this issue of paramount importance and a bedrock civil liberties issue. I would vote to end the law as it stands and vote on bipartisan legislation to amend it going forward.
In summary, in this post-9/11 and post-pandemic era, our members of Congress must work together across the aisle to ensure that both the Executive Branch and private firms have oversight to ensure all people’s Constitutional Rights are safeguarded for generations to come."
