The Providence City Council Special Ward 2 Election Candidate Forum

Five candidates, four Democrats and one Republican, are vying for the open seat.

Last night’s Providence City Council Special Ward 2 Election Candidate Forum, sponsored by Temple Beth-El and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, allowed residents to hear directly from candidates running for the council seat recently vacated by Helen Anthony.

[I interviewed the four Democratic Party candidates: David Caldwell, Jill Davidson, Jeff Levy, and Matt McDermott. After the primary, I will interview Republican candidate Alex Brito, who is running unopposed.]

Ably emceed by Emily Gaudreau, Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement at the Jewish Alliance, the forum aimed to give voters a chance to make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming election. Candidates answered questions on a range of local issues, including housing, climate, education, rising antisemitism, public safety, and the city’s budget.

Here’s the video. Below the video are direct links to each candidate’s responses to the questions:

The forum started with opening statements from the candidates.

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 1: The cost of living weighs heavily on individuals and families throughout Providence, and the East Side is no exception. The City Council’s Housing Crisis Task Force has recommended that an effective rent stabilization policy should include capping annual rent increases, requiring a 90-day notice of increases, and establishing penalties for landlords attempting to bypass these regulations. Do you support rent stabilization to reduce the burden on renters? If not, what specific strategies will you pursue to expand the supply of affordable housing, provide relief to renters, and ensure new development honors the architectural character of our neighborhoods?

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 2: Ward 2 faces unique climate challenges due to its proximity to the Sekonk River and Narragansett Bay. The East Side has experienced significant flooding during major storms, particularly in low-lying areas near India Point Park, along the waterfront, and neighborhoods where aging infrastructure struggles with increasingly intense rainfall. Climate projections show that these risks will only increase. What is your plan to protect Ward 2 from climate change impacts?

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 3: Providence Public Schools continue to struggle after the state takeover. As a city councilor, what do you believe is the best path for our public schools, and what role would you play in advancing educational outcomes? Do you believe Providence is prepared to resume local control of the schools?

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 4: Antisemitism is on the rise globally, and Rhode Island is no exception. In 2024, Rhode Island recorded 52 antisemitic incidents, with 34 of them occurring here in Providence. Ward 2 is home to one of the city’s largest Jewish communities, and many of us have legitimate concerns about safety, inclusion, and growing isolation. What concrete actions would you take to ensure the Jewish community feels protected, supported, and fully included in civic life?

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 5: I’m now turning to an issue that I think has bipartisan outrage: the proliferation of illegal motorbikes. They have impacted every Providence neighborhood with particularly severe effects on the East Side. Effective solutions have proven elusive as riders use Blackstone Boulevard and other main roads, including North Main Street. As a city councilor, what measures would you implement to keep Providence safe for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and let us get a little more sleep?

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 6: Providence faces a persistent budget crisis. Where would you seek cost savings, and what new revenue sources would you pursue?

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott

Question 7 was a “lightning round,” in which the candidates quickly answered four fun questions unrelated to policy. The questions and answers are here.

Closing Statements:

Alex Brito - David Caldwell - Jill Davidson - Jeff Levy - Matt McDermott