Providence’s Elmwood Neighborhood Association hosted a forum for the four Democratic candidates for Providence City Council Ward 9: April Brown, Gerard Catala, Juan Pichardo, and Miguel Quezada. The winner of the Democratic primary will go on to face two independent candidates, Diego Arena-Morley and Jose Perez Corporan in November. Current Ward 9 City Councilmember Carmen Castillo is term limited so the seat is open.

Following the Uprise RI format, the question is written out as asked by the moderator, followed by video of each respondent’s answer.

The forum began with each candidate presenting an opening statement:

April Brown:

Miguel Quezada:

Gerard Catala:

Juan Pichardo:

Question 1: Housing is a challenge in the city. What will you do as City Councilor to address the housing crisis?

Juan Pichardo:

Gerard Catala:

Miguel Quezada:

April Brown:

Question 2: What is your vision for improving the quality of life and reducing environmental burdens on our residents? For example, air quality, noise, and litter.

Miguel Quezada:

Gerard Catala:

Juan Pichardo:

April Brown:

Each candidate was given a chance to follow up on their answers to Question 2.

Gerard Catala:

Juan Pichardo:

Miguel Quezada:

April Brown:

Question 3: Ward 9 is one of the most diverse communities in Providence. How do plan to engage and communicate with residents of varying cultures in the ward? How do you plan to connect with residents openly and transparently?

Gerard Catala:

Miguel Quezada:

April Brown:

Juan Pichardo:

Question 4: How should the City of Providence the opioid settlement money?

April Brown:

Miguel Quezada:

Gerard Catala:

Juan Pichardo:

Question 5: Do you support defunding the police? A yes or no answer first and an explanation after.

Juan Pichardo:

Gerard Catala:

Miguel Quezada:

April Brown:

Question 6: Until a few months ago we wouldn’t have thought of abortion as an issue for local politics, but that has changed. Do you believe everyone should have access to abortion care, including state employees, or are you pro-life?

Miguel Quezada:

April Brown:

Gerard Catala:

Juan Pichardo:

Each candidate supplied closing statements:

April Brown:

Miguel Quezada:

Gerard Catala:

Juan Pichardo:

It was not only a night of competing ideas and visions, it was a night of competing tee shirts: