We have unique challenges in our coastal towns (Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown). First, we’re a coastal community in the time of climate change. As the former chair of our local Climate Resiliency Commission I helped enroll Charlestown in the state’s Municipal Resiliency Program and brought community members together to workshop and prioritize possible solutions. As your State Senator I have worked on bills to decarbonize buildings, with an eye towards bringing energy costs down for families. I also championed the Act on Coasts bill and want to continue to marshal together the planning and key resources to protect our critical infrastructure and make sure we’re prepared before the next Hurricane Sandy hits. Second, we are seeing fewer families here and more out-of-towners who only come during the summer. The cost of everything: housing, gas, food, childcare, and healthcare, is stretching many families’ budgets. I will continue to work hard so that everyone who has roots here can afford to stay here.