Episode Nine: Candidate Chat with Sue AnderBois
View the full transcript.
In Episode 9 of Public Comment: North Smithfield, hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine interview Sue AnderBois, Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor candidate and Providence City Council member. The conversation covers Rhode Island energy policy, including the state's over-reliance on fossil fuels, how the regulated utility model drives up energy bills, and the upcoming release of Sue's full energy plan. Sue explains what a lieutenant governor does in Rhode Island and her vision for using the office to tackle systemic challenges.
The episode also dives into road safety — specifically Sue's work on North Main Street in Providence, where her task force delivered more safety improvements in two years than the previous three decades. Additional topics include Flock surveillance cameras and privacy concerns, data sharing practices, the potential for a statewide Flock ban, and practical advice for citizens serving on local boards and commissions.
Sue also discusses the free Rise Energy Audit program available to Rhode Island residents through Rhode Island Energy, and how energy efficiency investments can lower bills immediately.
Topics Covered:
Why Sue decided to run for Lieutenant Governor and her "What are you gonna do about it?" philosophy
What a lieutenant governor does in Rhode Island: succession, advisory councils (long-term care, small business, emergency management), and the "choose your own adventure" role
Energy challenges in Rhode Island: over-reliance on fossil fuels, regulated utility model, and Sue's upcoming energy plan (breaking news — announced first on this podcast!)
Programs available now: the free Rise Energy Audit through Rhode Island Energy — you've already paid for it
How different levels of government (federal, state, municipal) work together — and why coordination matters
North Main Street safety improvements: Sue's task force that delivered more safety upgrades in two years than the previous 30, including new lighting, crosswalk timing, and a road safety assessment
Advice for citizens on boards and commissions: don't take no for an answer, find a champion, bring data, and be the squeaky wheel
Flock cameras: privacy concerns, data sharing with out-of-state agencies and potentially ICE, what Providence has done with MOUs, and whether a statewide ban is possible
Parks and Rec: Leslie Knope for President (endorsed)
Resources & Links:
Sue AnderBois campaign: sueanderbois.com
Contact Sue: Sue@sueanderbois.com
Find Sue on Facebook, Instagram, and Blue Sky
RISE Energy Audit (free energy audit through Rhode Island Energy): riseengineering.com
Providence Special Committee on the Environment & Resiliency (Flock camera research presentation): available on the Providence City Council website
Vision Zero: visionzeronetwork.org
RI Infrastructure Bank (climate resilience programs): riinfrastructurebank.com
Hosts: Elizabeth Hammond & Sarah LaFontaine Find us: nspubliccomment.com | Facebook (page + group: Public Comment North Smithfield) | Instagram: @nspubliccomment Email us: nspubliccomment@gmail.com
Public Comment: North Smithfield is a local news podcast by Neighbors for the Neighbors. We are local moms and small business owners sifting through the issues so you don't have to.
