Episode Seventeen: Candidate Chat with Nelly Burdette

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Public Comment North Smithfield hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine interview Nelly Burdette, a licensed psychologist and chief clinical officer running for Rhode Island Senate District 17, covering Lincoln, North Smithfield, and North Providence.

With over 20 years in healthcare and behavioral health, Nelly Burdette has seen firsthand how silos between organizations stall mental health progress in Rhode Island. She discusses the affordability crisis affecting Rhode Island families — from housing and childcare to rising healthcare costs — and explains why government should be designed for the people using it, not the people working inside it.

As a first-generation immigrant from Ukraine, a cancer survivor, and a working mother of three, Nelly shares the personal story behind her drive for public service and the door-to-door conversations — with voters who agree with her and those who don't — that fuel her hope for a stronger, more united community.

This episode covers healthcare policy, behavioral health access, local government transparency, and the 2026 Rhode Island election. Whether you live in Lincoln, North Smithfield, North Providence, or anywhere in Rhode Island, this conversation is a must-listen for voters who care about mental health, affordability, and community.