Climate Action Rhode Island (350.org/ri), the grassroots environmental group representing over 4000 Rhode Islanders demanding action on the climate crisis, is pleased to announce a dual endorsement of two candidates for Providence City Council in Ward 2: Dave Caldwell and Jill Davidson.

A team of volunteers from CARI’s Politics Team interviewed Dave Caldwell, Jill Davidson, and Matt McDermott about their climate positions and experience. A fourth Democratic candidate, Jeff Levy, declined to be interviewed.

All three candidates impressed us. We feel certain that any of the three would be an excellent advocate for climate priorities at City Hall. Matt McDermott was thoughtful and knowledgeable about environmental topics, and stood out for having the clearest vision of how city elected officials should work together to amplify Providence’s voice on state-level issues. Having said that, Dave Caldwell and Jill Davidson stood out for their long, proven track records of devotion to environmental causes. Dave’s knowledge of and passion for decarbonization, particularly in the building sector where city-level decisions are highly impactful, is unmatched. But by the same token, Jill brings unmatched experience in community engagement and coalition-building on topics from green infrastructure and multi-use paths to toxic waste cleanup and our public schools. In the end, CARI’s committee was unable to withhold our endorsement from either of these two great climate champions.

In the Tuesday, November 4 primary election, we urge all Ward 2 residents to cast ballots for their choice of Jill Davidson or Dave Caldwell.