Healthcare beyond Party Lines with Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

 

 

Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung is an elected politician currently serving as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the 15th district. In 2020, Barbara won the 15th district seat for Rhode Island’s House of Representatives against the speaker of the state house and, in so doing, became the first Rhode Islander to defeat a sitting speaker in 114 years and the first woman to represent her district. In the 2022 elections, Barbara emerged victorious in the Republican primary, gaining 92% of the vote after being challenged by Suzanne Downing. Barbara also serves as a physical therapist in addition to her legislative role at the Rhode Island House of Representatives and holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University.

 

Barbara joins me today to discuss how being a healthcare professional has shaped her perspective on socio-economic issues while being a Republican politician. She describes what she’s learned from running her first political campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains why it’s important to bring an “investment mindset” to the Republican party when it comes to social and economic issues. She emphasizes the importance of being active in your local community and school committees. Barbara also highlights how the Republican and Democratic parties work together to address social and economic issues and underscores the unique skills women can bring as they run for public office.

 

“Divisiveness permeates a lot of issues, but healthcare is an area we can have a lot of bi-partisan efforts on.” - Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

 

This week on Political Contessa:

 

• Why Republicans in Rhode Island need to play a different game
• Barbara’s experience running her first political campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The challenges and advantages of women in politics
• Being the spouse of a local politician
• How Barbara’s work in healthcare has shaped her perspective as a Republican politician
• Having an investment mindset in social and economic issues
• The willingness to help people take a different path in life
• Tackling homelessness, drug abuse, healthcare, and crime beyond party lines
• Talking about politics with a non-divisive approach
• Getting involved in your local government and school committees
• The pervasiveness of politics in our daily life
• Barbara’s vision for her future in politics and why she believes in term limits

 

Related Episode:

 

• Living the American Dream on the RI Campaign Trail with Former Congressional candidate Allan Fung

 

Connect with Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung:

 

• Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung on LinkedIn
• Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung on Instagram
• Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung on Facebook
• Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung on Twitter

 

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