EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The two Republicans looking to secure their party’s nomination in the race for mayor of Cranston squared off Friday in a debate hosted by 12 News .

Mayor Ken Hopkins and state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung didn’t hold back on their criticisms of one another while debating topics such as rodent issues, housing, their alignment with the state GOP and more.

The 30-minute, commercial-free debate was moderated by Target 12 Chief Investigative Reporter Tim White and 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi . The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Robert Ferri in November.

In response to resident concerns about a rat problem in Cranston, Hopkins called it “a statewide issue.”

“Following COVID and the amount of trash that was picked up, we’re up about 20%,” Hopkins said. “A lot of people getting takeout lunches, takeout dinners — eating at home more. What we see is an uptick in the type of trash and where it’s disposed, keeping their cans covered so to speak.”

The mayor added that Cranston has “the only full-time rat control inspector in the state.”

Fenton-Fung criticized Hopkins for his handling of the rats issue, saying, “Ken always seems to place the blame on someone else.”

“In Knightsville, in Oaklawn, all we hear is the rats,” she said. “They’re people who are paying high tax dollars — we have the fourth-highest tax burden in the entire state — they expect more for their money.”

She proposed is to look at hiring private vendors to address the problem in certain areas while looking for a second inspector.

During a discussion about building more affordable housing, Hopkins cited current developments happening in Cranston.

“There’s some houses being built over on the West Warwick/Cranston border, there’s a new development there,” the mayor said. “We’re renovating the old Cranston Print Works that has sat vacant for the last 50 years. We’re over there putting in new town houses with Brady Sullivan.”

Hopkins added that an old school that has been demolished will see “four new houses” built on the land.

Fenton-Fung said she would focus on “single-level condos” and “assisted living or independent living communities” for senior citizens to be able to afford to stay in Cranston. She also signaled concerns about the developments Hopkins highlighted, saying, “there’s not always the affordable component to it.”

As for combating pushback on new housing being built — sometimes characterized as “NIMBYism” — Fenton-Fung suggested the answer is “a lot more communication, a lot more community outreach.”

Hopkins noted revitalization projects in the areas of Rolfe Square, Knightsville and Pawtuxet Village.

How conservative both candidates are also was a point of contention between them.

Hopkins pointed out that Fenton-Fung voted “with the Democratic majority” in favor of the state budget this past legislative session, noting that experts forecast the plan will leave the state with a roughly $260 million deficit next year.

Fenton-Fung pointed out that other Republicans such as House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale and state Rep. Brian Newberry voted in favor the budget as well.

“Joe Shekarchi, our current speaker, reached across the aisle and included a lot of Republican initiatives in that budget,” she said.

The candidates also had different answers regarding if they’d keep Col. Michael Winquist as chief of police in Cranston. His removal would require just cause, according to the city charter.

Hopkins would keep Winquist in the position, calling him “the best colonel in the state.”

Fenton-Fung didn’t commit to keeping or removing Winquist.

“After the election, we’ll have a great conversation,” Fenton-Fung said. “And I just want to make sure our plans are aligned.”

Early voting in Rhode Island is underway until Monday, Sept. 9, and the primary is Tuesday, Sept. 10.

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