Episode Sixteen: Candidate Chat with Veronicka Vega

We sit down with Veronica Vega, candidate for Rhode Island House District 49, covering Woonsocket and North Smithfield. Veronica shares her journey from working in Woonsocket's code enforcement and federal programs department to deciding to run for office after participating in the Women's Policy Institute fellowship. In this episode, we discuss economic development in northern Rhode Island, the need for better public transit, school funding disparities (including Woonsocket High School's leaking roof and lack of textbooks), Rhode Island's road and infrastructure challenges, clean energy policy, and what it means to be an accessible representative. Veronica also opens up about her personal experience with homelessness and food insecurity — and why she believes those lived experiences make her a stronger candidate to represent her community. Find us at nspubliccomment.com Email: nspubliccomment@gmail.com Instagram: @nspubliccomment Facebook: Public Comment North Smithfield Find Veronica at @VegaforRI on Facebook & Instagram #rhodeisland #woonsocket #northsmithfield #2026midterms #ripolitics #rhodeislandpolitics #veronicavega #district49 #publiccomment