Cranston GOP Mayoral Candidates Trade Accusations of Corruption During Debate

Incumbent Ken Hopkins and challenger Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung faced off to discuss the issues

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins and Rhode Island state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung debated the issues.
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins and Rhode Island state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung debated the issues.
Submitted photos.
Share
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins and Rhode Island state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung debated the issues.
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins and Rhode Island state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung debated the issues.
Submitted photos.
Cranston GOP Mayoral Candidates Trade Accusations of Corruption During Debate
Copy

The two candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the Sept. 10 mayoral primary in Cranston traded allegations of corruption and debated the finer points of education, homelessness, and the fate of the city’s storied recreational pool on Aug. 26.

Nearly 100 people attended the event as the contentious race between incumbent Mayor Ken Hopkins and the challenger, state Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, moved into the home stretch.

The debate was held in the Cranston Public Library’s main branch. It was moderated by John Howell. Isabella Jibillian and Ian Donnis of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio joined Rory Schuler of the Cranston Herald as panelists.

You can watch the debate on the Cranston Public Library’s YouTube channel here.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

With $1.4 million in local funding at risk, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation slams White House move to eliminate federal library agency as part of broader “attack on knowledge” and copyright protections
Backed by Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Kennedy on his first day back from medical leave, the bill to legalize and regulate kratom passed 40–23 — reigniting debate over public health risks, regulatory consistency, and the potential for new state revenue
With just 20 days left in the legislative session, union workers, activists, and striking Butler Hospital staff rallied at the State House, urging lawmakers to pass a surtax on Rhode Island’s wealthiest residents to fund public services and close critical budget gaps
After weeks of testimony and a streamlined approach, prosecutors rested their case in Karen Read’s second trial, focusing on forensic evidence and her own statements while avoiding controversial witnesses from the first mistrial
In a powerful songwriting exercise, young creatives turn personal pain into healing, connection, and hope through music
Time capsules unearthed in the rubble of McCoy Stadium contain final treasures from Pawtucket’s beloved baseball team