Hopkins vs. Fenton-Fung: Republicans split on range of issues in Cranston mayoral primary – The Boston Globe

They even disagreed about whether they would go to dinner at Twin Oaks or Mike’s Kitchen.

On the Rhode Island Report podcast, just about the only thing that Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins and state Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung agreed on was their criticism of City Council member Robert Ferri, the Democratic candidate for mayor.

Fenton-Fung is challenging Hopkins in a rare Republican primary on Sept. 10, and the race has become the most closely watched contest in Rhode Island this election cycle. The winner will face Ferri, a former Republican, in the Nov. 5 general election.

For the podcast, we brought both candidates into the studio separately to explain where they stand on the major issues. Then we put their responses together so voters can easily compare and contrast.

Hopkins and Fenton-Fung weighed in on issues ranging from Cranston’s business climate to flooding in the city. They sparred over a Hopkins campaign mailer that attacked Fenton-Fung’s legislative voting record, and the state Ethics Commission’s dismissal of a complaint accusing Hopkins of nepotism.

At one point, Fenton-Fung rejected Hopkins’ accusation that her husband, former Cranston mayor Allan W. Fung, tried to get Hopkins to hire his law firm to do legal work for the city. “Does he have dementia now?” she asked, referring to Hopkins. “He should realize that Allan’s firm was already doing business for the city of Cranston.”

At another point, Hopkins talked about what role Allan Fung might play in city government if Fenton-Fung wins. “He’s probably going to tell her what to do,” he said. “He’s going to advise her. They’re a good political team. And politics aside, that’s not what I’m all about. You know, they bring politics into everything that they do.”

The discussion even included references to former Providence Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr. and former Governor Edward D. DiPrete.

To get the latest episode each week, follow Rhode Island Report podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms, or listen in the player above.

Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.