Newport Third Ward City Council Kate Leonard this evening announced her intent to seek reelection.

The following announcement was provided to What’s Up Newp;

“I have been proud of my time serving on the Newport City Council representing the Third Ward for every term except two since 1995.  I am announcing my candidacy to run again for the Third Ward Council seat to continue working to provide a balance between the residential and business elements of Newport. Both are struggling now from the financial impact of the Covid-19 virus. With many residents out of work and many businesses closed for months, we in Newport need to provide a forward-thinking methodology for lifting our economy out of its present state and continuing to monitor the health implications of the virus in the coming months. I feel privileged and honored to be serving on the Newport City Council and look forward to continue my strong advocacy for the people of my ward.

I feel fortunate to be giving my time and energy to the city that I love. For 12 years I raised funds, interviewed students and ran the Rogers High School Summer Mentoring Horticulture Program as a volunteer. Working with members of our community I am thankful for the people who have worked with me by donating their time or funding, or both, to improve our community. Thanks to many private donations and the work of friends, King Park now has the Harbor Walk. The playground equipment at both Aquidneck Park and Morton Park hve been installed. The fireboat received donations from a private donor. Both plants and labor were donated by the Friends of King Park to beautify the park. I am proud to work with friends and those in Newport who care about our community enough to donate time and funds. These donations also keep taxes down. They also provide cultural events like the NIMFest Music Series at King Park during the summer. 

During the gas crisis last winter, I felt it was my responsibility to help my constituents. Like so many others, I worked to quietly provide electric heaters when needed, offered rides and sleeping quarters. It is during these times, that most of us think of what makes Newport such a special place—people helping people. National Grid worked with me when I identified people who needed heat due to medical issues. I am very grateful that I was able to do my part. 

 I recognize that communication is imperative for fighting the divisiveness that we see in this country today. Newport is a beautiful place to live in. As the Comprehensive Land Use Plan goals states: “The City of Newport is a vibrant, forward-looking and welcoming community built upon a strong sense of place and cultural heritage. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the city for its rich history, natural beauty, boating traditions, walkability, enticing downtown community diversity, and overall quality of life. We are committed to charting a course for the future that embraces and encourages innovative growth and development taking an active role in the stewardship of our architectural and natural resources, and an enhanced quality of life, all while we maintain our unique history and cultural assets that are the foundation of our character.”  (Comprehensive Land Use Plan quote)”

The 2020 election season is officially underway, as candidates for local, statewide, and legislative seats begin to file their declarations of candidacy this week.

Those wishing to run for General Assembly or local offices must file with the local board of canvassers in the town in which they are registered to vote between June 22 and June 24.

Those declaring to run for U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives must file with the Department of State’s Elections Division, 148 West River St., Providence.

Party endorsements are due by June 26 for U.S. Senate and U.S. House, and June 25 for all local and General Assembly races.

The next major step for candidate is picking up nomination papers from local canvassers on June 30 and returning them with the required number of signatures by July 10.

For local offices, the number of signatures is set by the Canvassing Authorities and may vary by community.

For General Assembly seats, Senatorial candidates must collect 100 signatures, House of Representative candidates, 50. For U.S. Senate the minimum is 1,000 and U.S. Representatives, 500.

The deadline for individuals to withdraw their candidacies is July 13, otherwise their name appears on the ballot, even if they decide not to run.

All this leads to the primary election on Sept. 8, and the general election on Nov. 3. The deadline to register to vote for the primary is August 9, for the general election, Oct. 4.

Follow our 2020 Election Coverage here and here – Who’s running for office in Newport County? List of local and state candidates is here