Dr. Sandra Flowers today shared the following statement with What’s Up Newp, announcing her intent to run for reelection to the Newport School Committee.

“I am announcing my intention to run for re-election to the Newport School Committee.  Presently in my sixth term, I know that much more work has to be done to maintain and improve the progress that has taken place in Newport Public Schools.  High on my list of priorities is the pending bond referendum to build a new Rogers High School and an addition to Pell Elementary School.  In addition are the efforts to reinstate the students into in-person schooling while still utilizing the advantages of remote, or “distance learning” education.  As usual, prudent planning and fiscal responsibility come into play in all our efforts. 

As important are two serious issues that affect everyone involved in local education; unfortunately, many think these are beyond our control.  Quite apparent are the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; these cannot be overstated.  This insidious disease affects everyone—the ill and the healthy, the young and the old, our educators, our students and their parents/caretakers.  Those who are fortunate not to have contracted the virus are often overwhelmed by the burdens placed upon all of us in these strange times.  

As overwhelming and onerous is the breakdown of relations among people in our nation and unfortunately in our community.  We witness both overt and subtle bigotry against our sisters and brothers of different races, ethnicity, economic status, and abilities.  Both of these issues bring serious and long-term consequences to the education of our youth.  It is incumbent upon our elected officials to do all we can to mitigate the negative effects of these plagues on our society.  

To deal with all of the concerns and challenges in education and community at large, I firmly believe that the art of communication is key to the success of not only our schools, but our city, our state, and our nation.  If the students in our diverse community are going to succeed in their chosen careers, we adults must use the gifts of listening carefully and speaking even more carefully.  Only then will the young people learn by our example to accept and appreciate each other”.

Sandra J. Flowers, PhD

Newport School Committee member

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