Gregory M. Huet, 61, a career Naval officer is running for the Middletown Town Council for the first time, saying he’ll be an advocate for affordable housing and education, among his priorities.

Huet  retired as a Naval Captain in 2011, after 26 years in the Navy.

WhatsUpNewp has asked each of the candidates throughout Newport County to fill out a form that outlines their background, positions, and their vision, all helping voters to make important election day decisions. 

If you are a candidate for office and have not received a form, or have misplaced it, please contact frank.prosnitz@gmail.com.

Besides the candidate’s form, WhatsUpNewp is also hosting videocasts with each of the candidates. Consult the WhatsUpNewp home page for a schedule of upcoming videocasts.

Here are Huet’s answers to our questions:

Government/political history

Current office: None.

Previous political/government elected offices held, and years: None.

Previous or current appointed government positions (including boards and commissions): Commissioned Naval Officer, U.S. Navy, 1985- 2011.

Political Party Affiliation in 2020: Unaffiliated. 

Previous political party affiliation if different from above: Registered Republican and Registered Democrat.

If elected my three top goals are:

  • West Side Development
  • Affordable Housing 
  • Improving Education.

Employment and Education

Current employment, including title, is: CAPT, USN (Ret.) 

Schools and degrees:

  • Davis and Elkins College, Elkins, WVA, BS, Marketing and Management 1981
  • Gannon University, Erie, PA, MS, Health Services Administration 1984
  • USMC Command & Staff College, Quantico, VA, MMS, Military Studies 2000

Professional organizations:

  • American College of Healthcare Executives, LFACHE

Awards of recognitions associated with work:

  • Legion of Merit with two gold stars
  • Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star 
  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star
  • Presidential Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation 
  • National Defense Service Medal with one gold star
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal
  • Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
  • Navy Arctic Service Ribbon
  • Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
  • Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon. 

Community

  • Knights of Columbus #256, Middletown/Newport. Served as Grand Knight, Columbus Club President and currently serves as a Trustee.
  • General Rosecrans Assembly #1058, Middletown, served as Faithful Navigator and currently serves as Chairman, Scholarship Committee and as an Officer holder.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4487 Middletown, Life Member, currently serves as Trustee.
  • Seven Castles Scholarship Committee, Newport, Member.
  • Ancient Order of Hibernians, Newport, Member
  • Elks Lodge# 104, Newport, Member 
  • Citizens Exploring School Unification, Middletown, Founding Member.

Frank Prosnitz

Frank Prosnitz brings to WhatsUpNewp several years in journalism, including 10 as editor of the Providence (RI) Business News and 14 years as a reporter and bureau manager at the Providence (RI) Journal. Prosnitz began his journalism career as a sportswriter at the Asbury Park (NJ) Press, moving to The News Tribune (Woodbridge, NJ), before joining the Providence Journal. Prosnitz hosts the Morning Show on WLBQ radio (Westerly), 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and It’s Your Business, also on WBLQ, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Prosnitz has twice won Best in Business Awards from the national Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW), twice was named Media Advocate of the Year by the Small Business Administration, won an investigative reporter’s award from the New England Press Association, and newswriting award from the Rhode Island Press Association.