Kathryn “Kate” Leonard announced on Tuesday, July 12 that she will not be seeking re-election to Newport City Council Ward 3 after all.

Leonard has served on Newport City Council for more than twenty years and is the third incumbent City Council member not seeking re-election. Elizabeth Fuerte and Jamie Bova are not seeking re-election to their At-Large seats.

Leonard’s decision means that David Carlin III will run for the seat unchallenged in November, if he fulfills the requirement to get 50 signatures from registered Newport voters by Friday, July 15.

Carlin was a former Newport School Committee member.

While ten candidates are running for the four At-Large seats on Newport City Council, there are now no challenges in Ward 1, Ward 2, or Ward 3.

Leonard shared the following press release with What’sUpNewp;

“After spending more than 20 years on the Newport City Council, I have decided to withdraw my nomination papers to run for Ward 3 Councilor. These many years have been very rewarding to me. I have done my best to be an advocate for my constituents and have worked to respond by texts, emails, and phone calls. I plan on still being active in our community and will continue to offer any assistance to the people of our city. I have decided to concentrate on my extended family, elderly dog, and my real estate career. 

I have communicated with my opponent David Carlin several times. Having networked and forged relationships on not only local, but State and national levels, I have offered to use my experience to help him transition into the position that I have held in any way needed.  I have confidence that he will represent the residents well. 

The Charter Review Commission has made several recommendations for changes to our governing policies in Newport. I do not want to see the Ward Councilor positions to be eliminated and feel this would be an injustice to the people of our city. 

I think that the present tax increase of 4% is not sustainable, even though the collected tax rate will be 3% this coming fiscal year. The students of Newport need to improve educationally in order to have a good lifestyle. It will take parents, teachers, and administrators working together to bring this to fruition. The teachers cannot have this responsibility alone. 

Newport is my home. I want to continue to live here. What happens in Newport in the coming years is very important to all of us. Realistic people are needed in government. There is a balance on what people can afford and what they can wish for. I will be watching—and commenting.   

I thank you all for letting me represent you. I will continue to be readily available to help our city and all of you who live here. 

Kate Leonard

Ward 3 Newport City Council “