What’sUpNewp is rolling out three new community engagement tools aimed at fostering dialogue between Newport residents and key city officials.
The initiatives include regular Q&A sessions with the Newport School Superintendent, City Manager, and political candidates, providing a platform for direct communication between the public and decision-makers.
“Ask The Superintendent” will feature Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. During these 30-minute sessions, Jermain will address questions about Newport Public Schools, offering insights into the education system’s current state and future plans.
Similarly, “Ask The City Manager” will bring Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy to the forefront on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. This monthly engagement opportunity allows residents to inquire about city operations, policies, and developments directly from the top administrative official.
In addition to these recurring sessions, What’sUpNewp is launching “Ask The Candidates,” an ongoing series of one-on-one conversations with local and statewide political hopefuls. These interviews will delve into candidates’ platforms, qualifications, and stances on issues critical to voters.
Ryan Belmore, owner and publisher of What’sUpNewp, says, “These new initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering an informed and engaged community. By providing direct access to key decision-makers, we aim to bridge the gap between Newport’s residents and their elected and appointed officials.”
The organization plans to expand its offerings after the Nov. 5 General Election with the introduction of “Ask The Mayor” and “Ask The Council” programs. These additions will further broaden the scope of public engagement with local government.
All sessions will be broadcast live and made available for on-demand viewing across multiple platforms, including on our website, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. This multi-platform approach ensures accessibility for a wide range of community members.
What’sUpNewp is actively encouraging public participation in these initiatives. Residents can submit questions for each session through dedicated links on each “Ask” page above. This interactive element allows the community to shape the conversation and address issues that matter most to them.
The launch of these programs comes when many communities seek ways to increase transparency and accountability in local governance. By facilitating regular, direct communication between officials and the public, What’sUpNewp aims to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry.
