A grassroots organization that says it is dedicated to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Newport’s government today endorsed several candidates for Newport City Council.
Change the Charter today announced its endorsement of Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong, Councilor Mark Aramli, and City Council candidates Stephanie Smyth, Ellen Pinnock, and Matthew Grant.
Change the Charter is “a Newport-based organization committed to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in local government through thoughtful charter reforms and increased public participation.”
“These candidates have committed to at least four of the five core pledges laid out by Change the Charter’s candidate pledge, demonstrating their alignment with our values and their willingness to put Newport’s best interests first,” Ryan Patrick Kelley, Chair of Change The Charter says in a press release.
According to Change The Charter, these values include:
● Truth and Integrity over Misinformation – Upholding honesty and transparency in public communication and decision-making.
● Thoughtful Charter Updates – Supporting updates to Newport’s City Charter to reflect modern needs and promote a more efficient and representative government. ● Exploring Staggered Council Terms – Investigating the benefits of staggering terms to ensure continuity and long-term planning in governance.
● Increased Citizen-Led Oversight – Encouraging greater public participation in local government to foster trust and accountability.
● Term Limits – Exploring the introduction of term limits to encourage new leadership and prevent political stagnation.
“These five candidates have shown their commitment to real change and progress for Newport,” says Kelley. “For decades, Newport’s city government was extremely insular and often operated with a nod or a handshake; transparency seen as a burdensome task. This local election – much like what’s at stake nationally – is a clear choice between electing smart, hardworking civil servants or electing entrenched egos in it for the title and the trappings of the office they hold.”
According to Change The Charter, all Newport City Council candidates were invited to participate in endorsement process.
“All candidates for City Council were contacted and given the chance to participate at least three times (9/27, 10/2, and 10/3) via email addresses obtained from their campaign finance forms,” the press release states. “It is telling to note that four incumbents chose not to sign onto the pledge, two of whom have held a seat on City Council for more than ten years”.
“The candidates we’ve endorsed align with the values of integrity, transparency, and active citizen engagement that Change The Charter champions,” Kelley said. “Newport needs leaders who are committed to addressing the challenges we face with bold ideas and new perspectives – not just burying them under the rug for future generations to grapple with.”
Change the Charter writes that it “believes it is time for a shift in leadership—one that invites fresh ideas and prioritizes community-driven solutions. We encourage all Newport voters to participate in early voting, happening now, or to vote on Election Day. As a reminder, it is not required to select up to four city councilor candidates at-large if it is not desired”.
In closing, Kelley writes, “Change The Charter believes Xay, Mark, Steph, Ellen, and Matt are the fresh voices and sharp minds our city so desperately needs”.
For more information, or to view the candidate’s pledges, visit ChangeTheCharter.org.
