Newport residents are gearing up for a significant election. The November 5 general election will determine all seats on the city council and school committee. The ballot also includes a crucial infrastructure bond question that could shape the city’s future.
What’sUpNewp has recently conducted one-on-one conversations with most candidates to help inform voters. On August 19, What’sUpNewp emailed all candidates, inviting them to join us for a one-on-one discussion between September 30 – and October 11.
John Walker (running for At-Large), Robert Leary (seeking re-election to the School Committee), and David Carlin (running unopposed for re-election to Third Ward) were the only candidates who did not participate in these interviews. Walker responded to our inquiry on October 5 saying that our emails had gone to his spam box, but did not book a time for a conversation before our deadline of October 11. Leary and Carlin did not respond to our requests.
Newport City Council At-Large
In the Newport City Council At-Large race, voters will choose four candidates from a field of seven. Incumbents Mark Aramli, Xaykham Rexford Khamsyvoravong, and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano are seeking re-election. Charles M. Holder Jr., currently representing Ward 2, is running for an At-Large seat.
Newcomers Ian Billings Martins, Stephanie Smyth, and John M. Walker round out the At-Large candidates. Incumbent Lynn Underwood Ceglie is not seeking re-election to an At-Large seat, instead opting to run for the 2nd Ward.
Mark Aramli seeks re-election to Newport City Council, emphasizes financial challenges and tourism management
Xay Khamsyvoravong seeks re-election to Newport City Council At-Large; highlights progress on city challenges
Jeanne Marie Napolitano seeks re-election to Newport City Council, cites experience and dedication
Charlie Holder seeks At-Large seat on Newport City Council
Ian B. Martins is running for Newport City Council with a focus on livability and preserving the city’s character
Newport City Council candidate Steph Smyth aims to bridge gap between city and residents
Newport City Council First Ward
The 1st Ward race features Hugo J. DeaScentis Jr. and Ellen Pinnock vying for the seat vacated by Angela Lima, who is not seeking re-election.
Hugo DeAscentis Jr., candidate for Newport’s First Ward Councilor, joins What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation
Ellen Pinnock, candidate for Newport’s First Ward Councilor, joins What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation
Newport City Council Second Ward
In the 2nd Ward, Matt Grant faces off against Lynn Underwood Ceglie, who is transitioning from her At-Large position.
Newport City Council candidate Lynn Underwood Ceglie seeks return to Second Ward
Matt Grant aims to bring fresh perspective, transparency, and civility to Newport City Council
Newport City Council Third Ward
Incumbent David Carlin III is running unopposed for the 3rd Ward seat.
Newport School Committee
The Newport School Committee election has 11 candidates competing for seven positions. Incumbents Rebecca Bolan, James A. Dring, Sandra J. Flowers, Robert J. Leary, Kendra Wilson Muenter, and Stephanie Winslow are seeking re-election. They face challengers Loretta Burke, Molly Kapstein Cote, Elizabeth Cullen, Penelope Billington Hunt, and Robert B. Power.
Becky Bolan seeks re-election to Newport School Committee to see Rogers High School project through completion
Newport School Committee candidate James Dring touts ‘common sense’ approach to decision-making
Sandra Flowers cites Rogers, ongoing challenges as motivation for re-election bid to School Committee
Kendra Wilson Muenter seeks re-election to Newport School Committee
Incumbent Stephanie Winslow seeks re-election to Newport School Committee
Newport School Committee candidate Loretta ‘Lori’ Burke calls for ‘back to basics’ approach
Molly Kapstein Cote aims to bring fresh perspective, problem-solving approach to Newport School Committee
Newport School Committee candidate Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen emphasizes new approaches, collaboration
Penny Hunt hopes to bring funding and leadership experience to Newport School Committee
Newport School Committee candidate Dr. Robert B. Power emphasizes need for auto tech and cosmetology at Rogers High School
Question 6
A significant ballot question, known as Question 6, asks voters to approve a $98.5 million bond for infrastructure and municipal facility improvements.
The question reads: “Shall an act passed at the 2024 session of the General Assembly entitled ‘An Act authorizing the City of Newport to issue not to exceed $98,500,000 general obligation bonds and notes to finance all costs relating to the design, construction, repair, rehabilitation, replacement and improvement of infrastructure and municipal facilities in the City’s neighborhoods, including, but not limited to, land acquisition, demolition, landfill remediation, streets, sidewalks, public parks, bridges, sewers, drainage, City buildings, and recreation, beach and harbor facilities’ be approved?”
This comprehensive bond proposal aims to address various aspects of Newport’s infrastructure, from streets and sidewalks to public parks and city buildings.
In a recent memo to the City Council, City Manager Colin Kennedy shared the following outlook on what would happen if the bond fails.
What’sUpNewp will discuss Question 6 with Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy during a one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, October 16 at 10 am.
Ask The City Manager: Colin Kennedy joins What’sUpNewp to discuss the bond question and more on Oct. 16
Early Voting
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division remind eligible voters that early voting begins Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and continues until 4 p.m. on November 4.
Eligible voters can find their early voting location online at vote.ri.gov or by contacting their local board of canvassers.
The deadline to request a mail ballot is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. After that deadline, voters who cannot vote in-person can request an emergency mail ballot from their local board of canvassers. The Board of Elections must receive all mail ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5.
Voters can find important information online here.
To learn more about elections in Rhode Island, visit vote.ri.gov.
