Government transparency: the practice of making information about how government operates available to the public in an open, honest & accountable manner. Transparency is important because it allows citizens to hold their public officials accountable and understand how the government is spending their taxes.
In this election, I’m voting for Steph Smyth, I’ll explain why. Steph’s resume of contract administration, union negotiation, finance, hospitality, process improvement & charter review services are skillsets much too valuable to leave out on November 5th. Steph will endeavor to create more transparency/accountability with council, as has already been demonstrated. During the candidate forums, Steph promised to only serve 2 terms if elected, setting this as a cornerstone issue. Of Steph’s many other priorities, one is to convince the council to install term limits as part of our City Charter, allowing more regular infusion of new ideas, energy & inclusion into Newport’s city government. To sit on council for inordinate numbers of terms is a surefire way to receive elongated periods of not only stagnation but invites the risk of leading other newer colleagues along a continued path of repeated missteps and lost opportunities.
Newport is at a pivotal juncture right now where long term and newly arriving residents alike are quickly losing our city’s character, affordability & livability. We sorely need a reset away from the “this is how we did it then” toward a “Let’s see how we can do it better” council ethos. For those who argue that 5, 6 & 8 terms are needed, there are oodles of boards & commissions where that legacy knowledge can be useful and appreciated. I am eager to see fresh faces and modern ideas and Steph’s addition to the council will be just that turning point Newport needs and deserves. Vote energy, vote transparency, vote accountability and vote smart.
Gerry De Cotis, Newport
