“As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew” wrote Abraham Lincoln in his 1862 annual message to Congress. I am writing less eloquently to endorse three candidates for city Council at large: Xay Khamsyvoravong, Mark Aramli and Steph Smyth who (along with fellow candidate Charlie Holder) correctly identified the vital importance of infrastructure remediations at Easton’s Beach to protect our primary drinking water supply.
Regarding Xay, who is running for his second term, please read his October 10 letter in “Newport This Week” entitled “Why Newport Must Embrace Change”. Of course he’s not perfect but under his leadership Newport has made great strides towards dealing with crippling problems that have been worsening for decades. We can’t continue to have residents subsidize tourism and if we keep doing things the old way, few people will want to visit Newport, let alone live here. I’m glad he seems to be enjoying the role of Mayor because we are very fortunate to have him.
I was not a fan of Councilor Aramli (who I believe is also seeking a second term) but he does seem to fall on the pro-resident side of just about every issue and now that he seems to be developing a better understanding of the value historic preservation brings to the city and the role of the HDC, I’m happy to support him.
And Steph Smyth, a non-incumbent, has a strong background and will bring a fresh approach, promising to bridge the divide between the old and new and seek balance. As do the others, she understands the most attractive thing about Newport is the community.
Let’s not go back to the old ways of doing things and let our city slip away from us one dwelling at a time and one lot at a time until the whole city is exploited and no longer desirable or even recognizable. Let’s all get out and vote to keep this city moving forward in a positive and transparent direction!
Charles F. Pattavina, M.D.
Newport
