Newport’s Democratic City Committee has a new leader at the helm. Angela Lima, who previously served as a city councilor, was voted in as the committee’s chair on Monday night.
The NDCC shared the news on Instagram, highlighting Lima’s background in leadership roles. They posted a congratulatory message for their new chair, welcoming her to the position.
According to its own description, the NDCC is an organization focused on making positive changes in the community through its members’ efforts.
Susan Taylor, the outgoing chair of the Newport Democratic City Committee, provided What’sUpNewp with the following statement on Tuesday, January 14;
The Newport Democratic City Committee has a new Chair to lead us forward in these challenging times: Angela Lima!
When Angela ended her time on the Council, the wisdom of nominating her to be NDCC Chair was obvious. We had worked together productively for four years together on the Council, and she was an asset to me as I led the NDCC during my tenure as Chair. I was happy to support her stepping up as Chair, and will support her in the role of Vice Chair. I trust her to offer Democrats a new and inspiring vision.
The past four years as Chair of the Newport Democrats have been extremely rewarding. The privilege of leading Newport’s Democrats during these critical years is one of the highest honors of my life, beginning as it did just two days before the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. During my tenure we have overseen three election cycles – 2022, 2023, and 2024 – which has included the replacement of both of Rhode Island’s Congressmen, in addition to all the other races. The NDCC has seen significant growth of the Committee with energetic new members of multiple generations. It is that energy that makes my decision easy, and I step down with confidence about the future of the Committee under Angela’s leadership.
On the question of generational change, I’m convinced it’s important for my generation to provide space and support for younger leaders to step up. The decision whether to continue in a leadership role is not simply whether we still have energy and unfinished business. Do I still have energy? Absolutely! Do I have unfinished business? Of course, the work is never done. Still, that doesn’t entitle us to continue to dominate in leadership. Government – and by extension the Democratic party – needs to remain vibrant and alive.
My generation is living longer, and we’ll be depending on the next generation to address the many issues we leave in our wake. We should demonstrate that we trust them! I know NDCC members of my generation have worked hard for a better world, but our report card isn’t very impressive on some of the big issues. Now it’s time to step aside and offer our wisdom regarding what not to do! We’re all better off when the voices of multiple generations contribute to our dialogue, and respect must go both ways. If my generation wants our voices to be respected, we must respect the voices of our younger members.
Finally, a key element informing my thinking lies in the distinction between power and leadership. Leadership involves having a vision, lifting up other voices, and empowering others to do the work that motivates them. In contrast, an individual who seeks power all too often suppresses the voices of others. My goal has always been leadership, not power. I am honored to turn over the reins of leadership to my friend Angela.
