I’m proud to officially announce my candidacy for Newport City Council.
Newport isn’t just where I live. It’s home.
I was born at Newport Hospital, attended Newport Public Schools, spent summers at Camp Rocky Farm and Braga Park, learned to play tennis at Vernon and Rogers Courts with my late great-uncle Frank Kenney, played softball at King Park, and grew up in the neighborhoods that make this city so special. But that’s not why you should vote for me.
Because I grew up here, I understand what Newport has been—and what it can be again.
I know what it’s like to struggle in our school system. I know what parents feel when they want more for their children, and I know how hard our educators work despite being asked to do more with less.
I understand how important Newport Hospital is to island families. I was born there with hydrocephalus. Having a local birthing center isn’t simply a convenience—it’s essential for families when every minute matters.
I know the importance of our parks, recreation programs, and giving our young people safe, positive places to grow. Those experiences helped shape who I am.
But I also know the challenges we face today.
Homelessness deserves real solutions that help people—not simply hiding the problem.
Our sidewalks are crumbling, especially in neighborhoods like mine near the former Naval Hospital along Third Street. Every year, military officers and visitors from around the world walk those streets on their way downtown. The condition they see should reflect the pride we have in Newport—not neglect.
Housing has become increasingly out of reach for working people. I’m one of the few people I know here who pay all of my housing costs on my own. Too many young adults today either live with parents or rely on a second income simply to afford to stay here.
My father dedicated much of his career to creating affordable housing in Newport, including Newport Heights and Park Holm. Continuing the Landry commitment to helping Newport families find stable housing would be one of the greatest honors of my life.
Many people have asked where I’ve been since my last campaign in 2020.
The answer is simple.
My father was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
For years, I became his full-time caregiver while continuing to work a full-time job. Anyone who has watched a loved one battle dementia knows there are no easy days. I fought for in-home care. I searched for memory care options on Aquidneck Island. I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate systems that are supposed to help families during the hardest moments of their lives.
Caring for my dad was the greatest privilege of my life.
It taught me patience, compassion, perseverance, and how to advocate for someone who couldn’t always advocate for himself.
Those are the same values I’ll bring to City Council.
Every day in my career, I help people solve problems. I meet families who are deciding between reliable transportation to get to work and putting food on the table. I see the growing gap between those who struggle to make ends meet and those fortunate enough not to worry about it.
I don’t believe in kicking problems down the road.
I believe in planning ahead, following through, and getting things done.
If you elect me to the Newport City Council, I promise to serve every resident with the same dedication, compassion, and commitment that I gave my father until his very last day.
I won’t ask you simply to take my word for it.
Ask my family. Ask my friends. Ask my coworkers. Ask the people who knew my dad. Ask the caregivers who worked alongside me.
They’ll tell you that when someone needs help, I show up.
That’s the kind of councilor I intend to be.
I’m ready to listen.
I’m ready to work.
And I’m ready to help build a Newport that works for everyone.
I’d be honored to earn your vote.
— Meagan E. Landry
Candidate for Newport City Council At-Large
