What is your vision for Newport?
A city that protects residents’ quality of life, supports local businesses, invests in student success, and provides safe streets and sidewalks for everyone? A city where elected officials listen, answer questions and treat people with respect?
As this City Council term comes to a close, I’ve reflected on both our accomplishments and the challenges we’ve faced. Unfortunately, political hostility, personal attacks and aggressive behavior have too often overshadowed meaningful discussions about Newport’s future.
Election seasons can be emotional, and disagreements are inevitable. But personal attacks and misinformation distract from the issues that matter most to residents. We should be debating policies, priorities and solutions — not attacking one another.
Recently I received a candidate questionnaire from a local publication. Unlike traditional candidate surveys, where candidates are generally asked the same questions, these questionnaires appeared to vary significantly, with some questions framed around accusations and assumptions rather than objective inquiries about policy.
After careful consideration, I chose not to participate.
My decision was not about avoiding difficult questions or accountability. It was about refusing to contribute to an outlet that is biased in the information it reports on and prioritizes hostility over informing residents.
I welcome respectful dialogue and believe residents deserve thoughtful, factual answers.
The topics raised, along with my positions, legislative work and priorities for Newport, are available at stephsmyth.com.
Newport deserves leadership focused on collaboration, transparency, professionalism and results. We can disagree without disrespecting one another. We can challenge ideas without attacking individuals.
Our community deserves campaigns focused on Newport’s future, where facts matter more than misinformation and false accusations.
That is the standard residents deserve, and one I will continue to uphold.
Stephanie Smyth
Newport city councilor, at-large. Smyth is a candidate for reelection. Her campaign website is stephsmyth.com.
What’sUpNewp welcomes letters to the editor and op-eds from Newport County residents. Election-related submissions must be received by Oct. 30. Send yours to ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style, and do not reflect the views of What’sUpNewp.
