What’sUpNewp recently sent every candidate for Newport City Council At-Large a questionnaire, an opportunity we hope will help voters get to know the candidates and learn about what they think are some of the most significant issues ahead of the November 5 General Election.
What’sUpNewp is reprinting these as they were provided to us.
Jeanne-Marie Napolinato
An incumbent on Newport City Council-At Large and a former Mayor, Jeanne-Marie, is seeking re-election to Newport City Council on November 5.
Occupation:
Retired – former insurance agent for life and pensions
worked inside management of office/agents
Bio:
Born Washington, DC
7 brothers & sisters
Working class family
Married: John Napolitano (deceased) 4 children, 5 grandchildren
First elected: 1991 served 4 years as 1st Ward Councilor. Lost election in 1995.
Return to Council at-large 2000
Tell us something fun or interesting about yourself:
I found a large family prepared me for my future venture into politics.
working with large groups and differences of opinions
Rank the following issues from most to least important (ok to put numbers on the right):
- Ethics 1
- Increasing density. 8
- Historic preservation 6
- Crime/safety 7
- Affordable housing 5
- Equity 3
- Environmental protection 4
- Economy/inflation 2
- Other
What are the biggest problems facing Newport right now?
What’s your top policy priority?
The economy which is primarily controlled by federal decisions relating to Interest rates but affecting every area of our lives. Groceries, affordable housing, energy costs should be of concern for everyone on Aquidneck Island. Housing is a matter of supply & demand. We need to build more reasonable housing for younger demographic individuals who are employed by all communities on Aquidneck Island. If we look at landmass alone it would make sense for Newport to work with Middletown & Portsmouth who have available acreage to provide housing, as Newport is essentially built out.
What qualifies you for the office?
My years of experience in working with projects large and small such as the rebuilding of Newport Heights and much needed attention to Miantonomi Park, one of the largest parks in Newport. Complete rehabilitation of Broadway & Washington Square to include new underground utilities for electricity, gas, water & sewer. 90% was paid for with State & Federal monies. The bonding to improve schools and the consolidation of services through the building of Pell. Continuing to work with outside organizations in our community to provide necessary services to all populations in Newport.
What’s the city’s biggest long-term challenge?
Educational System, future housing, and proper facilities for our growing needs.
What is Newport’s greatest strength, and how would you utilize it?
Our greatest strength has to be the depth of voluntary participation of our citizens in various organizations, clubs, commissions, and committees. Sharing their knowledge and experiences impacts important decisions which the entire council must decide
What ideas do you have to make the city more affordable and/or livable for its residents?
It does appear demographically population is increasing. We should be working with our neighboring communities to provide more housing, particularly for younger workers that are employed on Aquidneck Island. There should also be an effort by the Federal government to provide financial incentives for housing like what they did after WWII.
How can the city raise the revenue needed to fund the list of large infrastructure projects that need funding now and in the near future?
The citizens of Newport cannot possibly afford all the projects which are needed for the future.
As we have done in the past, we will be working with our State and Federal partners to secure either full or partial funding. We also need to work with other partners in the community and state which have a direct beneficial relationship with the needs in Newport.
What should be done about climate change in the city?
The city should continue to work with State & National officials to document our changing weather events and how it is impacting Newport. We also need to continue to update planning & zoning regulations which may contribute inadvertently to the deterioration of property.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I think the State should follow their own State Comprehensive Plan. If the state is to grow population-wise it should emphasize and enforce the statement in its own comp plan. RIGL 45-53 requires “most cities and town to maintain 10% of their year-round housing stock as affordable housing.”
The Ocean State ranks “dead last” in housing construction in the United States. Aquidneck Island continues to struggle with soaring rents & assessments, lack of housing supply and forced homelessness of residents. We are competing with the commercialization of any housing we have left by syndicates from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
