Community Submission

It was encouraging to read the recent letter to the editor suggesting that the Council-elect consider departing from the tradition of the past two decades and retain the current mayor in his position. While limiting a mayor’s tenure can be reasonable, the Charter allows the Council to pick the best possible candidate to allow our […]

Thank you Middletown Voters for your trust, and your votes this election season. I am truly honored to have been elected to serve YOU on the Town Council here in beautiful Middletown, Rhode Island This has been an interesting election season to say the least, especially here at the local level. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting […]

To the Editor,           Congratulations to the newly elected Newport Councilors whose first task will be to decide who among the four at-large Councilors will be Chairman of the Council. Whomever is selected, will carry the ceremonial title of Mayor, which brings no extra vote or other power. Two years ago, our present mayor, Xay Khamsyvoravong won […]

Newport is a world-class destination but also our home.  We share our City with everyone from billionaires to beach bums.  The Council- Elect is strong and will need to focus on spending that keeps Newport livable so families can thrive.  Xay will continue to lead the Council in creating more workforce housing, improving our schools […]

I am pleased to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Kendra Wilson Muenter for the Newport School Committee. I have been consistently impressed with Kendra’s unwavering commitment to Newport’s students, families, and educators. She is a dedicated advocate for equitable school funding, and her deep knowledge of the community and our schools informs her actions in every way. When […]

In the October 24th edition of Newport This Week, the Editor’s note accompanying school committee candidate profiles incorrectly paraphrases a question we were asked about teaching Multilingual Learners (MLL): “[Candidates] were also asked if they felt certified intervention support should be provided for MLL students outside the classroom. Eight of the 11 candidates replied yes, […]

I humbly ask for your vote for re-election to Middletown Town Council.  As your councilor, I will fight for affordability. Residents are being pushed out of our community because they cannot afford to live here. When taxes go up for landlords, those get passed on to renters. We need less politics and drama and more […]

We need David Quiroa as State Senator for Newport and Jamestown.  A 36-year resident of Newport who has raised five children here, David and his family are active communicants of St. Joseph’s Church. David began his career navigating the hospitality industry in Newport at beloved local establishments such as the White Horse Tavern, The Black […]

To the Editor: I, Robert Power, am running for Newport School Committee to keep the auto technology and cosmetology programs incorporated into the new Rogers High School campus.  The auditorium and gym have been torn down and replaced with unfortunately, smaller versions of each.  But, taking down the building that houses auto-tech and cosmetology to […]

I endorse Mark Aramli for At-Large City Councillor.  I have seen him address thorny, polarizing issues with compassion, courage and directness.  Doing the right thing seems more important to him than doing the thing that gets him more votes.  When others suggest having repetitive forums, fact finding, or commission reports, he is ready to act when the […]

Dear Editor, We urge Ward 2 voters to consider seriously Matt Grant for the Ward 2 City Councilor seat.  Matt is a highly intelligent young man who has thoroughly researched the issues facing Newport and its citizens, and considered them thoughtfully.  He brings a sorely-needed fresh perspective to the issues that face the city.  For […]

To the Editor: My name is James Dring and I am running for re-election to the Newport School Committee.   The past few years have been challenging, but I bring common sense, good judgement and an independent thought process.   I have taken no money from anyone for my campaign, and I am running to […]

To the Editor: The Jamestown Democrats are proud to endorse Senator Dawn Euer for re-election to Rhode Island Senate District 13.  Senator Euer has been a tireless advocate for protecting the rights of all Rhode Islanders.  She has been a steadfast supporter of environmental protection–her Act on Climate bill in 2021 was the most comprehensive […]

I am writing to express my support for the candidacy of Molly Kapstein Cote for the Newport  School Committee.   Molly has been an educator and a lawyer, teaching as an adjunct professor for Roger Williams  Law School and Salve Regina University. She is currently the State’s Chief Policy Officer for  Post Secondary Education. She often […]

I believe that Councilman Dennis Turano deserves to be re-elected to the Middletown Town Council. I’ve known Dennis for many years, serving as both his teacher, his coach and his friend.  Most recently I’ve had numerous conversations with Dennis about topics concerning the town of Middletown that both of us feel are important. We have […]

As new parents raising our baby in Newport, my husband and I are committed to building the best possible future for our child. Newport’s close-knit community and vibrant history are part of what drew us here, and we know that a strong, forward-thinking public school system is essential to sustaining that vitality for generations to […]

The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee (PDTC) has formally adopted a resolution opposing Question 1, which would call for a constitutional convention in Rhode Island. The Committee urges voters to reject this measure in the upcoming November ballot, citing serious concerns regarding transparency, the risk of dark money influence, and threats to the rights of vulnerable […]

“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 […]

Government transparency: the practice of making information about how government operates available to the public in an open, honest & accountable manner. Transparency is important because it allows citizens to hold their public officials accountable and understand how the government is spending their taxes. In this election, I’m voting for Steph Smyth, I’ll explain why. Steph’s resume of contract administration, union […]

Dear Editor,  As parents of Newport Public School students: a recent graduate of Rogers High School (now at St. John’s, NYC) and a current junior, my family and I are in full support of Kendra Wilson Muenter for another term on the Newport School Committee. Kendra is a parent, community volunteer, hard worker, who values […]

We have known Rebecca “Becky” Bolan for 27 years. We have closely workedwith her on numerous projects. She works tirelessly with utmost dedication and isof the highest integrity. She always does her research and comes to meetingsprepared, ready to work with anyone, even the contrarians. She moves issues orproblems toward resolution. She comes from a […]

I met Xay during his first run for City Council in 2022 when he knocked on my door. I was impressed with his vision for Newport, a vision that takes us forward. Since our first meeting, I have attended events where Xay answered questions presented to him by members of the community. These questions were […]

To the Editor,   I first met Xay in my front yard when he was walking neighborhoods during the campaign for city council two years ago. He shared his views, but he was clearly more interested in listening to mine.  What struck me was his seriousness of purpose. It wasn’t a casual conversation. It was a […]

I know a few things about being a Newporter. It’s not about if you were born in the Newport Hospital,  what your last name is or whether you are a full or parttime resident. Being a true Newporter means loving the Newport community, generously giving your time, working hard, and taking immense pride in calling […]

Dear Editor, In Middletown, we are currently faced with a choice. Do we want to subsidize and promote short-term-rentals (STRs) or do we want to limit/eliminate them? The current Council consists of a voting block who seem more in favor of limiting them. On the other side of the issue, we have Mr. Turano, who […]

Dear Newport Voters, As a teacher in an urban high school, I work with students daily who face unique challenges, that include a wide variety of academic, domestic and social struggles, emotional trauma, poverty, poor attendance, along with a lack of basic needs and resources.  That’s why I endorse Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen for the Newport […]

I have known Lynn Ceglie for over 30 years.  I admire her dedication to this community.  She is conscientious and extremely responsive to her constituents. I have seen her answer calls and texts from residents who have concerns about their quality of life. Her achievements include reducing residential taxes, providing free downtown parking, and banning […]

I met Mark Aramli just prior to the last election cycle and invited him to tour the Edward King House Newport Senior Center.  He contacted me shortly after and came for a visit and tour of the building.  He learned we are a safe place for all Seniors aged 50+ to learn, grow, socialize and […]

Vote Ceglie!  Vote Smart!! In my experience with Lynn Underwood Ceglie Ward 2 will be lucky to have her back!  She has always been responsible and responsive to any of the issues I asked her to resolve.  She knows how to get it done.  I believe she truly cares for her constituents and will make […]

Dear Editor,   I am writing to express my strong support for Penny Billington Hunt’s candidacy for the Newport  School Committee. As a concerned parent in our community, I believe Penny brings the  leadership, vision, and dedication that our schools desperately need.   Penny has a proven track record of advocating for quality education and […]

I am a full-time Newport resident with great concern for our housing crisis. I want to applaud the effort to curb the growth of new short-term rentals by Councilor Mark Aramli, as these units continue to consume our residential housing. Short term rentals are now poised to gobble up the buildings of our small shops […]

Dennis Turano is a long-life Middletown, Rhode Islander who proudly serves as a Middletown Council person. Dennis’ personal business expertise and success, leadership, and his fiscal stewardship provide him with the tools needed to represent our community.  Serving 8 years as a public servant for Middletown he has been instrumental in the after-school program initiative […]

I am writing to endorse Robert “Bobby” Leary for School Committee. Bobby Leary has an indefatigable passion for serving children and families in his capacity as a School Board member. Bobby does not hesitate to ask the tough questions as his primary motivation is doing the right thing. Bobby has integrity, is transparent and asks […]

Dear Newport Voters, I am writing to offer my enthusiastic endorsement for Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen as a candidate for the Newport School Committee. I had the pleasure of working closely with Beth on a zoning issue that threatened one of Newport’s historic neighborhoods. Together, we successfully opposed the construction of an oversized wedding facility and […]

On the docket for the City Council meeting on October 9th I read our City Manager’s Memorandum re: question 6, the $98.5 million bond referendum on the November election ballot. He urges Newport voters to vote “Yes.” My opinion? YES! This is an excellent memorandum – clear, well written and convincing with specific examples of how […]

As a four-year Newport resident I worry about the climate crisis and the threats of catastrophic  storm damage and coastal flooding. Representative Lauren Carson is an effective leader in the  battle against climate change.  1. In 2021 as lead sponsor of the Act On Climate, she led efforts in the House to pass  landmark legislation […]

During the 01 October Newport School Committee workshop, it became clear a change is wanted to the current cell phone policy to eliminate their use in school. Concerns about distractions, reduced social interactions, and bullying were expressed by the majority of participants. While these issues are significant, I question whether the proposed changes, particularly the […]

To The Editor: Among the many reasons I support Representative Lauren’ Carson’s reelection is her effectiveness at advancing Newport’s interests in the legislature and her focus on the issue of resilience in the face of climate change.  One recent example of her effective advocacy and leadership was gaining the legislature’s approval to put the $98.5 […]

I am writing in support of Lauren Carson’s re-election as a Representative to the State House of Representatives. Lauren was my neighbor on The Point for many years and has always been available when an issue has arisen.  I served on her Study Commission examining the economic impact of rising sea levels on the State […]

I endorse Ellen Pinnock in the general election for Ward One City Councilor. I put considerable thought into this after having the pleasure of meeting my opponents for the first time on election day. Ellen and Hugo are both good people who would work for us to the best of their abilities and they are […]

Although Dave Carlin is running unopposed in the 3rd Ward, I feel a shout out is warranted for his ongoing appreciation for spending resident taxpayer dollars wisely. The upcoming bond request for $98.5 MILLION dollars, which he voted against, is a case in point. He understands that we are already facing significant increases in taxes […]

Dear Editor, I met Beth Cullen while we served on the Alliance for Livable Newport (ALN). Five years ago, we then partnered on Citizen’s Exploring School Unification (CESU), a group that requested Newport and Middletown officials explore potential benefits of school regionalization. Beth consistently presented cogent analyses, compelling case studies, and well-reasoned arguments that could […]

To the editor, my family has had a very long connection with the Common Fence Point Improvement Association. At one point my brother, Thomas, was the president. For a long period of time I was the attorney for the Trustees and the Association. And in the 2000’s my family gave to the Association land to […]

I am writing today to recognize the hard work and commitment of the Newport Canvass Authority, the Newport Canvass Authority staff, and the poll workers and volunteers that made Primary Day 2024 in Newport such as success. Thank you for all your hard work. It is so unfortunate that the confidence in our electoral systems […]