Election

Newport’s schools are too important for the School Committee and City Council to work in separate corners. Our students, families, educators and taxpayers all have a stake in the decisions shaping our schools and our city’s future. I was concerned by comments at the joint School Committee and City Council meeting suggesting the school budget […]

This year, I see real hope for a functional school committee (see my previous letter addressing the School Committee election). With that development, I dream of what Newport could accomplish if the School Committee could have constructive dialogue with a functional council. The council race is more complex, but fortunately for those who’ve waited to […]

Since we started this campaign, I’ve spoken with Newport residents at community events, meet-and-greets and other forums. With the help of volunteers, we’ve knocked on more than 1,000 doors to share my vision for a livable future and the approach I’d like to take to get there. Across all these conversations, the most important aspect […]

A city budget is a statement of values. One can see what councilors believe by what they fight to fund, and Ellen Pinnock’s priorities all point the same way: a decent standard of living for the people of the First Ward and for Newport as a whole. City Council governs through ordinances and resolutions. Those […]

As we approach Election Day, I’ve been reflecting on what this campaign has meant to me, and what I hope it has represented to the Newport community. Election seasons can bring out both the best and worst in people. There have been disagreements, accusations and plenty of political noise throughout this race. But from the […]

I have served the First Ward on the Newport City Council for the past two years, and I have worked in this community tirelessly for decades, on and off the dais. I am writing because I will not stay quiet while my motives and my character are attacked. In recent weeks, claims about my record […]

I am writing to formally express my strong endorsement for Michael Flynn, Terri Flynn and Christopher Rowe in the upcoming election for the Middletown Town Council. I have lived and worked on Aquidneck Island for over 50 years and care deeply about the direction of our town. I am confident these candidates are the leaders […]

To the Editor: I am pleased to endorse James Dring for Newport City Council at-large. As a single father of three daughters, James understands the challenges families face and the importance of keeping Newport an affordable, welcoming place to live. James has a proven record of public service, having served as chair of the Planning […]

I first met Charlie Holder during the summer of my junior year at Providence College, when I took a job waiting tables at the Pier Restaurant in Newport. Charlie was the general manager at the time. If you know Charlie, you know he’s a big guy with an even bigger presence. Standing over 6-foot-4 with […]

Across the state, Rhode Island’s employers are struggling to fill jobs in critical areas like healthcare, construction, the trades, and manufacturing. These workforce challenges have ripple effects that touch our daily lives — the ability to get a timely healthcare appointment or an emergency repair at your home — while creating a negative impact on […]

After serving nearly seven years on the Newport School Committee, I’ve seen behind the curtain enough to recognize who should be trusted to represent the best interests of our school system.   Candidates Elizabeth Barron, Carrie Cassady, Penelope Hunt, Kendra Wilson Muenter, and Amy Yozura will build a competent school committee for Newport. They bring […]

I’m writing in support of Penny Hunt for Newport School Committee. She has proven she has the knowledge, dedication, and character to make a real difference for all Newport families and residents. I first met Penny through her active participation in the Off Broadway Neighborhood Association and Involve Newport, where she worked to make our […]

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 […]