Election

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 […]

Dear Newport Voters, I am pleased to endorse Elizabeth (Beth) Cullen for the school committee. I first met Beth ten years ago when her son was a student at Cranston Calvert Elementary School and Thompson Middle School. Since then, I’ve admired her unwavering deep commitment to enhancing education. Her passion for linking the arts with […]

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 […]