Opinion

On November 8, I will be voting to reject Question 5.  For nearly two decades, I have been a proponent of real regionalization between Middletown and Newport public schools. However, the initiative on this year’s ballot is not real regionalization. Real regionalization would result in students from both communities attending the same schools, especially for […]

Sen. “Lou” DiPalma, is an engineer who looks at old problems with a new perspective.  He does not accept the status quo, acts with integrity and openness, and listens to the concerns of his constituents. He has demonstrated leadership and understands the needs of both large and small businesses.   His government experience includes serving for […]

This is NOT a vote on regionalizing the schools in Newport and Middletown. This is merely a vote on creating a central district office. Don’t be fooled by this ballot issue.  Newport and Middletown schools will remain separate. In fact, if this ballot item is passed, and Middletown passes its bond question, there will be […]

In response some recent criticisms, I have to say that, if you really care about our kids and our local economy you may want to reconsider your position.  Both towns have declining student enrollments. Young families cannot afford to move into either Middletown or Newport, and both schools offer limited curriculums.  Middletown is made of […]

By now, the behavior patterns of our local coyotes during courting and pup-rearing seasons have become recognizable to many residents. Mating occurs in the early winter and pup-rearing from spring through the summer months. But fall brings another life-cycle event that should be on everyone’s radar—“dispersal season,” when young coyotes leave their packs to strike […]

Often opposition to a proposal or a new idea is a decoy – a fake substitution or flare intended to distract from something valid or challenging.  School regionalization?  Watch out for the flares. Flare #1 – Loss of union jobs.Reality –  The school population will grow due to students returning to the schools from home […]

At certain times, the right person is in the right position at the right time. Although it might seem eons until the November election, I would like to strongly recommend you consider voting for Robert Power for Newport School Committee.   I have worked with him on several projects and can personally tell you he […]

I am writing to express my support for Stephanie Smyth’s campaign for Newport City Council.  I did not know Steph prior to her announcement that she would run for one of the Council’s at-large seats.  I attended one of her early Meet and Greet events at the Elks and I was excited to learn that she […]

Yes, I support regionalization.   At its core, it is a regionalization of the administration of the two schools.  Newport will receive 46 million dollars paid over the life of the bond that was passed to build a new Rogers High School and to add a new addition to Pell School.  The 46 million will be […]

I am a parent of young children in Newport and am highly invested in our public schools.  I have attended several public meetings discussing the proposal to regionalize Newport and Middletown schools.  While I would be thrilled to support a plan to unify our two small school systems; to create opportunities to expand AP courses, […]

To the Editor, Since returning to Newport a few years ago, after a career in public policy in Washington, I resumed an interest in working here on issues that I care about, concentrating on waterfront and coastal access, environmental protection, and transportation planning.  As I got more involved, one name kept coming up as a […]

As a resident, local business owner, and parent of two young children, I have directly seen the adverse impacts climate change has had on our community, my business, and the quality of life for my family.   Prior to Senator Dawn Euer becoming chair of the Senate Environmental Committee two years ago, our State had not […]

We finally have new candidates running for office in Portsmouth: Town Council candidates: Sharlene Patton, David Reise, David Gleason Portsmouth needs change. We have had the same people in power for far too long, making decisions that have had a significant negative impact on our Town. We need to restore transparency to our town leadership.   […]