Extended Candidate Profile
Newport This Week asked Council candidates to submit answers for candidate profiles. Read all candidates’ responses here. Since space was limited in NTW for responses, I have written longer answers for these questions that explain my perspective further. Read the NTW original questions and my answers below.
Describe your occupation in three words. (Retired, or place of employment, or former educator, etc.)
I work for an ocean conservation nonprofit as the program manager. My role is collaborating with event organizers to implement sustainability best practices to lessen the environmental impact of their events. My background is in marine biology and environmental education.
Describe simply, in 4 words or less, how long you have lived in Newport. (i.e. my whole life, 20 years, or on and off for 40 years)
I moved to Newport in July 2020 to be with my partner, who moved here in 2017 after we graduated from our Master’s program.
State your campaign priorities in 20 words.
I am running for Newport City Council Ward 2 to take bold action for a livable future for all. A livable future means housing you can afford, infrastructure you can rely on, and a government that’s transparent and responsive to you.
In 20 words or less, name what improvements you think the city can make to ensure a better quality of life for its residents? Consider such things as noise reduction, better maintained streets, enforcement of e-bikes or reducing water bills. (Space will not permit longer explanation)
The answer to this question could be endless; we will never run out of things that we can improve as a City. As I address in the housing question below, the main tactic we can take to improve quality of life is improving processes to enact good policies decisively and comprehensively. We have lots of great plans and we can shorten the timelines to put those plans into action. Among other improvements, I would prioritize implementing the tactics outlined in our transportation and other master plans to ease traffic, build housing, and protect green spaces. Inaction is still a decision; business as usual can negatively impact quality of life.
Regarding the affordability of living in Newport what zoning or density ordinances do you feel the city can make to develop more workforce housing?
As a scientist, I make decisions by weighing evidence and there is rarely one perfect answer. For all issues facing the community, we have to shorten the timeline between planning solutions and their implementation. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
In promoting workforce housing, we have strong ideas in the housing chapter of the comprehensive plan, and the Council can work with City staff and planning and zoning to implement them. This includes discouraging “down-conversion” of multi-unit properties to single-family homes and allowing construction of multi-unit homes throughout the City. Multifamily homes are consistent with the character of the City, and good for both annual renters and potential homeowners. We can also further leverage the two-tier tax system to encourage homeownership and year-round rentals. Adaptive reuse is a strategy that we have already leveraged, and the City can continue to identify buildings that could be candidates for this strategy. There is a lot that can be accomplished through creative and innovative zoning, if we are willing to try.
Increased density must be in balance with maintaining green and open spaces, as well as managing the burden on our infrastructure. We are a walkable City with mixed use throughout. Density is an asset - one we can continue to lean into and benefit from.
Answer either A or B to this statement:
A- Would you advocate for a short, 5-10 min. report or presentation at every council meeting from the superintendent to keep the council better informed?
OR
B- Would you advocate for 6-10 joint council and school committee meetings to keep the council better informed?
The School Committee is a separate elected body, chosen by the people of Newport to guide our schools. Out of these options, I selected “B” because I support joint public meetings with the City Council and School Committee to stay aligned, discuss issues that arise, and determine joint solutions. However, the School Committee does not report to the City Council and the City Council should not micromanage the School Committee. I would advocate for quarterly joint meetings and also do my best to attend or watch recordings of regular School Committee meetings to be aware of their discussions and decisions. As elected bodies, the School Committee and City Council should collaborate on equal footing.
Answer yes or no to this question: Are you pleased with the new plans for Perrotti Park including the harbor master building? (Space will not permit longer explanation)
Our waterfront is a public good and belongs to all of us. Maintaining access to outdoor spaces is something I value highly. Ensuring that Perotti Park, and all the parks and green spaces in the City, remain available and attractive for residents and visitors to use should always be a priority of the City Council. So far in the process, I have been impressed with the level of transparency and detail shared by the City staff and consultants in regards to the plans for the Perrotti Park rebuild. We are early enough in the process that nuance is key. At this time, I am satisfied with the discussion and justification for this project. I am optimistic that resident input thus far is being heard, and I look forward to seeing the proposed plans when they are developed. As the design is developed, resident voices must continue to be heard and their needs considered. Large infrastructure projects such as these, especially where beloved and essential public spaces are involved, should be an iterative process that is as open and transparent as possible. As Ward 2 Councilor, I will consider resident input, quality of facilities, and impact to public access when making any decision on Perrotti or any of our other public parks.