We want to thank you for the privilege of representing you for the past two terms. These have been challenging times and more challenges lie ahead. Guided by the principles of open government and accountability to ALL residents and with a steadfast belief that “Yes We Can” provide Portsmouth residents with a better tomorrow, we have worked to meet these challenges and prepare Portsmouth for the future.
While the naysayers predicted certain catastrophe, we worked effectively with our Finance Director, Administrator and Department Heads to produce a budget surplus which is projected to replenish the reserve fund by over $800,000 and maintain our A1 bond rating.
While the critics cried for us to take no action, we moved forward to give voters the right to vote on a Charter Amendment to increase citizen participation in the Town financial process, replacing the “tent meeting” with a democratic referendum process. You overwhelmingly endorsed it.
With your support, we are leading the State in the field of renewable energy and construction is underway on a wind turbine, expected to supply all electricity needs for PHS, and provide a revenue stream of $300K per year for the town.
Voters approved a $4M open space bond in November, 2007 and we structured that bond to ensure our ability to act quickly to protect our precious open space. We have preserved over 550 acres of open space since 2004, maintaining the beauty & character of Portsmouth forever.
Portsmouth schools are consistently rated as “High Performing” at one of the lowest costs per pupil in the state and the budget practices of our school system have been validated by a rigorous series of independent audits. An independent “performance audit” concluded: “The school department provides a high quality education to Portsmouth students with limited resources... per pupil spending is comparatively low... $2,000 below other departments.”
We created the Portsmouth Redevelopment Agency to guide the town through privatization of the Navy land and will be joining our sister communities in the Aquidneck Island Redevelopment Authority in order to more effectively impact the privatization process. We have worked with the PEDC to assist our marine trades & increase our commercial tax base.
When residents expressed concern regarding retail development we worked with the Planning Department and a committee representing a wide range of residents to hold public meetings, receive your input and adopt regulations to protect the town from unwanted “BIG BOX” retail development and foster attractive commercial development.
We enacted an ordinance guaranteeing citizens the right to place issues on the town council’s meeting agenda.
We have worked cooperatively with businesses, neighboring communities, DEM, RIDOT, CRMC, Aquidneck Land Trust, Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, our own departments and volunteer committees and others to ensure a bright future for the Town of Portsmouth. We have worked hard to live up to the faith you placed in us two years ago. We ask that you give us the opportunity to build upon these positive accomplishments to continue improving the lives of our residents and character of our community.
Yes We Can Provide a Bright Future for Portsmouth!
Please support your Democratic team on November 4th