Portsmouth RI Democrats

Rep. District 71 (Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton)

Small business owner for 21 years (George’s Gas and Service and Seaside Gas and Convenience in Tiverton and Delta Gas and Service in Carver, Massachusetts); Married for 21 years to Stacey, they have three daughters, Grace, Patty, and Elaina. Attended UMass Dartmouth, New England Tech. Member of the Tiverton Land Trust, Friends of Tiverton Libraries. Former member of both Tiverton and Carver, Massachusetts Lions Clubs (6 years). Former member of the Tiverton Economic Development Committee.

George will vote against the Sakonnet Bridge toll and LNG. He will oppose utility rate increases and heath insurance rate increases. He will fight to stop unfunded mandates of cities and towns. He will work to reduce the sales tax and bring a sales tax holiday to Rhode Island. George will help small business by working to streamline the permit and license requirements. He will work to reinstate motor vehicle tax reimbursement to cities and towns.

Wife (Amy), son (Shane, 12), daughter (Megan, 7); 1984 graduate from Portsmouth High School; 1988 graduate from the University of Rhode Island. Currently serving the last of my 4-year term on the Portsmouth School Committee. Regional Director of Hotel Operations for First Bristol Hospitality. Current Board member of Portsmouth Little League (Secretary).

In my 4 years on the school committee, I have been chair of the finance committee in which we produced 3 budgets in line with state mandates and ended each year with a surplus. As chair of the Facilities Committee, I developed a comprehensive 10 year plan for the school department building assets as well as producing a long range plan for the up keep of these buildings to modernize these assets to serve the town into the future.

I have shown, in my four years, that I make decisions for the good of the town. I balance the needs of all the citizens and the children to produce not only a high level of educational programming that will serve our children into the future but also for the citizens to maintain the quality of life that we all expect when living in Portsmouth.

I am running for Town Council to make sure these ideas are kept in high regard for the town. My expectation when living in Portsmouth is to have a well rounded living experience both in the civic, as well as in the educational realm. My desire, once elected, is to be a tireless advocate of education and our schools, as well as working to maintain a level of life that benefits everyone in the town.

Retired Portsmouth Police Officer; Wife: Amy; Children: Dennis Jr. (20), Olivia (17) and Jonathan (15); Portsmouth High School; Roger Williams University, 1988; Municipal Police Training Academy 1981; RI Juvenile Officers Assoc. Exec. Bd.; Regional Vice Pres. R.I. Crime Prevention Assoc. 1996-98; Founder, Portsmouth Police Cadet Explorer Program; Grand Knight K of C, Rooney Council, 1992-93; Portsmouth Senior Citizens Advocate 1997-01; Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Dept.; Lifelong Portsmouth resident; Portsmouth Town Council 2004 - present.

Dennis has been a conscientious advocate for the Portsmouth taxpayer. Keep Dennis working to help all Portsmouth citizens. Re-Elect Dennis Canario.

Business Owner, Ocean Link, Inc. – Melville Marine District. Parent of Savanna Cortvriend. 20-year resident of Aquidneck Island. Education: Miami Dade Community College 1982 – Associates degree in business; Florida International University 1982-1985 – course work towards business degree; Community College of RI – Current – Accounting course work. Elected 2004-2008 Portsmouth School committee; 2008 Write-in Candidate for School committee. Current member of Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee. Member of Infinity Volunteers, serve on the Portsmouth School Dept. Health and Wellness Committee.

Terri is a strong supporter of public education, smart growth, renewable energy opportunities and open space. I am running because I believe in giving back to the community to which you belong. I believe Portsmouth town government needs to take the longer view and plan for the future – sometimes that means beyond the immediate tax rate. I will be a hard working, detail oriented member of the council if elected, and I ask for your vote this November.

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David is the President & CEO of IAM Technology and IAM Health (www.iamtech.com). David is recognized professionally as a thought leader in data security and data integrity serving enterprises and governments globally. David is no stranger to Portsmouth politics having served as Vice Chair of the Portsmouth School Committee, Chair of the Gym Construction Committee, Chair of the Gym Fundraising Committee, Interim-Chair of the School's Finance Sub-Committee, and was a steadfast advocate for excellence in Portsmouth schools. David brings external political experience, as well; David served on the Planning Board (Special Permit Granting Authority) and Housing Authority in Hanover, Massachusetts. David chaired a housing sub-committee on seniors housing. In the community, David has been an advocate for the Portsmouth education and is the founder of Save Our Schools and Portsmouth United. David has been an active volunteer at Elmhurst School. David also directed the Norman Bird Sanctuary's Harvest Fair for five years, as a volunteer, and served on the Sanctuary Board.

David is married with two beautiful girls (ages 13 & 9) who attend Portsmouth Middle School and Saint Philomena School respectively.

David is a no-nonsense leader. He saved Portsmouth residents over $60,000 by assuming, as a volunteer, the project manager responsibilities for the Portsmouth High School Gym - over 300 hours of donated time. BTW: the gym was on schedule and left over $300K on account for phase 2. David will publicly state his position and has simply said "YES" for Portsmouth.

Rep. District 70 (Portsmouth, Tiverton)

Jay graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA with a degree in Political Science in 1983. He met his wife, Donna Ward, in Boston and they were married in 1982. They have three children, John, 25, Kelsey, 20 & Mae, 15. Donna is currently a second grade teacher in the Westport Community, MA, School system. She is also the Vice President of the Westport Federation of Teachers.

Before getting into politics, Jay worked in various levels in his chosen profession, construction. He has worked for both union and merit shop firms ranging in size from $1-3 million/ year to in excess of $150 Million/year. Jay has licenses in both RI and Massachusetts for construction supervision and has managed projects in several New England states. His occupation is as a construction project manager.

Locally, Jay served on the Tiverton Zoning Board for over 10 years becoming the Vice Chairman. In 2004, he was appointed to the Tiverton Elementary School Building Committee which oversaw the construction of the new elementary school and the complete renovation of two existing schools, serving as Vice Chairman. In 2006, Jay was elected to the Tiverton Town Council. He continues to be a member of the Tiverton Democratic Town committee and serves as their treasurer. Jay was elected to represent District 70 (Tiverton, Portsmouth) in the RI House of Representatives in 2008. He serves on the House Labor, House Veterans Affairs and House Oversight Committees.

As a committed environmentalist, Jay is a member of Save the Bay, the Maine Island Trail Association, the Tiverton Land Trust, the Sierra Club and served as the Town Council’s appointee to the Landfill subcommittee. Jay is on the board of directors for Caritas, RI, a non-profit group that helps teenagers and women with substance abuse issues. Caritas operates three residential facilities as well as several out-patient programs. A long time and frequent platelet donor, Jay recently donated his 37th gallon to the RI Blood Center. An Eagle Scout since 1973, Jay is currently a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He also is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Newport Chapter, the National Rifle Association and Clean Water Action. In 2009, Jay became the first member of the General Assembly to be recognized as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional by the US Green Building Council.

Rep. Dist. 69 (Portsmouth, Bristol)

Attorney/Asst. Director Alternative Education Programming, Inc.; Wife: Diane; Sons: Timothy (21), Nathan (18); RIC, Southern New England School of Law; House Finance Committee, Vice Chair House Veteran’s Affairs Committee; House Separation of Powers Committee; Chairman Committee to Study Homeless Veterans in RI; Vice Chairman Comm. to Study Licensing Contractors and Builders; Mt. Hope Bay Pollution Study Commission; Bristol Zoning Board and Tax Board of Review; Land Use Planning Commission; Coach, Little League and Npt. County Hockey; State Representative District 69, 2000 - present.

Ray has led the fight against LNG and is protecting our seniors and veterans. He has led the fight to insure Portsmouth receives the promised Group Home Aid for Boys & Girls Town beds. He has fought to end mandatory overtime for nurses and limit property tax increases. Re-elect Ray Gallison!

I am a candidate for a seat on the Portsmouth Town Council and seek your vote and support in that effort. My background in education and educational administration has prepared me for the arduous work needed to be done in our Town to preserve our way of life and maintain our beautiful community. I am a former superintendent of schools and have been responsible for managing multimillion dollar budgets and supervising hundreds of employees. I have what it takes to make the tough decisions that will need to be made.

I have served on the Portsmouth Town Council, the Tax Assessment Board of Review, and the Conservation Commission. I am a lifelong resident of the Town working as a teacher and administrator in the Portsmouth schools. I went on to be a superintendent of schools in Narragansett and interim superintendent in North Kingstown.

I believe in the future of Portsmouth and seek your support to allow me to be a leader in the effort to create honest and affordable budgets that will ensure public safety and reduce our reliance on local property taxes and to develop additional resources. I also will pursue the institution of a municipal court. I would propose to earmark any funds generated to reduce our warrant item debt.

The time has come to “SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PORTSMOUTH” by electing the Democratic team that will advocate for our schools and students, bring balanced leadership, preserve open space and promote open government. I/we seek your vote in November.

Len Katzman, a Portsmouth native, is Associate Director of the Technology Ventures Office at Brown University where he manages patent licensing and start-up business development. He was a business attorney at Partridge Snow & Hahn for seven years. Prior to his career in business law he was a software engineer and worked at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Len and his wife, Jhodi, have a son, Andrew, a 2007 PHS graduate who is now a college senior.

Len's position statements:

• NO SEWERS! Unlike the current council, I'll work with DEM to implement a waste water management district that's right for Portsmouth. NO SEWERS!
• I’m not a member of the PCC, and I’ll work to make sure the council answers to all Portsmouth citizens, not just a private special interest group.
• I brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to Town Council deliberations.
• All decisions will be made in public, I’m committed to open transparent government.
• I'm a strong supporter of public education.

Education:
• Portsmouth High School, 1976
• University of Rhode Island, Bachelor of Science, computer science, 1985
• Roger Williams University School of Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2000

Public Service:
• Portsmouth Charter Review Commission, 2003 - 04.
• Portsmouth Town Council, 2004 - 2008.

Len has been a forceful voice for open government, wise investment of resources and long term planning. We need his leadership as we face the challenges ahead. Elect Len and help him continue his fight to make Portsmouth the ideal community.

Andrew is the son of Paul and Bev Kelly, brother of Brad and Veronica Kelly, and grandson of Ann Calcutt and Dale and Paula Bradley (Field Liaison for Congressman Patrick Kennedy). He is a 2010 graduate of Portsmouth High School, and currently enrolled in Bristol Community College Criminal Justice Program.

Andrew was the appointed Youth Representative on the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee (2009-2010), served as Provisional President of the Island Park Recreation Association, and is currently an Associate Member Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee. He is an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America, a Lifetime Member of the North American Family Camping Association, and was Historian of the National Art Honor Society at Portsmouth High School.

I am seeking this office because I know a great deal about the public school system here in Portsmouth; I have been attending School Committee meetings for three years now and have recently been through the system as a student. I want to preserve the quality of public education in Portsmouth and to boost programs instead of cutting them.

Web site: VoteKelly.webs.com

Retired Vocational Evaluator, James L. Maher Center; Husband: Richard Gottlieb; daughter: Emily; Lifelong Portsmouth resident; Roger Williams University, B. A. 1975; Graduate work in Special Education; children's homilist, St. Lucy's; volunteer, Living in Fulfilling Environments (LIFE) volunteer.

Elected to Portsmouth School Committee 1994-2000; 2000-2002; Chair Budget Subcommittee; 2005-2008, Vice Chair; 2008-present, Secretary

Marge has been tireless in her efforts to develop budgets that are responsible and provide Portsmouth students with the education they need and deserve. Re-Elect Marge and keep her working for us and our children.

Senate Dist. 11 (Portsmouth, Bristol)

Attorney, Levesque Law Office; Lifelong Portsmouth resident; PHS 1972; URI 1977; Loyola University School of Law (J. D. 1980); Member: Rhode Island, Newport and Portsmouth Bar Associations; Associate Member: Ports. Portuguese American Citizens Club; Past Member Board of Directors Newport County Women’s Resource Center; Chairman Portsmouth Recreation Study Commission 1983; Assistant Town Solicitor 1986-88, 2001-02 and 2004-present; Town Council 1988-92; Council Vice President 1990-92; State Rep. Dist 93, (Ports. & Bristol), 1992-2000; State Senator District 11, 2004 - present.

I have been proud to represent the communities of Bristol and Portsmouth for over 20 years. Regardless of your opinion on any particular issue, I believe I have always been honest, thoughtful and forthright. I have been involved in each community to the fullest, participating in almost every civic event in each community. I have responded to every constituent who has contacted me with a concern, even when my response to that concern was in the negative.

I believe my voting record, on issues as diverse as health care improvements, education reform, criminal justice reform, government oversight, personal liberties, long term health care (nursing homes), etc., is a record that folks in Portsmouth and Bristol should respect, and, I hope, be proud.

View more about Sen. Levesque

Jeff's desire to run for the Portsmouth Town Council was motivated by the desire to utilize his knowledge, skills, and experience to make a positive impact on a community where he lives, supports and believes in. Jeff’s focus as a Town Council member would be to support his vision for Portsmouth – a prominent, enlightened and prosperous community. A community that manages the budget strictly and provides a framework for incenting value-laden services and opportunities for all of its citizens including:

• A balanced and well rounded suite of education and extracurricular programs, to prepare our next generation of America’s leaders to effectively compete in a global marketplace
• Opportunities and services for small and mid-sized businesses to increase in number and grow, providing a foundation for local economic stability
• A vibrant suite of services to support our population of seniors, including continued support for our senior center
• An incentive program, rewarding people for investing their time, efforts, and capital in solutions that help grow our community

Jeff has lived in Portsmouth since 2001 with his wife, Susan, and three children; Christian (16), Talia (15), and Jianna (8). He holds a Bachelors degree in Technical Management and has just recently completed his MBA in Entrepreneurship at Babson College. In addition to having over 20 years of professional experience, Jeff has a balanced and global perspective and has done business in over 20 countries. Jeff is currently the Director of Business Operations for a mid-size software development company. His core areas of professional expertise include Business Operations, Corporate Education, and Technology.

A third-generation Portsmouth resident, John lives in Island Park with his wife Karen and their son, Jack, a fifth grader at PMS. He is an appointed member of the School Committee's Facilities subcommittee and a board member of the Portsmouth Public Education Foundation. His community service includes serving on the school district technology committee and working with Save Our Schools. He has also been an active supporter of Preserve Portsmouth. John has a BA from New School University, and is ABD in Media Ecology at New York University. He works as a web developer for a Boston-based consulting firm.

For the past four years, I have covered Portsmouth news and politics at the local news site harddeadlines.com. This year, with the challenges the schools are facing, I felt the obligation to step off the sidelines and run for school committee. I'm asking the voters of Portsmouth for their support.

I strongly believe in engaging the whole community in government, and was an enthusiastic participant in the Future Search conference last year where almost 100 community members created a strategic plan for the district. We should build on the work the district has begun to execute that plan. I also think our school committee should be reaching out to the community to strengthen our shared sense of purpose. I want to keep parents and community members more aware of what's happening at school committee meetings, and make it easier to provide input and feedback more often.

I bring a perspective informed by both business experience and academia. I spent seven years teaching writing and communications at the college level before moving to the private sector, where I've worked in IT project management, communications, and web and social media development. I'm also a professional science fiction writer, acutely aware that we are preparing our children for a future that we quite literally cannot imagine.

I will always do my best for our schools and our town, and I ask for your vote.

Web site: johnmcdaid.com

Rep. District 72 (Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport)

Attorney, Husband: Paul; Son: Stoddard; B.A. U.R.I. 1987 & Salve Regina, 1991; M.S. Salve Regina, 1994, J. D. Suffolk University School of Law 2001; Supreme Court Law Clerk 2001-02; R.I. Deputy Sheriff 1989-01; Intern, Sen. John Chafee,1987; Dept. of Attorney General 1999; Member: American, Rhode Island and Newport County Bar Associations, Potter League, Aquidneck Land Trust, Save the Bay, Norman Bird Sanctuary and Glen Farm Authority (2000-01), Ports. Town Council 2002-04; State Rep. District 72, 2004 - present

Amy has many accomplishments in her first term, protecting your right to privacy, and advocating for environmental protection, affordable health care and quality education. Keep Amy working for us!

Program Director, BAE Systems Company.; Wife: Valerie; Children: Sarah (24) and Matt (21); Portsmouth High School 1972; Rhode Island College B. A. 1976; Naval Postgraduate School, M.S. Computer Science, 1990; Salve Regina University, MBA, 2005; Commander, U. S. Navy (Ret.); Past Vice President RI Chapter Contract Management Assoc.; Member Retired Officers Assoc. & Navy League; Portsmouth Native, Portsmouth School Committee 2000-04, Portsmouth Town Council Vice-President, 2004 - 2008, Portsmouth Town Council 2008-Present.

Jim’s dedicated, thoughtful and trustworthy approach to town issues has served us well. We need his continued steady leadership. Re-elect Jim to the Town Council.