CRU slate works for all of Charlestown
By Deb Carney
Over the past two years we have worked to effect positive
change and find solutions to issues in Charlestown.
Here is a list of just some of our accomplishments:
■
Delivered the second-lowest tax rate in the state while providing quality
service;
■
Restored open and transparent government through increased meeting streaming,
returning the meeting minutes to a format that provides actual information
useful to the reader, stopping the abuse of removing town councilors’ items from the meeting agenda, and restoring the voice to the
residents through reestablishing the Charter Review Advisory Committee as a
standing committee;
■
Delivered a solution when the playground was removed from the Charlestown
Elementary School due to safety concerns. The Town Council placed an item in
the budget that transferred money from the town’s impact
fees, at no cost to the taxpayer. The new playground is scheduled to be
completed in November;
■ Worked
collaboratively with the state to solve the immediate problem with the west
wall of the Charlestown Breachway. Emergency repairs will be completed by the
end of October. The long-term solution will take collaboration and involvement
from the state and funding from the federal government;
■
Proactively worked to address the long overdue review of the town’s ordinance to bring us into compliance with state law, and the
Constitution, in addition to addressing those ordinances that are outdated;
■
Provided portable lights to be used by our local youth football and
cheerleading program so they can practice in the field when it gets darker
earlier in the fall, rather than forcing them to practice in a parking lot.
These portable lights will be used for events such as
Trunk or Treat and the New Year’s Eve bonfire, in addition
to being available for town emergencies. These portable lights have no negative
effect on the dark sky. When they are not in use, they are turned off; and
■ Worked
with the South County Tourism Council to bring Thomas Dambo Trolls to Ninigret
Park for all to enjoy.
This is a short list of some of the positive impacts for
Charlestown over the past two years. I ask the voters to please allow us to
continue to work collaboratively for you. We find compromise and solutions to
benefit the many, not the few.
This election I ask you to please consider reelecting Rippy
Serra, Peter Slom, Steve Stokes and me, Deb Carney to the Town Council and
electing Craig Marr; for Planning Commission, Glenn Babcock and Laura Rom; and
electing current Town Moderator Ray Dreczko and current School Committee member
Laura Chapman.
The writer is president of the Charlestown Town Council
and running for reelection.