Vote YES For The Budget On June 1, 2020
It seems like a good time to take a step back and look at the town of Charlestown; assess what we have, what we want to keep, and where we can make improvements; and plan for the future.
What makes us special and sets us apart from our neighbors up and down the coastline from New York to Boston – open space, pristine beaches, dark skies, low taxes, and a relaxed country lifestyle – is so unique that you can identify Charlestown from 30,000 feet in the air! It is the dark patch.
And yet we also have all the things that civilization requires to keep us comfortable. We have a grocery store, a bank, a library with really fabulous programs, a good school system, great parks, open space with many walking trails, and more.
In today’s world full of stress we can go about our lives with relative tranquility. If we need anything more, we can travel a very short distance to the east or west and pick it up in Westerly or Wakefield.
MOST of the people who have moved to Charlestown cite these things as the very reason they want to live here.
There is pressure, always, from the fast lane – from folks who want to move a little faster, folks who want to build a little more excitement into the town, folks who perhaps want to develop a grand-scale entertainment venue in Ninigret Park with many more major events. And they don’t say so, but they want to capitalize on the development of the support system that would accompany such a venue, such as new hotels and motels, and fast food joints. And with that comes traffic, noise, and bright lights.
They just don’t get it.
On the other hand, we do not need to obstruct every proposal that comes along. We should encourage those that are in keeping with our community and those that are sensitive to our finite resources, like water for instance. Passive recreation – walking, biking, and other sports – is the heartbeat of this town. Let’s look for ideas that are in keeping with the rural quality of this community, such as, perhaps, a small music venue to facilitate programs like those that often take place on Sunday afternoon.
Fortunately we have been able to contain the pressures up until now. It isn’t easy. It takes steadfast commitment, perpetual dedication, and engagement of our citizens. It is imperative that we keep our goals foremost in our minds: Charlestown is unique and the very things that make us unique ARE NOT FOR SALE!
Let’s keep in mind that we are a very special community.
Let’s not fritter away our good fortune.
APPROVAL of this budget on June 1, 2020, will keep us moving forward in the right direction.
The author, Leo Mainelli, is President of the Charlestown Citizens Alliance
Please vote “Yes” on the Charlestown budget. You should drop your completed mail ballot in the white box next to the main entrance to the Town Hall before 8PM on June 1st.
May 31, 2020 @ 8:54 am
People I have talked to when going around town like Charlestown as it is as compared to neighboring communities which are more developed and busy. That And an enviable tax rate are why they are here so Leo makes a good point. Think carefully about our choices and what one might wish for. The new proposed Comprehensive plan which is available on the Town’s website under Planning department outlines things accomplished and to be appreciated, where we are at this time and plans for the future. It generally wants to maintain the rural character, our infrastructure, schools etc but also pave a way for future eventualities and opportunities which are in keeping with the residents desires to keep Charlestown special amidst surrounding pressures.
We need stability at this time, not discord and divisiveness. The budget keeps things going on an even keel. Further disruption will ensue if voted down for no really good reason. If you are voting in person and have not already voted, vote yes.