Cody Clarkin

Cody Clarkin

For Cody, growing up in Charlestown has shaped him into the person he is today. Civic duty was an important part of Cody’s upbringing and family life, and the inspiration for and the source of his passion for civil service. As a Town Councilor, Cody will work to preserve Charlestown’s irreplaceable resources for future generations, to support quality education, and to foster community engagement. Cody would like to find a replacement for the “Solarize Charlestown” program that made roof-top solar more affordable for Charlestown homeowners. The RI Office of Energy Resources discontinued that program, but there are still hundreds of Charlestown homeowners who could benefit from rooftop solar. He would also like to see the town set an example by installing solar panels on municipal buildings. In addition, Cody observes, “I am a recent beneficiary of the high-quality education that Chariho provides, and I appreciate the important role that Charlestown has played in backing our schools.” Cody believes it is a sound investment for the next generation to fund our education system. Finally, recreation is important to Cody. He has helped the Parks and Recreation Department develop new programs and events, and he sees recreation as key to local spirit and the identity of the town.

Cody W. Clarkin – Town Council

Cody’s family moved back to Rhode Island and settled in Charlestown when Cody was 4 years old. “Charlestown is my home. I have grown up on the beaches, in the woods, and in the parks of Charlestown.” For Cody, Charlestown is an important part of his identity. Cody will work to preserve Charlestown’s irreplaceable resources for future generations, to support quality education, and to foster community engagement.

Civic duty was an important part of Cody’s upbringing and family life, and the inspiration for and the source of his passion for civil service. From an early age Cody always had a project focused on giving back to the community—from a small garden at the entrance to his neighborhood, to his work at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to raising significant funds for all-accessible playground equipment for the Kids’ Place playground in Ninigret Park, to restoring the original flagpole in Ninigret Park where the park was dedicated, to the creation of a memory garden around the flagpole. Whatever project Cody undertook, he proceeded with enthusiasm and did not quit until it was finished. This passion was further developed through scouting where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. At some time in the future Cody plans to attend law school with a goal to practice environmental law.

For Cody, growing up in Charlestown has shaped him into the person he is today. Civic duty was an important part of Cody’s upbringing and family life, and the inspiration for and the source of his passion for civil service. As a Town Councilor, Cody will work to preserve Charlestown’s irreplaceable resources for future generations, to support quality education, and to foster community engagement. Cody would like to find a replacement for the “Solarize Charlestown” program that made roof-top solar more affordable for Charlestown homeowners. The RI Office of Energy Resources discontinued that program, but there are still hundreds of Charlestown homeowners who could benefit from rooftop solar. He would also like to see the town set an example by installing solar panels on municipal buildings. In addition, Cody observes, “I am a recent beneficiary of the high-quality education that Chariho provides, and I appreciate the important role that Charlestown has played in backing our schools.” Cody believes it is a sound investment for the next generation to fund our education system. Finally, recreation is important to Cody. He has helped the Parks and Recreation Department develop new programs and events, and he sees recreation as key to local spirit and the identity of the town.

Education

  • BS in Biological Sciences with minor in Justice, Law, and Society, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Professional Experience

  • Charlestown Parks and Recreation Employee, Charlestown RI, including as Beach Manager, Summer Assistant, Event & Program Manager/Worker

Public Service

  • Charlestown Town Council (2020 – 2022)
  • Former member, Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commission, 2017–2019
  • Former chair, Flagpole Gardens Community Project, 2010–2017
  • Volunteer (250 hours), US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2004–2012
  • In 2013, named one of Rhode Island’s top two youth volunteers, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, the nation’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Cody received the award at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, for his work protecting piping plovers and other projects.

Personal

  • Cody enjoys photography, hiking, and camping. He plans on going to law school in the coming years for environmental law. Cody has a deep appreciation for our natural resources fostered through volunteering with US Fish and Wildlife and Boy Scouts. He has worked for Charlestown Parks and Recreation for seven years.