CCA 2020 Platform for Charlestown

Our Economy – Our Environment – Our Future

The Charlestown Citizens Alliance* (CCA) is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life for all Charlestown residents. We believe that sound fiscal management, responsible economic development, wise stewardship of our natural resources, and accountable and ethical leadership are essential to sustaining the vitality of our town. To accomplish this, CCA has endorsed candidates committed to the following goals:

Fiscal Responsibility
We are committed to managing our financial and natural resources and building a healthy budget surplus to meet emergencies, such as COVID-19. This has been key to keeping our tax rate among the lowest in the state and Charlestown as one of Rhode Island’s most financially stable towns. Our tax rate is $8.23 per $1,000 of assessed property value, while South Kingstown’s is $14.45, Hopkinton’s is $18.28, and Richmond’s is $21.88.

Well-Managed, Responsive, Civil, and Open Government
Individuals who are not affiliated with any political party or interest and who represent the interests of citizens in all areas of the town, from the shore of the Atlantic Ocean to the villages along the Pawcatuck River, have been the cornerstone of our town government in recent years and have assembled an exceptionally well-qualified, professional staff.

Protection of Our Natural Environment
Charlestown features a diversity of coastal and inland resources, including rivers, ponds, wetlands, forest, star-filled skies, and prized beaches that collectively sustain wildlife and provide some of the best recreational opportunities on the East Coast. We recognize the important relationship between our environment, our quality of life, and our economy. We will work collaboratively with town residents, businesses, and local, state, and federal agencies to protect our natural resources and sustain our rural character.

Clean Groundwater and Healthy Wetland Habitats
Charlestown has relied on healthy wetland habitats to protect both its drinking water quality and support wildlife. Developing a more affordable method to reduce nitrates flowing from septic systems, maintaining low-density development, and conserving land have been critical in protecting our water resources from contamination and in keeping our community beautiful.

A Greener Charlestown
We have made strides in reducing our carbon footprint and saving money, for example, by converting our streetlights to shielded LEDs and promoting rooftop solar. Finding an alternative to the “Solarize Charlestown” program that was discontinued by the state, adding solar to town buildings or parking lots, and preserving our unfragmented forest areas are next steps in creating a greener Charlestown.

Access to Recreational Opportunities
Our beaches, ponds, river, miles of hiking trails, and parks are assets treasured for their impact on our quality of life and one of the main drivers of business activity in town. The COVID-19 pandemic has put intense pressure on these natural resources and made clear their importance to our health and well-being, their support of our tourist economy and the need to continue to expand open space for increased public access to bike paths, pedestrian trails and waterfront.

Responsible Development
We realize that growth and development are linked to our town’s overall vitality. We value the strong connection between protection of our natural resources and our low tax rate. We will support economic opportunities that promote a vibrant community, preserve the landscapes we love, are cost-effective to taxpayers, and are environmentally sustainable over time.

Quality Education
We support the Chariho administration in its efforts to provide students with the best quality education while also promoting sound fiscal management.

Engaging the Entire Community in Protecting Our Beautiful Town
We led the movements to defeat the Federal Railroad Administration plan to bisect Charlestown with new rail lines, Invenergy’s plan to truck our ground water to northern Rhode Island to cool a power plant and a national chain’s attempt to drive our locally owned stores out of business. Working countless hours, we alerted the public through web pages, maps, videos, meetings, rallies and letter-writing campaigns. As a result citizens showed up, stood up, spoke up – confirming how much we all care for our rural, beautiful town and the people who live here.

*CCA is not affiliated with any political party. We are made up of Democrats, Republicans, Moderates, and Independents. What we share in common is a dedication to civil and open government, and a passion for preserving and protecting those assets that make Charlestown such a unique and treasured place to live.