Bonnie Van Slyke: Assertions Of Ms. Carney Are Not Factual
The following letter was sent to local newspapers in response to a less-than-truthful posting and is shared with us here by the author Bonnie Van Slyke. Bonnie Van Slyke is a member of the Charlestown Town Council.
Councilor Carney recently wrote, “actions always speak louder than words.” I ask, however, “if actions speak louder than words, why do we automatically believe the words that come out of a person’s mouth?”
Charlestown Town Councilor Carney’s statements that her fellow councilors, duly elected by voters, have repeatedly refused to place items on agendas and, further, that these councilors have abused their power are simply not true.
Here are the facts regarding the items cited by Counselor Carney:
- Establishing a fund balance policy—This item appeared on a Town Council agenda and was discussed at length. The Council voted to task the town’s experts with drafting a well-considered fund balance policy. The drafting of the policy is well underway and will include consideration of an in-depth study of risks facing Charlestown by the respected Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
- Expanding electricity to the new pavilion at Ninigret Park—This item also appeared on a Town Council agenda, and the Council voted to connect electricity to the New Pavilion in Ninigret Park, for the small concerts that the Parks and Recreation Department puts on in the summer.
- Using lights for the Chariho Cowboys—The item was on the Town Council agenda when the Chariho Cowboys and their supporters attended the Council meeting. The Council voted to allow the Chariho Cowboys to use temporary lights on Puchalski Field behind the Town Hall for the remainder of their 2019 season.
- Installing fencing around the basketball court at Ninigret Park—This item also appeared on a Town Council agenda, and the Town Council voted to move this item to the agenda for its October meeting where the item will be discussed as part of the normal budgeting process.
Councilor Carney is incorrect when she states that there is a “rule” which dictates how the Charlestown Town Council must construct its agendas. There is no requirement that any item brought forward by a Town Councilor must be put on the agenda. The Council may consider whether other items need immediate attention, whether an item is ready for discussion or whether it needs further research, and whether the item can be better addressed in another way, such as administratively.
Further, Councilor Carney’s assertions that the Town Council majority is abusing its power are bogus. Individuals endorsed by the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA) and elected by Charlestown’s voters have delivered on their pledges of open government, transparency and inclusion with their actions (and their words) for the past 15 years.
Whether words or actions speak louder becomes an issue only when one’s words do not line up with one’s actions, or with reality. Because Councilor Carney’s words often do not line up, the next question must be, Why not? One must look to her intentions for the answer, a question only she can answer.
You can learn more about Bonnie at her profile page.
September 13, 2021 @ 9:42 am
Thank you for an honest and clarifying statement. There is always more to accusations than appears. People only listen to the first part and not the clarification or apology and damage is done. It works both ways but looking deeper and from several directions is best. For 15 years under primarily CCA endorsed council this town has been peaceful and well run but dissension is stirring.
To address item one. As I remember when the pavilion was requested it was agreed to for protection on rainy days for summer camp during daylight hours and the request was to be able to use some music , mostly portable, for those programs. It has now morphed into small music events. These are enjoyed by a small crowd during daylight hours.
Full electricity invites larger and larger events which were not part of the approval.
Loud noise and bright lights are disturbing to both adjacent Frosty Drew and the wildlife refuge both of which are Charlestown gems of National renown.
Bright lights and loud noises also affect the adjacent wildlife refuge and the dark skies and Frosty Drew observatory, both Charlestown gems.
September 16, 2021 @ 6:45 am
Ms. Topping is correct. Check the record. Also, people who support her view have been referred to as the “dark and quiet people” by several members of the opposition. That’s ok, because loud and noisy is not what many people think Ninigret Park should be. For the record, check out what municipal and town parks in RI have lights at night and loud concerts. The only one, I believe, is Middletown. Their high school football team plays their night games in the town park.