Ignore Deception And Focus On Accomplishments
The following letter was sent to local newspapers in response to many less-than-truthful postings and is shared with us here by the author Bonnie Van Slyke. Bonnie Van Slyke is a member of the Charlestown Town Council.
An onslaught of disinformation has been directed at members of town government endorsed by the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA). None of this poison spread by our political opposition is true.
Instead, the truth is that everything that the majority members of the town government have done is procedurally correct and conducted in the open. These individuals, endorsed by CCA, act in the best interests of all the citizens of Charlestown.
Let’s look at the some recent accomplishments:
- Excellent Pandemic Response—It was realized at the outset that the pandemic would not be over quickly. The town responded so that Town services would not be interrupted; information was provided to our residents, including sending police officers into neighborhoods to contact elderly residents who could not be reached by phone; funds were provided to local agencies that provide food, health care, and other needed services; our beaches and parks opened; and much more.
- Smart Budgeting—A municipal budget was developed and adopted on time, even though the amount of state aid and whether pandemic expenses would be reimbursed were unknown. The tax rate was reduced for the third year in a row, and money earmarked for the police pension system was paid.
- Comprehensive Planning for the Future—Our Comprehensive Plan for the next 20 years was certified by the state of Rhode Island. The town now has protection from outside influences and can begin to implement the plan’s policies, goals, and action items.
- Preservation of Critical Natural Resources—The Council voted to acquire, with the help of a $400,000 Natural Heritage grant, over 66 acres of forested open space along Alton Carolina Road (Rt. 91) that will protect important natural, scenic, ecological and agricultural resources.
- Establishing Future Fiscal Goals—Good budgeting has enabled our town to build its reserves for emergencies. A study of the risks facing the town and the amount of money that should be held in reserve for emergencies has been completed, and experts will present recommendations to the Town Council.
- Protecting the Town from Outside Threats—The Federal Railroad Administration has announced a required study of capacity and speed in the area between New Haven and Providence. The Council has responded, including enabling our Town Administrator to take whatever action is necessary to protect the town.
- Response to Climate Change—Proposed is an Environmental Resiliency Commission to study the possible impacts of climate change (e.g., coastal and riverine flooding and drought) and to advise the Council on measures to adapt to these impacts.
- Good Governance—Led by a talented, experienced, and long-serving Town Administrator, Charlestown operates like a good football team. Town staff is creative and engaged. Our Police Department is one of the few certified departments in the state. Our Harbor Management and Hazard Mitigation plans are up-to-date. Every resident and taxpayer has been invited to provide feedback through a town-wide survey, with a report expected soon.
Let’s focus on many positive accomplishments by those elected to serve. The spreading of disinformation needs to stop.
You can learn more about Bonnie at her profile page.
October 13, 2021 @ 6:29 pm
Bonnie, I am so grateful for your commitment to our town. You have served several terms and worked to advance issues which are in the best interests of our overall community. It is so important that we value the things that make our town special like dark skies and open space. We can never replace them when they are gone. Thank you.
October 12, 2021 @ 8:07 pm
I would just like to say that from my perspective the present administration who are running the town of Charlestown are doing a great job. Politically I am an unaffiliated voter. I find that the present administration runs a bit more to the left politically; however, those politics are not radical (like we have running this country) and they seem to be healthy for the town. As for the dirty politics, Charlestown is not any different than any political arena, and…..in some cases much worse due to its size. My only suggestion would be to continue operating as you have been in the past, and keep operating with the same transparency that you have been operating under. I can remember one of the political tactics that was being used many years ago by this town’s political foes called the “whisper” campaign. A deliberate falsehood would be started between two people or more like, “Don’t say anything but, I heard that so-and-so did………..”. And from there the “secret” would continue to be spread until that secret just “had” to be true due to hearing it from so many people!!! I’d just say keep doing what you have been doing, address the falsehoods as they arise and don’t worry about them. As for those who are spreading the political falsehoods, I have two words for them; but…..would not be a good forum to print them in.
October 12, 2021 @ 11:32 am
Thanks Bonnie for your response. These folks are taking a page out of the national political playbook: Repeat lies and untruth to get people to believe it. It is vital that none of these lies get unaswered.
October 12, 2021 @ 11:21 am
The article by Bonnie states truthfully and clearly what has been going on and the excellent job that the CCA members of the Town Council are doing. Those spreading false and mis- leading information should stop doing so.
Those who recognize and support what the CCA Council members are doing should show their support by attending meeting and saying so, and/or writing comments here and to the Westerly Sun. Your feedback is very important and much appreciated by those on the front lines.
October 12, 2021 @ 8:28 am
Thank-you Bonnie and all CCA endorsed elected town officials.
It is a real shame that people stoop to such a low level of behavior. If they are so untruthful and dishonorable do we want them being part of our town government.