The 2026 Local Election in Charlestown
These candidates are not made up of members of one group or party. What they 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.
Town Council (click on candidate’s name or picture to read full profile)
Cynthia Drummond
Cynthia is a journalist who for more than a decade covered Charlestown, Richmond, Hopkinton, the Chariho Regional School District, and local science and environment issues. She has a Master of Marine Affairs degree from URI with advanced studies in ocean science and policy, ocean law, and resource economics, providing her with a deep understanding of the issues our town faces. Cynthia will apply her professional and academic experience to environmental conservation, protecting Charlestown’s coastline, and protecting our town from over development.
Sasha Puchalski
Sasha is a Registered Nurse who was raised in Charlestown, is a Chariho graduate, and has spent much of her life exploring and learning from the rich history and scenic beauty of our region. Sasha hopes to contribute to new generational involvement in preserving the precious resources of Charlestown, to maintain our town as a vibrant community, and to recognize the needs of community members. She aims to honor the legacy of public service started by her grandfather who was a member of the Town Council, Planning Commission, and Recreational Association.
Bonnie Van Slyke
Having served 9 years on the Town Council, Bonnie views the protection of our natural resources as critical for our economy. As a Town Councilor she has championed protecting the local environment, including our dark skies, and safeguarding our rural community with its low taxes. She advocates for inclusive recreational opportunities throughout our town. A former director of the Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory, Bonnie works in publishing and has a BA in Economics.
Planning Commission (click on name or picture to read full profile)
Ruth Platner
Ruth currently serves on the Planning Commission, has a BS degree in Biology and has had a long career in scientific research and technology. The beauty of Charlestown’s natural environment brought Ruth here nearly 50 years ago. She was invaluable in the defeat of the Federal Railroad Administration proposal to bisect Charlestown with new rail lines; she was a leader in stopping Invenergy from trucking our ground water out of town; and Ruth has always reminded us of the connection between natural resource protection and our relatively low tax rate.
Gordon Willcox
Gordon is a retired pharmaceutical executive who believes strongly in local control of planning and zoning, and believes the town should do all it can to educate the legislature and governor about the importance of protecting Charlestown’s irreplaceable natural resources. Gordon’s impressive history of leadership, his education in science, his experience as a member of a zoning board, and his commitment to Charlestown’s natural resources will make him an excellent member of the Charlestown Planning Commission.
Frances Topping
Frances is a Natural Science Illustrator, fine artist, educator and naturalist. She has both a Bachelor of Science in Geography with Botany and Zoology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She has served on the Charlestown Planning Commission for 12 years where she has demonstrated her work ethic, eloquent writing skills, and impressive knowledge of the local environment. Frances is a past member of the Conservation Commission and volunteers for the RI Wild Plant Society and other groups and has lived here for 24 years.
Coleen Galvin Yaroshenko
Coleen is a small business owner, professional Comedian, Motivational Speaker and former Special Education teacher who is committed to preserving Charlestown’s natural resources, history and character. She believes that it is possible to focus on preservation and work with all parties to find solutions that will best serve our community as a whole as we grow. Coleen contends that even though she has traveled all over the world, Charlestown is truly the most wonderful place she has ever been.
Town Moderator
David Wilkinson
David has a BS in Business Administration and has been a founder and executive officer of national supply chain management corporations. He was elected Town Moderator in 2024 where he has facilitated respectful, thoughtful dialogue at each meeting he has chaired. His background, character, education and experience have made him an excellent Town Moderator. The Budget Public Hearings need David’s ability to chair complex meetings, his skills to assure the debate is open, and his broad knowledge of the major underlying issues.
School Committee (click on name or picture to read full profile)
Holly Eaves
Holly is both an education and engineering professional. She has worked for over 14 years as a teacher as well as having a professional engineering career since 1988. She has a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MA in Education and has been an advocate and mentor for science, mathematics, and technical education. Besides her service on the School Committee, Holly volunteered for many years in leadership positions at Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, working to protect Charlestown’s star filled skies.
Craig Louzon
Craig, a US Army and RI National Guard Veteran, has lived his entire life in South County. He studied History and Plant Sciences at URI. Now retired, he worked for URI for over 40 years. As a member of the Chariho School Committee for 11 years, Craig has been instrumental in the positive direction Chariho has taken, with Chariho High School being ranked among the top 10 schools in the state. Craig believes Chariho should continue striving for excellence, while balancing the costs and needs of students.
Linda Lyall
Linda has a BS and MS in Special Education and has been a dedicated educator and instructional leader for 34 years. As a member of the Chariho School Committee for the last eight years, she has worked on behalf of each Chariho student and their family to ensure that the student acquires the 21st century skills needed to be an accomplished individual in this global society. She strives to provide relevant learning environments and outcomes for every student while operating in a fiscally responsible manner.
On November 3, please vote for these Candidates for Charlestown Local Offices
Town Council
Planning Commission
Town Moderator
School Committee
Our Pledge
CCA is committed to an election outcome that produces public officials who will work in the interest of the majority of Charlestown’s citizens.
Good government requires an INFORMED electorate. To that end, Charlestown Citizens Alliance will support qualified elected officers who champion these major goals—responsive, open government; preserving the natural environment; maintaining community character; responsible development; quality education; engaging the community; and fiscal responsibility.
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