These Local Candidates Will Protect Charlestown’s Environment, Economy, and Future
Get To Know The Local Candidates That We Support In The 2026 Election
The local candidates listed below are individuals with the skills and dedication to act in the best interests of the citizens of our town. They will do the hard work to protect our environment, safeguard our rural character, and keep our tax rate as one of the lowest in Rhode Island. They are not made up of one group or party, but they do share in common 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 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
Bonnie serves on the Town Council, having been elected five times. She served previously as treasurer and a director of the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center for 7 years and has a BA in Economics. She has devoted years working to protect the environment and our precious natural resources and believes growth must be carefully planned, sustainable, and consistent with our rural character and heritage, and for that to happen, the State needs to return control of land-use decisions to the town and recognize the value of our irreplaceable resources.
Planning Commission (click on name or picture to read full profile)
Ruth Platner
Ruth currently serves on Planning, has a BS degree in Biology, and a long career in science and technology. Her work in land conservation led to the preservation of most of the public open space in our town. She is an invaluable leader in the effort to stop the federal plan to bisect northern Charlestown with new rail lines, in the fight for local control of land-use decisions, and in the protection of our groundwater. We need Ruth’s knowledge and experience on the Planning Commission to continue to protect our environment, our economy, and our quality of life.
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)
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.
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 15 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.
September 8, 2026 @ 10:57 am
very informative, well organized, and great way to make the material accessible.
thank you to all who worked on doing this and providing this great service to Charlestown residents.