2020 slate

Susan Cooper

Susan Cooper

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Susan is a recently retired attorney with strong analytical and communication skills developed from years of legal practice. She believes that Charlestown’s path forward must be to protect the natural resources of our town. In her first term on the Council, she was instrumental in the adoption of Charlestown’s Comprehensive Plan, in conducting of the Town-Wide Survey, and in establishing the Climate Resiliency Commission that is charged with protecting  the town’s resources with particular emphasis on groundwater preservation.

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Peter Mahony

Walter “Peter” Mahony

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Walter is a current member of the Planning Commission and an award winning professional planner with architecture and planning degrees from Princeton and Cambridge Universities and a 40-year career in planning and landscape design that has focused on the sustainable balance between development and land preservation. Walter has lived here full time for 10 years, but he has a lifelong history of participating in various struggles to preserve our town’s unique character and valuable natural assets.

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Sheila Andrew

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Dr. Andrew is a Professor of Animal Science making her an excellent fit as a Town Councilor in a community that prides itself on rural character. “The town has everything we love; from the agricultural and the rural nature, to the magnificent ocean and salt ponds.” She is looking forward to supporting the Charlestown community in maintaining that rural character, supporting our highly respected school system, keeping reasonable tax rates and measured and responsible development, all with a focus on protecting the environment and our natural resources.

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Cody Clarkin

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Cody, who has lived almost his entire life in Charlestown, has a BS in Biological Sciences from URI with a minor in Justice, Law, and Society. Cody is the recipient of a national award for volunteer community service for his work protecting Charlestown’s natural and historic resources. His work as a member of the Town Council will be a continuation of that same community service. As a Town Councilor, Cody wishes to continue the tradition of the town supporting environmental causes and community engagement.

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Bonnie Van Slyke

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Elected to the Town Council since 2014, 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.

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David Wilkinson

David Wilkinson

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David was elected to the Town Council in 2018 and is Senior Vice President for Operations of an international company he and a team of logistics experts founded in the late 1990s. His love of Charlestown’s quiet natural beauty, his determination to work to protect our town, his substantial experience of other communities, and his leadership skills and experience in project management, budgeting, financial planning, and operations have made him an excellent and effective Town Councilor. David has a BS in Business Administration.

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Gordon Foer

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Gordon is a current member of the Planning Commission who holds a Masters degree from Tufts University in Urban and Environmental Policy. He is a former chair and member of the Charlestown Conservation Commission, a co-founder of the Charlestown Land Trust, and has lived in Charlestown since 1993. He worked in coastal resource management and is an Academic Skills Coach and Professional Tutor of Economics, Spanish, and Writing in the Academic Success Center at Johnson & Wales University.

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Ruth Platner

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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 over 40 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.

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Frances Topping

Frances Topping

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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 six 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 18 years.

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Ronald Areglado

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Ron has lived in Charlestown since 1998 and is the recipient of several prestigious national and state awards. He was elected to the Chariho School Committee in 2014. He has worked over 45 years in a variety of educational settings spanning elementary schools to graduate school. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Policy, Research and Planning. Ron consistently treats others with respect, even-handedness, and civility, regardless of differing opinions. The Budget Public Hearings need a Moderator like Ron who will facilitate a fair and orderly meeting.

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