Town Charter Amendments 2026
Town Charter Amendments—Which Should You Approve Or Reject? What is the Town Charter? It starts with “We the people of the Town of Charlestown, in order to secure for […]
2026 slate
CCA 2026 Platform for Charlestown
CCA 2026 Platform for Charlestown Our Economy – Our Environment – Our Future The Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA)* is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life for all Charlestown […]
Cynthia Drummond
Cynthia …
Sasha Puchalski
Sasha …
Bonnie Van Slyke
Having served 8 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.
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.
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 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.
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 18 years.
Gordon Willcox
Gordon …
David Wilkinson
David served two years on the Charlestown Town Council from 2018 to 2020. He has a BS in Business Administration and has served as 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 protect our town, his substantial experience of other communities, his leadership skills, and his expertise in project management, budgeting, financial planning, and operations will make him an excellent and effective Town Moderator
Holly Eaves
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 four 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, studied History and Plant Sciences at URI. He has worked for URI for 40 years, currently as Grounds Superintendent. 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 four 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.