Mail sent to mail@CharlestownCitizens.org
Please consider a “Yes” vote for State question number 6 on the November ballot. Question 6 contains funding for farmland preservation. We need to work harder on both the state and local level to support agriculture. Our farms are important to our economy, environment, and community character.
Using lies and smears to destroy local politicians and our families is not an acceptable way to win an election. Vicious, false attacks mean fewer good people will run for election and voters will have diminished choices and less effective representation. Voters should be skeptical of the “facts” they may read in blogs and seek out information from publications that adhere to a code of journalistic ethics. Blogs have the potential to be a lively, engaging place to read opinion and debate ideas, but facts are better found in newspapers.
Publications of some members and candidates of the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee, along with Town Council candidate James Mageau have said we don’t need to keep Attorney Larisa or continue to oppose changes in Federal laws that would allow casino development in Charlestown. When this group last had a majority on the Town Council from 1990 to 1992 they came out in support of gambling in Charlestown.
The budget for municipal operations is met primarily through property taxes levied. As with all tax policy, when a select group gets an exemption, the rest of us have to ante up more to cover the costs. The arithmetic leading to the bottom line is not forgiving, and the public has to make a judgment call on whether the benefits to the chosen are worth the added burden to the rest of us.
The Salt Ponds Coalition 2012 Annual Meeting was held last Monday, 20 Aug, at the Kettle Pond National Wildlife Refuge visitor center. The guest speaker was Dr. Jon Boothroyd, the RI State Geologist*. He provided the presentation “Climate Change, Coastal Geologic Hazards and Sea-Level Rise: Some RI Strategies”
Doing what is right for the town sometimes takes time, collaboration, character and common sense. Although I am disappointed about the sale of the YMCA land, I am proud of the process and thankful for the volunteers who sought to save the land as open space. When the Town Council denied a request to change the zoning from open space to residential over a year ago, it intended to explore options that had not yet been investigated in depth. This exploration involved due diligence and a number of players.
There has been much controversy over implementation of the affordable housing law in rural areas, because it is driven by state-imposed high-density housing contrary to local zoning. Is performance of the law adequate compensation for the loss of local control over zoning and land management?
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) doesn’t give power to the Federal Government. The Federal Government has all the power it needs. An MOU is about information sharing between the Town and Wildlife Biologists.
By fostering a work environment that encourages inclusion instead of exclusion, I hope the town can reestablish sound working relationships with all stakeholders and collaborate on Ninigret Park improvements that serve both the town and National Wildlife Refuge.
There is a need to foster a work environment that encourages inclusion instead of exclusion and that supports the legal, moral and ethical approach to conflict resolution.
A debate has emerged in Charlestown on whether the town administrator should inform elected officials of information or decisions staff make that impact land use and the community that is our home.
Click here to read about the history of managing Ninigret Park and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. (4.25Mb) Click here to read the USFWS letter that cites negative consequences to migratory […]
As promised, we looked into the failure of the Charlestown Town Administrator to disclose important information about lighting at Ninigret Park. In addition, he also failed to disclose important information […]
Town Administrator Fails To Tell Town Council/Public About Government Letters There is so much to report so we’ll send the update over the next few days. Lighting Ordinance Town Council […]
The letter below was submitted to the Westerly Sun and Chariho Times by Ruth Platner and George Tremblay to explain the Residential Wind Ordinance proposed by the Planning Commission. The […]
WASHINGTON – As the RI General Assembly considered a statewide referendum on a proposed casino last week, tribal leaders from around the country were pressing Congress for action on a bill rooted […]
An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Zoning Ordinances,” introduced into the House and Senate as H-5554 and S-533. Proposed legislation would reduce minimum building lot sizes to less […]
Prior to the Regular Meeting-CCA applauds this open, transparent discussion · Town Council in open session at the Town Administrator’s (TA) request with Councilor DiBello recusing, voted unanimously to give […]
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with the State of Rhode Island, conducted the first phase of The South Shore Restoration Project in 2004-2005 for $3.4 million. The Charlestown […]
Governor Chafee’s stance on Charlestown casino welcome Dear Governor Chafee: It was wonderful to see you at the Washington County Regional Planning Council dinner last week. As Charlestown council president, […]
As towns struggle to meet the state-wide goal of 10% affordable housing, there is much confusion over what the term “affordable housing” means. A house that the average wage-earner can […]
As concerned citizens of Charlestown, Rhode Island, we support the land use goal of our town’s Comprehensive Plan to protect the natural and cultural resources and rural character of the […]
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s message to CCA e-mailers on opposition to any legislation that would overturn the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Carcieri v. Salazar ————————————- Thank you for contacting […]