Council President Samantha Wilcox
Its an honor to be serving the Town of Richmond as a Town Councilor. During my time on the Council, I have focused on key issues that are important to Richmond, including protecting our environment, ensuring our tax dollars are invested wisely, expanding beneficial business development, and increasing transparency and civic engagement.
I lead with rational and critical thinking, along with a commitment to Richmond and dedication to teamwork. Please reach out to share any questions or concerns with me.
Now, I’m running for State Senate to represent District 34, Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, Charlestown and West Greenwich. New Website coming soon! Click the logo above to volunteer, donate or sign up for notifications!
ABOUT ME
I am a lifelong RI resident. In 2018, I bought a home in Richmond with my husband and two children. I became involved with Town activities shortly after because when we bought our house, we knew it would be our forever home. Once the kids are grown, we plan to age in place. We’re here for life and invested in the community for the long term. All decisions need to not only meet the needs of today but shape our future.
I work as a Litigation Paralegal. My favorite part of this career is listening to people and solving problems. My work has a wide variety of situations and sets of facts which prepares me to think quickly and use a variety of resources to accomplish various goals.
In my free time, you can find me outside with my family. I love to hike, mountain bike, geocache and work in my garden. Arcadia is my favorite place. I lived two miles away when my children were younger and we made many memories there. There are so many different trail options that every visit is different. Our dog, Chase, is ready for any adventure.
Prior to the 2022 election, I was a member of the Conservation Commission and helped with multiple Town events and clean ups. In 2019, we expanded our family and adopted Chase, a Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier! Chase loves other dogs and the Unofficial Dog Park was his favorite place. I joined the Dog Park Committee and assisted with writing the grant for the relocation of the park! The official park opened in November of 2023 and is no longer on an old landfill. It is by the trailhead of the Richmond Heritage Trail – a much more scenic, clean and practical location for residents and their animal companions. I am continuing to work with the Dog Park Committee and Town Staff on maintenance of the Official Dog Park. This park is new and we are working out all opportunities for improvement as they are discovered.
I was driven to serve by a desire to be a part of a government that listened to its residents, worked with them and kept them informed. It’s important to have public input during our meetings and be accessable to the public with questions, concerns or comments.
I supported several initiatives to benefit our town, many of which passed Council with a 3 to 2 vote, including,
- Authorization of a voter approved $2.5 Mil Bond for Repairs to our Roads (3-2);
- Learn365 – An opportunity funded by the state to bring after school & vacation educational programs to students (3-1);
- Partnering with the YMCA for use of their community room funded by Learn365 (3-2);
- Full funding from American Rescue Plan Act money for upgrades to Beaver River Playground (5-0);
- Creation of a Long-Term Capital Improvement Strategy (5-0); and
- Establishment of a Municipal Court (3-2).
Bipartisan teamwork is responsible for multiple steps towards the ultimate goal of revitalizing Main Street including,
- Approving an evaluation of the infrastructure capacity and creation of a vision for the growth of Wyoming. (5-0)
- Aquifer Protection Overlay District: These updated ordinances expand uses allowed on commercial properties while protecting our water supply. (3-2)
- Small Business Grant program: a program that gave nine local small businesses $5,000 grants for equipment and expansion. (5-0)
During my first term I learned that what I vote in favor of is just as important as what I vote against.
In June 2023, I protected taxpayers against inequitable tax rates when I voted against council’s resolution to the state legislators to pass law enabling the Town Council to enter tax stabilization agreements with homeowners within the Preserve. I advocated against this to our legislators and our state Representative. Thankfully, Representative Cotter stopped this bill.
In January 2023, there was a newly vacant seat on the Chariho School Committee. The Richmond Town Charter is clear and states that the town council must appoint the next unelected candidate from the last election. I motioned for the appointment of Jess Purcell, who was only 34 votes shy in 2022. That motion failed and Council majority appointed someone else instead. I voted against that illegal appointment and the subsequent hiring counsel to defend their action which cost the town over $22,000 in legal fees. After months of legal battles, Council was ordered by the court to follow the charter and appointed Jess Purcell to the school committee.
I have spent the last two years learning and cultivating connections to the Richmond residents I serve. That time has strengthened my commitment to represent your interests. I am asking for your vote on November 5th to continue serving the people of Richmond as your Councilor.
This site is paid for by donations to Samantha Wilcox for Richmond Town Council.
