After we bought our home in Richmond, I got involved in helping my community. 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. I pushed for public input during our meetings and held multiple open office hours events to allow the public to visit with questions, concerns or comments.
During my time on Council, I championed 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).
We took 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)
I learned that what I vote in favor of is just as important as what I vote against.
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.
In June 2023, I was the only vote in opposition of a resolution asking the state legislators to enable the Town Council to enter tax stabilization agreements with the Preserve instead of by voter approval. In my opinion, we should be passing any opportunity for tax savings to residents instead of those who purchased their 3rd or 4th vacation home. This resolution and draft state law was sent to the Statehouse by council majority and was thankfully stopped by Representative Megan Cotter.
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.
