Values

Views

Richmond should be proud of its outdoor recreational activities. Maintaining existing farmland is important, since Rhode Island is a net importer of food; the more farmland Richmond has, the more food security and local supply will be available. In addition, farms and farmland are an important part of Richmond's identity, and provide critical avenues for small businesses.

Solar farms are viable, but they should not come at the cost of converting existing farmland, or logging forests. Once the local energy grid can support more solar farms, we should seek alternative brownfield sites or rooftop solar.

Commitment

I promise to protect public access to hiking, fishing, kayaking, etc. I will review any new solar farm permits with available grid capacity and effective land use as part of the discussion.

Views

Richmond's small businesses drive a circular economy where money spent in Richmond stays in Richmond. Larger companies provide employment for our residents. Main Street should be a source of pride and enjoyment for residents -- a place where they can shop and meet up with others. These businesses serve the needs of residents providing them with access to groceries, doctors, dining, banking, and fuel.

Increasing the business tax base will lower the residential tax burden. Unlike some other towns in Rhode Island, Richmond raises much of its taxes disproportionately from residential property, so growing our commercial sector helps relieve residential property taxes along with providing local employment.

There is currently a shortage of entry-level wage workers in Richmond, which is likely tied to the shortage of affordable housing. Students who graduate from Chariho High School and nearby University of Rhode Island (URI), who want to stay local often can't stay due to the high cost of housing. Young families can't afford to live here, reducing the number of children in the school, leading to higher costs per pupil in our schools. Since state funding is linked to enrollment, this shifts school costs to the local taxpayer.

Commitment

As a member of the Richmond Town Council, I promise to review and consider changes to unnecessary regulatory roadblocks for businesses in our town. I will pursue opportunities to promote Richmond as a place where business can thrive. I envision a revitalized Main Street and Chariho Plaza, and will make that a priority. I will work alongside the Affordable Housing Committee and Planning Board to effectively utilize the Affordable Housing Fund and take steps towards lowering the cost of housing and rent.

Views

I support strong public education, and believe that Richmond residents should be proud of Chariho's students, programs, and teachers. However, I recognize Richmond's budget expenses are dominated by the Chariho school system, which it not in the hands of the Town Council.

The rest of the budget for municipal expenses should be carefully spent. Police, public works, and town administration all are key parts of a functioning town government. It is important to retain our experienced workers in all of our town departments, stagnant wages that don't keep up with inflation lead to high turnover. High turnover ends up being more expensive in the long run due to time and costs associated with finding and training new hires.

As debt service expires and lessens over time, the excess budget will be available for use. The most responsible thing to do is invest that money into projects that add to our shared infrastructure, such as repaving roads or purchasing necessary equipment for public works or public safety. Keeping large expenses up-to-date means the town will have fewer reasons to go out to bond over time, saving money that would otherwise be lost to interest over the long run.

Taxes in Richmond are where they are due to a smaller pool of businesses tax revenue and the problem of providing services for residents spread out thin in a rural town like ours. The tax rate has been essentially stagnant for a good amount of time, a result of careful spending in the face of rising inflation. I don't foresee a way to reduce residential taxes in the short-term, especially with anticipated reduced federal and state aid to the town. Despite that, Richmond's residents should get as many useful services from their taxes as possible.

Commitment

I will continue to advocate for and allocate funds to Chariho Regional School District. I will question and ensure proper justification should there be any increases to the budget higher than the Consumer Price Index inflation rates over the year. I'll suggest town employees' wages be comparable to those in similar Rhode Island towns, with fair raises awarded in line with inflation. I promise to not raise tax rates more than inflation rates, and I will strive to keep tax rates as flat as possible.

Views

Town Councilors are elected as public representatives. They should listen to every voice and choose the best course of action with those recommendations in mind. Collaboration with the town staff, state officials, and Richmond community is essential to be an effective Town Council member.

Decisions should be transparent and justified. Available information should be published so residents can follow and understand how decisions are made. Elected representatives should be public servants and lead by example.

Commitment

I will keep open communication with town residents, regardless of political affiliation. My votes will be transparent and rationalized. I will work with town staff and will be available to the Richmond community.

Views

Richmond should grow its housing in order to provide more affordable homes, maintain or increase school enrollment, and allow seniors to age in place. More housing will help reduce the tax rate for existing houses. Lower housing prices and rents will allow young families and entry-level workers to live in Richmond, which our schools and businesses need.

Richmond sits in a prime location, making work accessible and commutable, even if it isn't in town.. Plenty of people would like to live here, but cost and housing availability are barriers.

Rural character means more than just open fields and vast forests. Richmond's mill villages are a good example of housing that maintains rural character. Small duplexes and housing developments help contain sprawl, which preserves the forests that make Richmond appealing. Mixed developments that blend housing, small retailers, and services provide walkable areas for residents to enjoy. Larger apartment complexes like Fox Run are only appropriate directly adjacent to the I-95 corridor, where rural character is less of a concern, or in fairly isolated forested areas, where residents can enjoy the nature around them.

Commitment

I will work with the Affordable Housing Committee and Planning Board to help meet the goal of more affordable housing in Richmond. I will not rubber-stamp the approval of "just any" housing project and will perform due diligence when looking at proposals.