Meet the candidates for Middletown Town Council
In advance of the 2022 General Election, The Newport Daily News reached out to candidates running in contested races via emails filed with the Board of Elections to learn more about their candidacy.
All candidates were asked the same questions with a 450-word limit per question and provided two weeks to respond. Responses can be seen below without editing to ensure voters are reading the candidates' own words.
Peter D. Connerton Sr.
Position running for: Middletown Town Council
Current Office held: N/A
Occupation: Retired Fire Chief, City of Newport Fire Department
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
I am not sure that I am willing to say that I am the best candidate for the position, but I believe my career and experiences make me a suitable contender for a spot on the Middletown Town Council. I served the City of Newport for over 30 years, beginning as a volunteer/call firefighter in 1986. After being hired as a permanent firefighter, I worked my way up the ranks to the position of Fire Chief before retiring in 2017, after six years in that position.
Over the course of my employment, I also served as the Union vice president for approximately thirteen years. That post enabled me to take part in grievance processes, conflict resolutions and contract negotiations from the employee’s perspective. Conversely, in the position of fire chief, I was involved in these same procedures as a department head, thus permitting me to experience and understand the viewpoints of both groups.
As the fire chief, I had responsibility for managing ninety plus personnel, developing the department’s annual budget, writing and managing grants, the specification of and purchasing of apparatus and equipment, establishing and reviewing the department’s Standard Operating Procedures, approval of all purchases and the list goes on.
While fire chief, I also acted as the city’s Emergency Management director. In that role I was responsible for developing the city’s responses to emergencies, ensuring city employees were trained in MEDS PODS, maintaining and updating of the city’s Emergency Operation Plan, and management of reimbursements from FEMA after disasters occurred. In this position I frequently worked with other municipalities, the state and federal assets.
Last, but definitely not least when called upon I acted in the capacity of the city manager in their absence. I feel that the aforementioned demonstrates my dedication as a public servant and has prepared me to take on the challenge of being a Middletown Town Councilor.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Middletown and how would you approach improving the situation?
Right now I see the town’s school system as the biggest issue. This is demonstrated by the Council's relationship with the school administration and School Committee, the reoccurring deficits of the School Department’s annual budget and the current condition of its facilities.
There is much disdain between the Council and school administration and School Committee. This needs to be put aside for the betterment of the students and the community as a whole. There must be greater transparency, accounting and oversight of the Schools' Annual Operating Budget to prevent over expenditure. I would recommend that the Town Administration fully take over the finance/accounting function of the School Department to include, if necessary, the transferring/hiring of personnel to/for Town Hall to fulfill these tasks. Newport has done this by adding a comptroller, a payroll clerk, an accounts payable clerk. To my knowledge, this has positively affected not only the relationships between the entities, but has kept their school budget in check. Additionally, I would recommend that the Council and the School Committee need to work more closely and communicate more effectively specifically as it pertains to the budget process. Early notification of issues leads to the best possible outcome.
The town’s school buildings are antiquated and in need of replacement. They have served the community well, but we have reached the point of diminishing return. The monies needed to band aid them is nearly as much as the proposed $235 million dollar bond to build three new schools without the attractive reimbursement rate of 80.5% being offered by RIDE if Middletown were to regionalize with Newport. I do not see how the Town can undertake these replacements or upgrades without negatively impacting its bond status relating to Debt Service and or taxing its residents further than necessary. Moreover, if Middletown were to attempt to do so alone what funds would be available to directly impact students with a greater breadth of classes and resources to enhance their education. The answer to this segues directly into the last question asked.
Will you vote to support regionalization? And why?
I will be voting to approve the regionalization and the $235 million dollar bond. Over the course of the summer and into the fall I have attended meetings relating to the matter. I have gone over the pros and cons for both sides. I have listened to people regarding comments that were made previously about the combining the of districts’ children and their feelings regarding regionalization. I have heard about the mistrust of elected officials to carry out promises to reinvest saved capitals. People have asked why we can’t wait.
The facts of the matter are that combining of districts will result in great savings and reimbursements, now and in the future, to each community they otherwise would not realize. I have read the enabling legislation and if not acted upon in the current timeframe there are no guarantees the program repayment rate will continue. Even if it did Newport would lose out, as Rogers and Pell projects will have been completed. The current Councils have or are in the process of writing resolutions committing to reinvest assets realized thru savings.
It is clear that both communities have an interest in coming together, otherwise the matter would not keep resurfacing. The proposed regionalization framework isn’t a complete one to start. However, if passed it can and will be built on to reach that goal. Both communities have a wide range of capable and talented people in their governments, school committees, school departments and the public to make this a reality.
The million dollar question is will Middletown and Newport students be better off with or without regionalization. In my opinion they will be better served and the pathway to full regionalization will start with approval of this union.
Christopher Logan
Position running for: Middletown Town Council
Hometown: Middletown
Current office held (if any): Current Middletown Town Councilor
Occupation: SVP and Chief Security Officer
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
I believe that anyone who truly wants to make a difference, not only for the place they live but also for the people who live there, make the best candidates. I want to take the knowledge and experience I have acquired over the years and apply it in order to make Middletown a better place. This is my goal and I will work tirelessly to do that, to make Middletown a better place for the citizens who reside here. Having been an Islander my whole life and raising my family here I have a unique perspective and shared familiarity that allow me to apply my previous experience to benefit all who call Middletown home. Taking a logical and thoughtful approach to solving the problems
and challenges being faced by Middletown and its residents is what I will do and although it will not be easy, I will remain steadfast in that pursuit.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Middletown and how would you approach improving the situation?
There are no shortages of issues being faced by the town and its residents but I feel these are a few of the top priorities right now. 1) Economic Vitality - we must find efficiencies in town management and also drive new revenue to grow in a sustainable and responsible way. We must use our assets to drive and find new revenue sources! 2) Schools - we have to foster an environment of innovation and create opportunity where our children thrive by meeting them where they are in their educational journey. The current process is not meeting those needs and it is our combined responsibility to ensure our students success! and 3) Housing - we must keep our promise of providing affordable housing for both our seniors and our families and continue to make Middletown the place where people want to live and work. We must execute on our vision and keep our promise of delivering affordable housing!
Will you vote to support regionalization? And why?
I am in favor of regionalization and the opportunities it can provide. The current system is not working for all of our students and we should not be content with the status quo. Having an opportunity to reinvent how education can work for our students is critical especially in the face of a changing economy. Preparing our children for their future starts with providing them with as many opportunities as possible to use their talents and explore how they will be productive members of our society. Having diversity in the curriculum starts with reevaluating what we are doing today and making sure we adjust it to meet the future needs of our learners. It is time to do something different because to continue doing the same exact thing and then expecting a different outcome is truly the definition of insanity. We need to focus on ensuring our future leaders are prepared for what the future holds by making them skilled and helping them find their passion and I firmly feel regionalization is that first step.
Paul M. Rodrigues
Position running for: Middletown Town Council
Current office held: Middletown Town Council
Occupation: Financial District Manager
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
I believe that my experience on the Town Council with budgets that always considers the tax payers ability to pay while improving and maintaining services that our residents need. I believe that my experience, strength of character and my ability to make fair, sound minded decisions, combined with good common sense has provided positive results for Middletown. Also, it is important to be able to work civilly and cohesively with all your colleagues at all times to be able to accomplish the issues that face Middletown. I have always listened to our resident’s thoughts, ideas and concerns about issues facing Middletown. Whether we agree or disagree on any issue, I have and always will make the best decision for all residents for the sustainable future of Middletown.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Middletown and how would you approach improving the situation?
There are several big issues facing Middletown. The first issue always at the forefront and is always my No. 1 priority is to always consider our taxpayers ability to pay when making financial decisions. With inflation it is even more difficult for residents to afford to live here and stay in their homes. I do not support any unnecessary spending. I will review the monthly financial reports to ensure a year end surplus. I supported the split residential tax rate to help full time residents with a lower tax rate than non - full time residents. I will continue my strong financial disciplines to ensure Middletown remains affordable. The second issue is the lack of affordable housing for senior citizens, young families and our work force. I will continue to work with our Affordable Housing Committee to find true affordable housing. The committee made a recommendation for senior housing at Berkeley School for seniors and Oliphant School and also young family housing at Oliphant School in the open lot. The third big issue facing Middletown is regionalization, which I will discuss in the next question.
Will you vote to support regionalization? And why?
I will vote to support regionalization. There are historic amounts of money available from the RI Department of Education. The cost to put band-aids on our schools infrastructure is more than it would cost to build new schools. We can build three new schools for a total of $79 million dollars which includes interest versus putting band aides at a cost of $90 million which would only repair infrastructure issues at the High School and Middle School and very little money of the $90 million would go to the two elementary schools. In roughly 5 years, the taxpayers would be asked for another $100 million to repair the elementary schools. If we regionalize we would be eligible for a 80.5% reimbursement from the RI Department of Education. The total cost to build three new schools with interest over 20 years would be $400 million dollars. The state would pay $322 million of the $400 million. This would be a much more affordable option to our taxpayers. There are savings that come with regionalization. The state would pay for half the transportation costs for both Middletown and Newport. That is a savings of about $2.5 million dollars for both communities that could be put back in to educational opportunities for Newport and Middletown children.
Theresa Santos
Did not respond.
Emily Tessier
Position running for: Middletown Town Council
Current office held (if any): Member of the Middletown Zoning Board
Occupation: Registered Dietitian
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
I would be a fresh voice for change in the community. As a lifelong Middletown resident, I’ve seen the community grow into what it has become today. I feel a deep connection to Middletown. I have attended all Middletown Public Schools, played on Middletown softball teams growing up, and have lived on both the West side of Middletown and the East side. The frustration that I feel with housing, transportation, and the economy is also felt by many of the Middletown residents I’ve had the pleasure of talking to during this campaign season. Our community deserves to hear a young and energetic perspective that will lead our great town into the future. With that, Middletown also deserves someone that is willing to listen. I want to help make Middletown the best it can be for everyone.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Middletown and how would you approach improving the situation?
We must address the housing crisis. Many of my childhood friends would love to come back and live in Middletown near their families but are not able to afford long-term housing. In addition, many folks that work in Middletown would love to live here, but can’t afford it. This causes traffic, reduces the quality of life, and contributes to climate change. I want to make sure that we are prioritizing local homeowners first by focusing on reforming the zoning ordinances, approving more “missing middle” housing, and addressing short-term rental challenges.
Will you vote to support regionalization? And why?
I will support regionalization. I want to begin by saying that I believe in a robust public education system, which includes substantial investments in our student's education and addressing the crumbling infrastructure of our current school buildings. I have been frustrated by the regionalization process. It is my understanding that the majority of the information regarding the disbursement of the funds and governance of the regionalization board will be decided after the November election. I will fight for more transparency in the future. With that said, our school system is in disrepair. We owe it to our students to fight for every dollar to support their education and support our community’s future.
Dennis Turano
Did not respond.
Antone Viveiros
Did not respond.
Barbara A. VonVillas
Position running for: Middletown Town Council
Current office held (if any): Member-Middletown Town Council
Occupation: Currently Adjunct Professor at RWU
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
My candidacy is based on my long-time commitment to Middletown and its citizens of all ages. Although my professional experience as an educator has taken me to seven different communities in three states, I have always lived here and served the town in various capacities as teacher, School Committee member, and Town Councilor. My goal in life has always been "to make a difference."
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Middletown and how would you approach improving the situation?
The biggest issue in Middletown - and throughout the country - is to provide a productive environment that adapts to change within reasonable costs. Middletown has an aging population but it also has families with children. We have an obligation to protect the decreasing resources of our elderly but also to expand and enhance the educational benefits for our children who are the future of the community.
Therefore, finance and education need to be our top priorities - and the growth of those is dependent on change, whether we like it or not. We must recognize and respect (albeit reluctantly) the current opportunities for municipal and educational development. We must not let our personal opinions or feelings stand in the way of progress for all our citizens.
Will you vote to support regionalization? And why?
I have been a supporter of both school regionalization and unification in its various forms since 2011. Having been a school administrator in four different regional districts in three states, I am personally aware of its advantages.
I am concerned that we not be distracted by what could have been, but rather support the opportunities before us now.
The current proposals are only the first step towards an amazing future. Denying our children that opportunity would get us nowhere. But taking a leap of faith on Nov. 8 will open the door to future unification of our educational systems and provide greater opportunities for our young. It's all about the kids.
Tom Welch
Position running for: Middletown Town Council
Current position held: Current VP, Middletown Council
Occupation: Landscaper
What makes you the best candidate for this position?
I feel “best candidate” is a little presumptuous. I believe councilors should be willing and able to work with their peers to achieve the best outcome for the residents. This requires the ability to engage in logical and productive discussions without bias. A councilor’s job is to bring the concerns and opinions of the town’s people to the table. I also believe candidates should be involved in town issues and possess some degree of historic understanding of how we arrived at current laws, ordinances and the like. A democratic election brings forward those individuals that the residents of Middletown feel are best suited in this capacity. I hope to be one of those people.
What is the biggest issue facing Middletown and how would you approach improving the situation?
I think the biggest issue facing Middletown is the education of our young people, the faculty and our school building. I will discuss my position on this issue in question No. 3 below.
The biggest issue on the quality of life for Middletown residents is short-term rentals (STR). The situation has been a source of frustration for some time to the residents that live in areas where STRs are concentrated and for those who live next to a problematic STR properties.
The recent zoning changes put in place by Newport (as well as many other area communities) has put more pressure on Middletown to decide how to control this growth.
The problem has many pieces. STRs are constantly turning over occupants so the “neighbor” aspect of the tenants is no longer relevant. Renters, typically here on vacation, can be disruptive in terms of dealing with rowdy behavior, parking, trash, etc. Out of state owners versus owner occupied STRs also complicates the issue when problems occur. Conversely, many STRs have operated without incident for years. Some STR situations provide supplemental income for full time residents that they depend on to make ends meet.
To improve the STR component in Middletown we need to explore legal changes to our ordinances. The town needs to improve data collection as we rely on this information to make policies. If we are not collecting the right information, the process cannot work effectively. This will require a clear set of expectations from the council to be carried out and reported by police and zoning officials.
I am in favor of the town’s ability to revoke an STR’s registration for repeat offenses. Again, we need enforceable rules, with clearer definitions for this to be effective. I also think the town should be able to limit STRs – exactly how to do so needs further investigation.
Will you vote to support regionalization and why?
I absolutely will vote to regionalize with Newport. The most obvious benefit is the ability for Middletown to build all new, state of the art schools – to replace our 60+ year old buildings. For the taxpayer, this is the single biggest decision we can make to control tax increases by taking advantage of historic (but soon expiring) 80.5% reimbursements from the Rhode Island Department of Education.
As we have heard, the educational benefits of regionalization are harder to quantify as decisions on how to improve the experience for our students lie with the yet to be formed regional school committee. The committee will not be elected until after the vote to approve regionalization with Newport.
I also firmly believe the elected regional school committee members from both communities will work together in the interest of providing a better educational experience for all students and teachers in both communities.
The tax implications of not regionalizing are enormous. I am on the school building committee, and we currently do not have a viable Plan B. The tax dollars required to upgrade MHS and Gaudet are roughly equivalent to the cost of the all the new schools being proposed. We would then have to pay to redo Forest Ave and Aquidneck in short order. Financially, we could not even bond that amount of debt – never mind expect the residents to be able to afford the necessary tax increases to pay it back.
Everyone must understand that if we try to make the substantial upgrades necessary to our existing buildings, the students will have to be moved out while the work is done. This is terribly disruptive for students and faculty alike and adds literally millions of dollars to the cost of the project. The regionalization plan does not require any students to be displaced during any phase of the construction.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Meet the candidates for Middletown Town Council
