The four candidates running for Barrington Town Council agreed on a number of issues during an online forum last week. 

Republicans Ray Clark and Jarrod Ryan and Democrats Kate Berard and Braxton Medlin called for infrastructure improvements, such as better sidewalks and athletic fields. They also called for continued town support to local small businesses. 

But there was some separation between the hopefuls. 

For example, Berard and Medlin spoke about climate change and resiliency while Clark and Ryan did not. Meanwhile, Clark and Ryan discussed which flags should be flying on the town hall flag pole and called for the operation of the Memorial Day Parade to be given back to the Barrington United Veterans Council, but Berard and Medlin did not comment on those issues.

Common ground

All four candidates called for infrastructure improvements — specifically, they support new sidewalks in Barrington and better athletic fields. 

Medlin said he loves running on New Meadow Road and Sowams Road and would like to see the town’s Complete Streets plan come to fruition. The plan calls for a series of upgrades to local roads and pathways. 

Clark also endorsed the Complete Streets plan, although he said he had some concerns with the proposed bike lanes included in it. He said sidewalk work needs to be a priority, as many children in town walk to school each day. Ryan agreed, “safety is paramount,” he said, adding that he wants to see sidewalk work expedited. 

Berard said infrastructure was her focus — she’s calling for better connectivity and sidewalks. She was concerned about how some of the town’s infrastructure could be impacted by climate change in the future. 

Monastery plans

Council candidates differed a bit on the future of the Carmelite Monastery property, which the town purchased more than a year ago. 

Ryan said the council needs to respect the taxpayers’ votes to preserve the monastery building — no demolition, he said. He also called for the town to stop hiring consultants to “sell” the demolition option to the public. Future housing at the property should give priority to veterans and senior citizens, he said. 

Berard, who sat on the 25 Watson Ave. Ad Hoc Committee which studied the Carmelite property, said the monastery building should be demolished, the property subdivided into lots and put back onto the market. She also called for the preservation of some green space on the parcel. Medlin supported preserving green space, adding that affordable housing would be the best use for the land. 

Clark said he was not in favor of the town purchasing the property in the first place. He also said voters have twice said they want the building preserved. He called for developing some 55-and-older housing, with some green space preserved and perhaps an athletic field. 

Supporting local business

There was plenty of agreement when it came to supporting local businesses — Clark, Ryan and Berard spoke about incentives and zoning allowances. Berard also referenced her vision for County Road in the future, where she hoped parking would be added on the sides of the street and buildings could be located closer to the roadway. 

Medlin said the BBCA (Barrington Business and Community Association) and EDC (Economic Development Commission) have done some good work with local businesses. He said they can continue to bring items or ideas to the council for consideration. 

Good place to live

When asked about the tax burden and whether Barrington services were adequate, all four candidates said Barrington was a great place to live and offered adequate services. 

Emergency services

Candidates praised the town’s police department for its work navigating mental health response calls. All four candidates stopped short of advocating for a shift toward emergency services teams comprised more of counselors and social workers and less of armed officers. 

Berard said she would advocate for additional training for officers, but not move toward replacing them. Clark and Ryan both said they had no interest in shifting resources away from the police department. Instead, they endorsed partnerships with other services. 

Fields and facilities

There was a unanimous call for improved fields and recreational facilities in Barrington. 

Medlin said there was work to be done, adding “I do not have enough information to grade it on a scale of one to anything. But I know there are questions about bathrooms and I know our fields are a little bit dangerous.” Medlin said he would like to do more research on artificial turf.

Ryan and Clark were also undecided on artificial turf, while Berard said she would not support an outdoor artificial turf field. She was more open to the possibility of an indoor recreational space. Berard and Clark both supported the plan to develop a multi-use field at Haines Park. 

Ryan called for a focus on families when addressing athletic facilities and fields. 

‘Option 2B’

Opinions varied on the school department’s master facilities plan dubbed “Option 2B.”

Ryan said Barrington needs to protect its small neighborhood schools, adding that the K-3 model sets Barrington apart from other communities in Rhode Island. 

Berard said she preferred a piecemeal approach to improving local schools and was not a fan of Option 2B. 

Clark said he had a lack of confidence in the school district’s process and said officials need to explore other options. 

Medlin said residents would be able to vote on a school bond at a future financial town meeting. He also like a piecemeal approach to improving schools. 

Opening it up

When candidates were given the green light to discuss issues not yet mentioned in the forum, the topics moved in different directions. 

• Ryan: The town’s flag policy; Memorial Day Parade control

• Medlin: Representation on the town council 

• Berard: Advocating for more affordable housing; less personality in decision-making

• Clark: The town’s flag policy; Memorial Day Parade control; canceling Columbus Day holiday; and the possible addition of a communications director