PORTSMOUTH — Twelve citizens are running for the seven available seats on the Town Council — seven Democrats, four Republicans, and one independent. 

We asked the candidates why voters should cast their ballots for them, and if elected what key issue(s) they would focus on.

Sondra A. Blank (D)

I’m looking for the support from our citizens to vote for me because I believe in this town and I believe we have great resources and highly competent people, and motivated citizens whose voices I want to have heard and respected.

I feel my role is to be of service to the community. I’d love to continue my service from being on the School Committee for more than two years. I foster dogs voluntarily, I’ve done math and science tutoring at Boys Town. I put together and then led an engineering panel, talking to the engineering CTE students at the high school. I have four kids from ages 17 to 5, so my focus is to make the schools successful now and into the future. 

My plan for all concerning areas is look at unbiased facts, collect as much information as possible, review that with the citizens to hear feedback, and act in accordance of what the citizens of Portsmouth desire. 

One of the key issues that I am concerned about in the town is safety. I’m so concerned about the safety of driving around town, and transportation for both teens and seniors. Let’s get this fixed. 

I’m also concerned about the schools, and the budget — making fiscally good choices that are based on unbiased facts to help all Portsmouth residents. 

I want to work toward strengthening small businesses. My husband is a small business owner and I recognize and want to support and grow small businesses in the town of Portsmouth. 

David P. Fiorillo (D)

I am asking for your vote in this election because I bring a unique combination of experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to our community. As a small business owner for 15 years, I understand the challenges our community faces. I’ve built my business with integrity and a commitment to serving others, and I’ll bring that same dedication to our local government. My five years as chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee have shown me how vital community spaces are for fostering connections and promoting well-being.

I believe in transparency, collaboration, and innovative solutions to address our community’s needs. By casting your ballot for me, you’re choosing a candidate who listens, values your input, and is committed to making our community a better place for everyone. Together, we can create opportunities for growth, enhance our public spaces, and ensure that every voice is heard.

I will focus on working with our parks and recreation director to promote community health and well-being. Working with our administration to secure funding and grants for activities much like pickleball. These activities help promote physical health, enhance mental well-being, foster social connections. I will continue to fund our schools to ensure all students receive a top quality education, Portsmouth ranks fourth in the state for public schools. 

Additionally, I will prioritize balancing the budget to maintain fiscal responsibility while investing in essential services. By fostering collaboration with our council members we can create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. Together, we can build a vibrant community where families thrive, children excel, and our resources are managed wisely for future generations.

I hope to get your vote this election year.

David M. Gleason (R)

I ask that Portsmouth voters consider me for re-election. I do my homework and arrive to meetings prepared for discussion and action for council business. I listen to and evaluate other councilors’ and the general public’s comments in order to make decisions for the betterment of Portsmouth. 

I ask questions of public officials to better understand the topics of discussion and issues at hand. I have brought various topics forward on the council agenda for clarification and/or informative discussions for the betterment of the community. I show respect for my fellow councilors, their opinions and for the general public and their opinions, as well. 

I will work to correct bad behaviors, by some councilors, to promote civil engagement of our citizens for better participation in local politics. I have and will continue to promote public involvement in town-appointed committees.

I would focus on several issues such as keeping Portsmouth affordable and ensuring that our seniors aren’t driven out of their homes. Those seniors should also be supported with a proper Senior Center facility, and I sincerely hope that this new shared facility arrangement works out, while readily admit that I have concerns. 

Our budget process needs to be revisited. We should be assigning a target for the overall percent of budget increases which would ultimately require spending less and require more work by the council and town staff. We need to see that RIDOT completes various sidewalk projects in town, especially Sprague Street, for increased safety. They are needed between Anthony House and Clements’ Marketplace, but the town is being “held hostage” by Director Alviti. RIDOT works for us, and they need to be held accountable for their actions or lack thereof.

Timothy E. Grissett (D)

I want our future generation to be proud to call Portsmouth home and I will endeavor to leave it a better place than when I moved here. I care about Portsmouth’s citizens, quality of life, and business development.

I have served on the Portsmouth Economic Development Committee since 2020. The committee’s accomplishments include assisting the town in creating an ISM manager position and renewing the Newport Polo lease, which resulted in increased revenues for the town.

I want to help Portsmouth continue to prosper by ensuring proper funding for our town’s capital improvement needs, school district, and essential services while maintaining financial responsibility.

I want to see the implementation of the upcoming town-sponsored curbside garbage and recycling collection, while keeping the transfer station open for operations for those who choose to dispose of their household refuse themselves, as well as for large diversion items.

Portsmouth has the best schools on Aquidneck Island; I want to ensure that continues by maintaining the excellent working relationship the Town Council has with the Portsmouth School Committee.

I worked on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and New York City Harbor for several years. I also assisted my parents in running their flower shop in Niceville (which has been in business since the 1960s) until we sold it. Before moving to Portsmouth, I changed careers and started working in the financial sector; I am currently a supervisor for a local community-oriented bank in Portsmouth.

Keith E. Hamilton (R)

I believe I have the greatest experience on all things budget. We spent 90 minutes at the candidates’ forum on Sept. 26 before I brought it up. The next few budgets will be very challenging due to state funding cuts, inflation, wage increases and insurance premiums. 

We need levelheaded leadership to maintain the services our residents expect with the balance of low as possible tax increases. I have asked the legislature to reinstate general revenue sharing the past two years and I will continue the fight, if the voters choose to reelect me. 

I run as a Republican because I believe in conservative values, but I believe I have shown in the past that I have an independent voice. I pledge to always act in the best interest of all Portsmouth residents and not beholden to a political party or special interest group. 

We must continue to fund our roads program, work with the RIDOT to get Sprague Street repaved with new sidewalks and East and West Main roads repaved. We have significant capital projects to finish in the schools and to begin with the town’s infrastructure that will need thoughtful discussions to make sure the repairs are done properly and provide the biggest impact for the future of Portsmouth. 

I am thankful to the voters of Portsmouth who have elected me these past eight terms and I humbly ask for their support on election day.

Charles J. Levesque (D)

Some 30 years ago there was a letter to the editor in a local paper criticizing the paper for endorsing me, as the endorsement stated they disagreed with me on many issues. I wrote in response at that time that if you need to agree with me on every issue even my mother wouldn’t vote for me. 

I think the people in town know that I will be standup; I will be counted; I will use my best effort on their behalf; I will do so without fear or favor. And I would ask for their vote based on that.

A slogan from my youth: “Think globally, act locally!” Our nation and indeed the world, of which Portsmouth is a part, is facing an existential crisis with climate change. Every level of government must respond to it, must do everything in its power to decrease the amount of energy we use and the amount of greenhouse gases we emit. 

Within that framework is also the issues of island transportation, which must be made safer and more efficient; island energy use, which must encourage both individual conservation and obtaining personal alternate energy i.e. solar panels, and encouraging other alternate energy; and providing mass transit for our waste stream.

Tasha M. MacGibbon (D)

I’m running for Portsmouth Town Council because I believe our community deserves leaders who bring practical solutions, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to preserving what makes our town special. As someone who has called Portsmouth home since 2011 and built a career on managing teams and solving problems in both retail chains and small businesses, I understand the importance of balancing growth with responsible planning.

Voters should choose me because I’m a doer. I’ve spent my career getting results by leading teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring the job gets done right. I’m running to ensure that Portsmouth remains a great place for families like mine, balancing growth with keeping taxes reasonable, improving local services, and making sure our town has the resources it needs to thrive.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I know how to ask the right questions, help find the best solutions, and push for real improvements that benefit our community. I’m running to represent the hardworking people of Portsmouth, and I hope to earn your vote with my practical, no-nonsense approach.

Mary A. McDowell (I)

Voters should cast their ballot for me because of my background and experience in municipal government and education. I served as a high school principal as well as a selectboard member (Town Council) for eight years. I have experience with town departments, school departments, budgets, contract negotiations, state legislators, legal challenges and most importantly the citizens. 

During my tenure as a board member, I was instrumental in acquiring a new senior center, securing a Green Community status for the town, and instituting a PAYT program to extend the life of the transfer station. As a high school principal, I worked with many constituencies across various fields to bring quality education to students. These are skill sets that are invaluable in serving a community.

While there are several issues facing Portsmouth, our town budget is one of the key issues for me. Taxes are increasing year after year, growing at a rate close to the state mandated ceiling of 4 percent. This cannot continue. The Town Council has to do a better job at controlling spending. When the council approves a 28-percent raise for the town administrator, it says to me that fiscal responsibility is not a top priority. That single action will have a cascading effect on upcoming contract negotiations with all town employees.

The budget process must focus on transparency, accountability and finding creative ways of keeping our taxes from continually growing. Town departments should present their budget individually before the council and the citizens. This gives the department heads more ownership of their budget and allows for more transparency and accountability. Budgets impact taxes and taxes impact housing affordability. Housing affordability will continue to impact lifelong residents, causing them to seek housing elsewhere. We must have a council that understands these complex challenges and acts accordingly.

Sharlene M. Patton (R)

My name is Sharlene Patton, and I am running for a seat on the Portsmouth Town Council.

As a lifelong resident, co-owner of a small business, mother, and grandmother, I have deep roots in our community. I actively participate in various committees and boards and volunteer with youth sports. 

Since my last campaign, I have gained valuable insights into the persistent issues and concerns of our town. I believe that transparency is essential for anyone who aspires to make a difference. My goal is to leverage my extensive knowledge and experience to further improve Portsmouth.

I am dedicated to working tirelessly to enhance the well-being of our entire community.

I humbly seek your support and kindly ask for your vote in the forthcoming election on or before Nov. 5.

Juan Carlos Payero (D)

Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my time and efforts to serving on our school committee, with the last four years as vice chair. This valuable experience has inspired me to seek ways to extend my influence across various aspects of our town. My campaign is centered on three pivotal areas, each of which holds significant importance for Portsmouth’s future: education, the economy, and the environment.

Education is the bedrock of American democracy and a vital tool for advancement in Portsmouth. As a community, we must uphold and bolster our educational system to provide our future generations with top-notch guidance and a secure, nurturing environment for learning. This includes advocating for increased resources and support for teachers and engaging with parents, guardians, and students to address their specific needs and concerns.

In terms of the economy, Portsmouth must strive to broaden its economic landscape while preserving the distinct character that’s drawn numerous new families to our town over the past decade. This could involve promoting small business growth, creating job opportunities, and fostering a business-friendly environment while maintaining our community’s unique charm and identity.

As for the environment, we have a rich aquatic history and unparalleled natural beauty. Preserving our natural spaces is paramount to ensuring they can be cherished and utilized by future generations. This includes advocating for sustainable practices, protecting green spaces, and promoting environmental education and awareness.

Throughout my time serving our town, I have worked tirelessly to initiate positive change and progress. From spearheading local infrastructure projects to advocating for improved public services, I have consistently strived to enhance the lives of our fellow residents. As the upcoming election approaches, I look forward to your support and trust in my vision for a better future for our town.

David G. Reise (R)

Having lived in Portsmouth my whole life, I have a wealth of knowledge about the town, its changes, past and present, what works and what may not. This town has a history, and that history is why we have both the strengths and problems we’re dealing with today. I know that history and I know how we got here. 

That’s why I look forward to developing our strengths and working on our problems so we can head in a positive direction. I will develop ideas, provide input and guide the town towards that direction, and I have the skills and education it takes to do that. My decisions will be based on ensuring that we have the best outcome for the town and its citizens. I am committed to guiding the town through the upcoming changes and will always consider the long-term effects of my decisions on the residents.

The biggest issue we face is spending, which is how our taxes are calculated. Many think it is the high assessment on their property causing the increased taxes. It is actually the increasing town budget. 

The town needs to fund the amount of the budget total. The town adjusts the mill rate (dollars per thousand of valuation) accordingly. If your house value remained constant, the mill rate would be adjusted to match the budget bottom line. When the budget increases, the mill rate increases, resulting in higher taxes.

The budget of each department should be reviewed quarterly to ensure the budget is on track. Hiring of new employees and development of new departments should be reviewed and approved by the council. Key safety and infrastructure items should be funded first, i.e. police, fire, public works, building and road maintenance. This ensures a safe, well-maintained town we can all be proud of.

John Mark Ryan (D)

Since joining the Town Council in November 2016, I have gained valuable experience in effectively managing municipal government and addressing our community’s challenges. I remain committed to using my knowledge to keep Portsmouth the community we love.

We have accomplished a great deal. We conducted a complete analysis of town properties, implemented rolling five-year capital improvement plans, and improved financial reporting, earning multiple accolades. We adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan, secured safety audits for East and West Main roads, won a $339,000 grant for climate change resiliency, hired a full-time parks and recreation director, expanded local programs, supported agricultural businesses, regulated short-term rentals, obtained RIDOT analyses for road improvements, offered lower energy costs, participated in a class-action suit against opioid manufacturers, and managed the COVID-19 challenges while helping vulnerable citizens and keeping town services operational. We also partnered with Church Community Housing to build a new Senior Center and affordable senior housing. In collaboration with the School Committee, we worked on safety and capital improvements.

By adopting fiscally responsible policies, we have supported schools, maintained roads, and completed necessary capital improvements while keeping Portsmouth’s tax rates among the bottom quarter of lowest in towns with school systems. Despite the financial challenges posed by COVID-19, Portsmouth stayed on track, reduced its budget, and created a COVID-19 emergency contingency fund.

Looking ahead, I will focus on passing ordinances to support our Comprehensive Plan. Our biggest challenges include maintaining health, safety, and quality of life while keeping taxes low. The primary threats are affordable housing shortages and severe weather events driven by climate change. We’ve made progress with over 50 units of affordable senior housing and increased emergency management planning that qualify us for more grants. The council must continue these efforts for a sustainable future.