2024 Elections November 5th
Vote for Jessica Drew Day
Greg Sweet for Town Council
Dr. Peter Phelps for Town Council
Dr. Peter Phelps, Republican
I was raised in South Kingstown and I have been raising my kids here as well. I have volunteered in the community with the Scouts of America and coaching local youth soccer teams. I have a PhD in mechanical engineering from URI. I have been a full-time engineer for 21 years. I also teach part time at URI. Starting with the pandemic and continuing now, we saw many public servants abusing their power by shutting down our beaches, closing our schools and mandating our kids even in daycare to wear masks. Together with other parents, we sued the RI Department of Heath over the school mask
mandates. Because of that lawsuit the department of health must now publicize their rational and seek public comment before it can issue any further masking mandates. Now, I feel compelled to run for town council because I do not see the people being represented, heard and kept informed with rational for their decisions. People are looking for alternatives and I can see why. All too often we see issues being brought to the town council just to be dismissed out of hand. I understand that things might take time but the community needs a council that will resolve issues in a prompt and transparent manner. The council also needs to be humble and listen to the will of the constituents instead of simply pushing their own agendas. Engineers like me are at heart problem solvers. I hope I can bring my ingenuity, creativity and attention to detail to help the community where I call home.
Debra MacDowell for Town Council
Republican: Debra MacDowell
Our family moved from Newport to Wakefield 10 years ago for several reasons. The number one reason was so our daughter could attend SKHS and we are pleased with her education. My husband restores wooden boats and I had a pottery/gift store in Newport for 33 years. I am now retired. We saw the powers that be in Newport making decisions that were causing taxes, water and city services to rise. We saw more and more
families leaving, more out of town home ownership and government subsidized housing that will be a tax burden forever. Newport’s High School ranks close to the bottom and now, because of their school bond passing they are on the verge of bankruptcy. I’m running for Town Council
because I fear South Kingstown (SK) is headed in the same direction. SK is becoming unaffordable to our long time elderly residents and young families can not afford to buy a home here. I’ve never run for public office before but after attending many SK Town Council meetings it concerned me how resistant they are to the taxpayers ideas and questions. An example of this was the school bond issue. There were many questions
unanswered and pertinent information was not made available to the general public. Hence, we are now on the hook for higher taxes for up to 30 years and that’s before we address the neglected repairs of the others three schools estimated at $32 million. There are smart, eager citizens with common sense ideas and we need a council that is humble, openminded and energetic enough to bring these ideas to fruition. As parents and grandparents we cannot leave our children mired in our debt.
Sean O'Donnell for Town Council
Republican: Sean O'Donnell
Sean O'Donnell, Pharm.D., a licensed pharmacist in Rhode Island, resides in Spencer Court in Wakefield with his wife, Carla, and their two sons, Brendan and Nolan. Sean earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 2000 and holds a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island, where he also served as a lecturer in Health Systems from 2004 to 2021. Professionally, he has been a Staff Pharmacist at the University of Rhode Island Student Health Services since 2001 and has worked part-time at the Rhode Island Veteran's Home since 2011, where he also assists with contracting, budgeting, and business operations for the pharmacy managed by his wife. Sean is deeply involved in his community, coaching youth baseball for the Post 39 American Legion since 2010 and previously for the SK Little League from 1999 to 2011. As a committed member of St. Francis Church, he co-leads Bible Study programs and participates in the leadership team for the upcoming Alpha Program. Born and raised in North Providence, Sean has made South Kingstown his home since 1983, embodying a strong commitment to both his profession and community.
Michael Day for Town Council
Republican: Michael Day
Our government is designed to be for the people by the people, not controlled by a single party or individual. One-party rule does not allow for the new ideas that can benefit everyone because it excludes diverse points of view. I am declaring my candidacy for Town Council because I am particularly concerned about having one party decide and coordinate the proposed school construction project. Like many towns, voters approved the bond without knowing the actual costs. Sadly, as we read in the media, several cities and towns across the state may face financial trouble due to long-term debt. Some towns are even facing increased project costs before the building phase has started.
We cannot let this happen to our town. In the construction process, it is critical to have complete transparency and thorough vetting of all the contractors and rational of all costs. I will ensure that construction is properly overseen and that every penny is spent on the project, not on consultants and lawyers, as the current council seems to justify. I offer my fellow neighbors a diverse background that includes property management and overseeing construction projects. I have worked for contractors and completed large project rehabs on time and under budget. As a patient and collaborative leader, I will work with people to find common goals and ensure the project is completed within budget. As the small business owner of Daylight Films & Media, I have 30 years of practical experience managing a successful business and completing projects on time and within financial parameters.
One of my proudest achievements is serving in the US Army National Guard's 119th Military Police Company from 1991 to 2000, receiving an honorable discharge and the Army Achievement Medal. My professional education includes an Associate of Science in Video and Radio Production, a BS in Information Science with a concentration in Multimedia, and various professional certifications. Additionally, I volunteered at Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, where I designed and created a team to successfully run all aspects of the video technology.
John W. Buehler for School Committee
Republican: John W. Buehler
I am a concerned South Kingstown (SK) citizen running for a position on the SK School Committee. I have a grandson currently in the school system. I proudly served 17 years in the U.S. Navy, where I led a division of men and managed a multimillion-dollar weapon system. During my service, I also overcame cancer and am a 31-year cancer survivor. After my Navy career, I dedicated 20 years as a city government employee. Throughout this time, I was an active member of the NEARI Union #840, serving as Vice President. In this role, I negotiated contracts and collaborated closely with employees and city and state leaders. Additionally, I served as Chairman of my Church Trustee Committee, overseeing church buildings, property, and a $2 million budget.
I have strong connections with several SK teachers and, as a school parent, SK taxpayer, and retired public servant, I bring extensive experience and dedication to benefit the parents, children, teachers, and taxpayers of SK public schools. I am running for a position on the South Kingstown Town Council/School Committee because I am deeply concerned about the education and well-being of our children. My focus is on the betterment of our schools, ensuring they are safe and comfortable for both students and teachers. I am committed to working collaboratively with teachers to provide them with the necessary resources to succeed in their roles, while also cutting waste and improving services for our children.
My candidacy focuses on several key points. First, I will advocate for policies that enhance the quality of education and support innovative teaching methods. Second, I will prioritize the safety and comfort of our schools to create an optimal learning environment. Third, I will work closely with teachers to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to excel. Lastly, I will identify and eliminate wasteful spending to reallocate funds towards essential educational services.
Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and our community.
Jessica Drew-Day for Representative District 33: South Kingstown and Narragansett
Republican: Jessica Drew-Day
I am running for Representative is because, during the impact of COVID-19 on my video production business, I had time to review the bills at the statehouse and as a concerned citizen this is why I am running for office. I will bring accountability and transparency back to our community. I will work for a parental rights bill and focus on fixing our roads. I will advocate for changes in laws to allow federal funds to be used for our municipal roads, working with Senator Gordon Rogers to bring forth these bills. Additionally, I will work to remove laws that make it difficult to do business here, such as the straw bill and other frivolous regulations. For instance, McEntee, who is the Chair of the Small Business Committee, wants us to pay a 15-cent deposit on beverage containers, which would increase grocery bills for every Rhode Islander at a time when we are already struggling to make ends meet. McEntee also supported a bill requiring us to get 30% of our energy from renewable sources, leading to our forests being paved with solar panels and our oceans with wind turbines. I will work hard to stop this to protect our beautiful landscapes and oceans. As a small business owner, I understand how hard it is to operate in this environment. I will work for transparent government and reduced regulatory and tax burdens that hurt our small businesses. I want Rhode Island to be safe, affordable, and business-friendly.
Jen Nerbonne for District 35: South Kingstown
Republican: Jen Nerbonne
I am running for the House Representative seat in District 35, South Kingstown. I am an IT professional with a master's degree in Information Systems Science from Salve Regina University as well as an undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island. I also volunteer for dog rescue for the wonderful local rescue Save One Soul. As a lifelong Rhode Islander, I am disheartened by our legislators' lack of understanding and failure to listen to the constituents of South Kingstown. The one-party rule over our state and local government has led to this disconnect. If you have an idea or thought that differs from their plan, they do not listen to you or even turn off your microphone.
I raised my children here in South Kingstown and had to pay for private education, which I was blessed to afford. However, I worry about the families who did not have that choice in where to send their children. I will work hard to get our children back to the basics of education, leaving social issues to the parents rather than the government. I will advocate for a parental rights bill, work to improve our roads, make Rhode Island more affordable by cutting regulations, and foster a business-friendly environment.
I will be the voice of the people, listening to all points of view before making a decision. Over 4,000 bills were submitted last year and to me, I don’t believe the government should be ruling over every aspect of our lives. Legislation should be common sense for everyone in this town. The people of South Kingstown are educated and have great ideas, and this is what government is supposed to be—by the people, for the people.
Raymond Gardner for Senate District 37: South Kingstown
Republican: Raymond Gardner
I am a candidate for the State Senate in District 37, South Kingstown. I am a lifelong resident of Rhode Island and have run my own business for over 25 years. Over the past several years, we have all witnessed how the political climate has become more contentious and volatile. Extremes within both major parties have lost the ability to listen to other points of view. We need balance in the statehouse. After 80 years of one-party rule, the people of South Kingstown are not being heard. I will be their voice at the statehouse—the voice of the hardworking middle class of South Kingstown.
My focus will be on working with the elderly to eliminate the tax burden for those over 70 years of age, balancing our government, and ensuring the education of our children. Our children are our future. I raised my children as a single father, so I know how hard it is.
I feel that our government has become too involved in our personal lives, telling us how to raise our children instead of focusing on teaching them to read, write, and do basic math. We spend millions on education every year, but the system is failing our children.
I will work to make it easier for the hardworking families in South Kingstown, Rhode Island It is time for common sense to return to government and for us to advance to where we used to be, reevaluating what is truly important. It's time.
Joanne R Forti for Representative District 34: South Kingstown and Narragansett
Republican: Joanne R Forti
My name is Joanne Forti, and I’m running to represent District 34 in the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
As a native Rhode Islander, I’ve always been proud of my roots. I’m also a military spouse, a military mom, and the mother of triplets—Lilliana, Maxx, and Nichols—who are my pride and joy. Like many of you, I’ve lived a life centered on family, community, and supporting those I love. My journey has taken me across this beautiful country and Europe as I supported my husband’s military and sales careers, but Rhode Island has always been home. In 2003, my husband Larry and I chose to come back to our home state to raise our children in North Smithfield, and today we live in Narragansett.
I graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in Communications and started my career in television production at Dimension Cable and WLNE Channel 6. But after getting married, I chose to focus on my family, becoming a stay-at-home mom after our triplets were born. More recently, I’ve found success as a small businesswoman, working as a Touchstone Crystal Jewelry Consultant.
I’m running for office because I believe in common-sense solutions for our families and our state. Parents deserve to have a real say in their children’s education, which is why I’m a strong advocate for parental rights in schools. I support full transparency—an open-book policy—so parents and legal guardians can be involved in critical decisions affecting their kids.
I also believe in protecting the integrity of our elections. Voting is a sacred right reserved for American citizens, and I will fight to ensure our voter rolls are secure and accurate.
I will defend Title IX and ensure that its original intent—to provide equal opportunities for women and girls in education and sports—is upheld. Title IX is crucial for safeguarding fairness, and I will work to ensure that girls’ and women’s sports remain protected and competitive for biological females.
We must protect our youngest children from inappropriate content. It’s not right for five-year-olds to be exposed to sex education. Parents, not schools, should decide when it’s appropriate to have those conversations with their children.
I’m committed to bringing common sense and integrity to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and I’m ready to stand up for the families of District 34. Together, we can create a better future for our state.
Westin J Place Senate District 38:South Kingstown, Charlestown and Westerly
Republican: Westin J. Place
Westin is a lifelong Rhode Islander who was raised in a single parent, working-class family. With the dedication of his mother and watchful eye of his grandmother, he learned the value of hard work and sacrifice. He’s proud of the values that his family instilled in him and has been working hard since he was 15. With work experience in almost exclusively small businesses he saw the uphill climb that was on the horizon. Despite knowing the hardships, he made the decision to purchase a small one-truck operation and has been driving since 2014. As all small business owners know, it was a big risk for him and his family, but over the years and through many sacrifices it has afforded him the opportunity to serve Rhode Island and the surrounding region.
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Jessica Drew-Day
821 Mooresfield Rd
South Kingstown RI 02874
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