Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Congressman Langevin and Senator Whitehouse Meet with Charlestown Democrats


Congressman Langevin and Senator Whitehouse joined Charlestown Democrats on Sunday, June 2, for pizza and drinks at the Breachway Grill.  The congressman and senator fielded questions and met with constitutents. About 70 Democrats joined them for a cordial afternoon gathering.



Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Voters Reject Proposed Town Budget

Charlestown voters rejected the proposed town budget yesterday, 739 to 265.  
Turnout, at 15%, was high.

"This is a huge victory and it shows that people's voices can be heard," said Cathy Collette, Charlestown Democratic Town Committee Chair. "It is good news for the next election; it shows they can be beaten," she said, referring to the CCA-controlled majority of the Town Council.


The Charlestown Democratic Town Committee (CDTC) voted unanimously to oppose this budget because the Town Council, dominated by the Charlestown Citizens Alliance (CCA), chose to use a rare $3 million dollar surplus to fund an unnecessary project with no plan or detail.
 
The CDTC noted the existing community center is in fine condition but is underused.
 
“Why commit $3 million to a new community center when we could use those funds to give working families in Charlestown some well-deserved tax relief? That $3 million dollars is OUR money, not toy money to be used for some CCA slush fund,” said CDTC chair Cathy Collette. “The CCA proposal is devoid of detail – we don’t know if they are even aware of the existing community center.”
 
“Returning the $3 million to the taxpayers by lowering taxes is just one of many ways that money could be better used,” Collette continued. “Our police department needs more support. We could help recruit and retain more volunteer fire-fighters by offering them a property tax credit like several other Rhode Island towns such as Jamestown and Bristol. Instead, the CCA is asking voters to put their hard-earned money into a vague and unneeded pipedream.”
 
If Charlestown voters reject the proposed town budget on June 3, the town will operate on its existing budget until the budget is re-written and approved