The Charlestown Democratic Town Committee (CDTC) is proud to endorse Robert Malin for the Charlestown Town Council. CDTC Chair John Hamilton said "Robert is a leading environmentalist in Rhode Island and his values are perfectly aligned with Charlestown's rural character."
Robert said "If we want
to protect nature, the public health and have a sustainable future, we have to
start by leading the way, moving to a self- sufficient renewable future with
appropriate technology; and reestablishing local agriculture while developing
aquaculture which were key parts of the traditional Charlestown economy."
After coming here “for a month”
to write a performance arts piece, “Celebration of Life,” Robert has lived in
Charlestown full time for 19 years. Having been an environmental activist in
college and filmmaker, he was enchanted by the unspoiled nature that
characterized Charlestown. Robert was hired to produce videos for the fledgling
RI Progressive Democrats, he became the State Coordinator, helping to establish
their social, economic and environmental justice platform. However, back at
home, he began to notice the massive erosion and changes to the ecology an
astonishing rate. After attending many symposiums and colloquiums which
demonstrated that this was due to the effects of anthropomorphic Global Warming
(Climate Change), he became resolved be a part of the solution by seeking ways
to help mitigate it’s advance. He worked with the RI Sierra Club on their
Fossil Free by 2030 campaign, a partner in passing the landmark Climate Change
legislation - the Resilient Rhode Island Act.
Robert would like to see the
Council actively seek for funding to help residents and businesses transition
to solar power and explore technologies like geo-thermal and wind in
appropriate places (unlike the Whale Rock industrial project in a residential
area.) He believes that the Town should set the example by adding renewables to
Town buildings and help find funding for Chariho for a full fledged Green
Building program. He also believes that Charlestown needs to address water
issues instead of “kicking this can down the road.”
Robert is also a firm believer in
democracy and social justice. He believes that the states open meetings laws
should be strictly adhered to and that diverse opinions need to be considered
in a respectful manner. Democrats, Republicans and Independents should all have
input rather than one Political Action Committee (PAC) dominating the
discussion. He believes that we also need to be mindful of the concerns of our
most vulnerable residents and build caring community where the more fortunate
contribute more to help neighbors with greater challenges.
Finally, Robert believes that
Charlestown can be an example of an economy that is in harmony with nature.
Eco-tourism is a growing area which will attract visitors who will cherish the
environment. There are many artists here and the “Chartwalk” (Charlestown Art
Walk) is another way that we can support our local businesses and preserve out
character. With URI close by, he believes that we can attract start-ups in
Clean Green Technology which are needed for a sustainable future.
EDUCATION
State University of New
York - Geneseo, New York
BS in Sociology and
Communication (Film and Television); Music Minor
Post Graduate study at
the New School for Social Research, NY, NY and NYU Film School on the role of
culture and media in social change
EXPERIENCE
Project REACH Project Manager
trained by the Department of Energy Supervised a $2+ million Community
Development Weatherization Block Grant program, residence with Solar/Wind and
converted a Victorian residence into a senior living center.
Resources Incorporated -
Rochester, NY Vice President Marketing Established successful
marketing program for start up alternate energy company that grew company from
5 to 20 over 9 years.
Boston, MA Pioneer in World
Music- formed Best of Boston Award winning band with Grammy Nominee George
Sessum - began writing Multi-media and Multi-disciplinary Performance
Pieces
Charlestown, RI- founded
Rhythm System and performed pieces at PPAC Youth in Arts Series. He has also
worked as a political consultant and marketing including in the financial
industry.
Founded Malin Productions
Video Services.
●
Produced successful video pieces for organizations
ranging from local Sierra Club chapter and Coalition for Transportation Choices
to corporate work. Produced Citizen of the Year and Athena Award videos for the
Ocean State Chamber of Commerce
●
Produced the People’s Climate March-News You
Didn’t See Documentary and other Documentaries
●
Produced the PEG Award winning One World Show
and Our World-The Whole Ecology
●
Produced media for news and worked on
Presidential and State Campaigns
COMMUNITY ACTIVISM
Founding member of
the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats of America. Advocated for the
social and environmental justice both in Washington and at the RI Statehouse.
Political Chair For RI SierraClub – Supervised the endorsement process, lobbied for Sierra Positions at the
RI Statehouse, worked with the Environment Council of RI, Direct Action For
Rights and Equality and Labor Unions on the Blue Green Coalition.
Founding member of Fossil Free
Rhode Island, which advocates to move RI off of fossil fuels as soon as
possible to avoid the most devastating effects of climate change.