One of the very few redeeming qualities of online learning was that I gained a basic understanding of how to edit videos. So, I’m using this page to collate times where I’ve spoken in public or have some fun making things in iMovie in my spare time.
The local, resident-run podcast, “Public Comment North Smithfield”, tried to organize a Candidate Forum. I was excited to be a part of it. However, other candidates refused to partake for reasons I am not knowledgable of. Still, the podcast gave all candidates the questions we would have been asked. I am answering them one by one.
This question concerned the power between the Town Administrator and the Town Council. My answer?
When I worked in the United States House of Representatives, my Rep served on the House Oversight Committee. I know what it means to have a legislative body be the checks and balances on the Executive Branch, and we need more of that energy in Town Council. It doesn't mean being antagonistic and combative, but it means bringing in our Department Heads and asking real questions about what support they need to better address the concerns of our town.
The town's online business directory lists 71 businesses. According to the town clerk's records, North Smithfield has more than 300. Supporting local businesses starts with advertising them all equally and keeping the list current.
A conversation while knocking doors on Douglas Pike turned into a call to Senator Jack Reed's office, and a reminder of why strong relationships with our elected leaders matter
Keeping North Smithfield North Smithfield means finding solutions that solve real problems that people come to town council with, and in a way that keeps us as a small community that looks out for each other. And that's the kind of ideas that I would hope to bring to town council.
The Council delayed feeling the costs of the police station bond for two years. But have we prepared ourselves for years 3 and beyond? Where have our values as a town shifted in the last few years, and does that represent the Town we love?
Town Council used to have transparent goal tracking for itself and its committees. It’s time to bring that back.
The quarry is one of the issues residents bring up most. Here's the full story — from 1950s mining operations to this week's withdrawn zoning application — and why North Smithfield needs to stop being reactive and start writing ordinances strong enough to protect us from the next quarry.
I'm a big believer in believing in the best in people, that they're all doing their best and trying to make sure that things are fair and equal for everyone. Though sometimes it's really tough to believe them. So, recently, I went to ask: Are we holding everyone to the same standard?
Kevin Carriere: In 2016, John Beauregard wrote to the Valley Breeze. See, he was concerned that people have been on town council for quite a while and nothing seems to change. And it got me thinking, is that true? Like, have things just been the same and the same and the same?
Town Citizen #1: Now, with the same, we have the same problem.
Town Citizen #2: So we came to you guys last year with the same issue.
Town Citizen #3 This council we all thought the same thing.
Town Citizen #4: I was here I think two years ago doing pretty much the same presentation.
Town Citizen #5: So we did a lot of research, again.
Town Citizen #6: The same thing it was last year.
Councilman John Beauregard: It's the same thing with the police department.
———
Kevin Carriere: Oh, but it's been like different issues, right? Right? Right?
Town Citizen #7: I've been battling material sand and stone, Paul knows, since 85.
Town Citizen #1: You know, they're still driving before seven o'clock in the morning. They're still picking up at the quarry. Why?
Town Citizen #9: My father lives much closer to material sand and stone than I do.
Town Citizen #10: Material sand and stones petition to delay further presentation. And is anybody here from material sand and stone by the way?
Kevin Carriere: I see. Well, maybe it's time to get a new Town Council.
When we're thinking about what makes people upset about government, it's not necessarily the decisions themselves. What people tend to care about a lot more is the process. Was the process of reaching the decision fair and just and transparent? And so I developed a web app to help understand the bond vote. And then, on April 6, at Town Council, my tool came up…
My family worked hard to produce quality, honest work for this town. I want to continue that work.
