by Mike Smith, Candidate for RI Senate – District 13
I am excited to announce my candidacy for Senate District 13 for Newport and Jamestown.
I would like to thank former Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed for her work and devotion to Newport and Jamestown.
The special election on Tuesday, August 22, gives us all a great opportunity to set a new course for hard-working Newport and Jamestown residents.
As a husband, father, and small business owner, my wife and I are faced with the joys and challenges of living in the community we love, while dealing with the ever-rising costs of living. Like most island families, my wife and I continually ask, “Why are our taxes, fees, and overall costs of living continuing to increase each year, while at the same time the economy, jobs, schools, and opportunities for our kids continue to drop?”
Newport’s year-round population has dropped over 50% in the last 40 years. Unless we turn the tide, that number is expected to increase.
We all see it. There are fewer children. There are fewer families.
This is our future.
As you next senator, I will fight for:
– A year-round economy and year-round careers. We cannot depend on seasonal tourism alone.
– Making our schools top performing.
– Preserving our environment and improving recreation spaces.
– Eliminating the car tax.
– Term limits.
– Ending elderly and military retiree taxes.
Like you, I love Newport and Jamestown. We want to stay here. I am running to make our community viable for families so we all can stay here and prosper here.
Thank you for your vote on Tuesday August 22.
– Mike Smith
