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    Meet Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong’s Close Friend Behind the ‘Change the Charter’ Smear Campaign

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Get ready, New England – your favorite winter tr Get ready, New England – your favorite winter tradition is coming back! The @rwpzoo is set to dazzle once again as the Holiday Lights Spectacular takes over, bringing over 3.5 million twinkling lights to the Zoo’s 40 acres, transforming it into an enchanting holiday fairy tale. Running nightly from November 29 to January 4, 2025, visitors can wander through brilliantly illuminated pathways, marveling at festive displays featuring shimmering reindeer, sparkling snowmen, and breathtaking décor. With lights as far as the eye can see, it’s the perfect outing for families, friends, and anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. For the grown-ups, cozy up with an adult beverage or hot cocoa, and don’t forget to grab some s’mores by the fire as you take in the spectacular scenes. Got little ones in tow? Make their night extra magical with a visit from Santa Claus himself on Thursday nights throughout December, with free meet-and-greets for families holding tickets for the 5 or 6 p.m. time slots. The jolly man in red will be at the Spectacular up until Christmas, adding an extra layer of joy to the already festive experience. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, and don’t forget – the event will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Don’t miss the magic this year – grab your tickets and step into a winter wonderland at Roger Williams Park Zoo! #rwpzoo #rhodeisland #christmas #holidaylights #santaclaus #scenesofnewengland #newportbuzz
John Walker, a 40-year-old Newport native and cand John Walker, a 40-year-old Newport native and candidate for Newport City Council At-Large, is running with the endorsements of three highly respected community leaders: former mayors Harry Winthrop and Richard Sardella, as well as former City Councilor Kate Leonard. Walker, whose family has called Newport home for generations, has lived here his entire life and is a proud graduate of Sheffield Elementary, Thompson Middle School, Rogers High School, and the Newport Area Career and Tech Center. Walker, a father of five with children attending Newport’s public schools, is both a small business owner and a commercial fisherman. He owns a welding and fabrication construction company in Newport, and his fishing vessel is one of the last Newport resident-owned boats still working out of Newport Harbor—a symbol of his commitment to Newport’s enduring traditions and industries. His campaign is built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. “I pledge to make the quality of life for our community my top priority in every decision I make on the council floor,” Walker said, adding that he is committed to cultivating a doctrine of transparency and accountability for both himself and his colleagues in elected office. Walker acknowledges that Newport has evolved considerably over the years, sometimes in ways that feel out of step with the community’s identity. He believes his experience and commitment to Newport’s legacy make him the right candidate to help bridge that gap. “Newport deserves a leader who truly understands its people and will fight to keep the heart of this community alive,” Walker says. With the endorsements of Winthrop, Sardella, and Leonard, Walker is positioned as a candidate who embodies both traditional Newport values and a fresh perspective, bringing together a coalition of support that spans generations. #newportri #newportbuzz #rhodeisland
Dear Newport Voters: When you vote today, you wi Dear Newport Voters: When you vote today, you will face yet another substantial financial decision: a $98.5 million bond issue ($192 million with interest). However, much like past ballot measures, the language is frustratingly unclear, leaving voters with more questions than answers. In 2022, Newport approved a bond for Rogers High School for $98.7 million. Yet since then, the city has already exceeded that budget by $23.7 million—without further voter consent. This signals a larger problem with how Newport manages its finances. It’s time for the Newport City Council to take responsibility. Instead of bundling several costly projects into one proposal, this referendum should have been broken down into separate items, each with a clear, maximum cost. This would allow voters to prioritize which projects are most essential. Newport’s pattern of unchecked spending—hiring new employees, adding projects, increasing water and sewer bills—puts further strain on residents. As the middle class continues to shrink, more people will find it increasingly difficult to afford living here. With just 9,751 taxable properties, Newport’s tax base is limited. Should this bond pass, taxpayers can expect yet another increase, either through higher property taxes or rent hikes, to cover the costs of poorly estimated and unprioritized items. I am asking the taxpayers to reject this $98M dollar bond not because it’s not needed but because all the money will go into a large bucket where the unqualified city manager will decide where to spend it. This request should be on the ballot as individual bonds with set amounts for each project. We cannot trust this City Manager with that much uncontrolled money……VOTE NO NO NO Vote No on Question 6! Sincerely, Kate Leonard
Newport City Council 1996-2022 #newportri #newportbuzz #rhodeisland
They said the quiet part out loud! 🤯 Ask your They said the quiet part out loud! 🤯 Ask yourself one question: Are you willing to risk Easton’s Beach? Watch this video from a Newport City Council meeting in January where Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong and Councilor Mark Aramli advocate for privatizing Easton’s Beach. Mayor Khamsyvoravong suggested handing over the beach to a private entity, dismissing it as “not essential” and calling it merely “an amenity.” Councilor Aramli went even further, proposing a 99-year lease to privatize the beach. He stated he would be “fully supportive” of a long-term public-private partnership, with a private company managing the beach, and added, “this is something we should be looking at.” They’ve already knocked down the carousel and the snack bar. What’s next? Don’t take our word for it—listen to their own words! #newportri #eastonsbeach #newportbuzz #xayfornewport
Happy Tuesday! Here’s What’s Happening in Newp Happy Tuesday! Here’s What’s Happening in Newport Today! @radiantesthetics401 @tavernonbroadway @diegosnewport @diegos_barrio_cantina @wharffishhouse @viestesimplyitalian @rejectsbeerco @ticketsnewport @musicbymelxo @skiffbarri #newportbuzz #newportri #rhodeisland #scenesofnewengland #newengland #autumn #fall2024
To the Editor: This is my second plea to the taxp To the Editor: This is my second plea to the taxpayers of Newport to reject the leadership of Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong and his sidekick, Councilor Mark Aramli when casting your vote. These are the same officials who brazenly disregarded our City Charter to appoint an unqualified City Manager, rewarding him with a $35,000 raise before he had even parked his car at City Hall. Now, these so-called financial experts are not only pushing to sell Easton’s Beach but are asking us to approve a staggering $98 million bond—funds that will be overseen by the same unqualified individual. The situation raises a serious question of trust. These decisions come from councilmembers who have yet to complete a full term but already appear enamored with their own reflection. I believe Newport needs repairs, and many projects listed in the bond are necessary. However, each project deserves individual consideration, with specific dollar amounts clearly laid out and voted on separately. Handing $98 million to the City Manager without clear oversight is a dangerous gamble—one I urge Newport residents not to take. Vote NO on the bond. And when you see the Mayor and Amari on the ballot, remember: they seem more interested in their own agendas than the needs of Newport. Jack Milburn Newport, RI #newportri #newportbuzz
Election Day is upon us! Here are a few quick deta Election Day is upon us! Here are a few quick details to help you get ready to vote: 🗳 Polling Locations: To find your assigned polling location, visit the link below. Just answer 4 quick prompts, and you’ll know where to cast your vote! https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/PollingPlaces?ActiveFlag=2#section-poling-places Early Voting: Can’t make it on Election Day? You can vote early on November 4th at City Hall from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Let’s get out there and make our voices heard! 🗣🇺🇸  Happy Voting, Newport! #NewportRI #RhodeIsland #ElectionDay2024 #GetOutAndVote #NewportBuzz
To the Editor: On the surface, Ballot Question 4 To the Editor: On the surface, Ballot Question 4 might seem like a win for the environment—a $53 million bond supposedly aimed at environmental protection. But look closer, and you’ll see it’s actually a “Green Bomb” that’s a bad deal for Rhode Island. This bond is largely a handout to foreign offshore wind developers, and it rewards the Rhode Island DEM with funds to continue its harmful and poorly managed forestry practices. What we’re really being asked to fund is an initiative that threatens our coastal waters, harms marine life, and increases electricity costs. While $13 million of the bond has been redirected toward open space, agricultural land preservation, and forest management, this is just 25% of the total amount. Worse, even within that small allocation, 40% is earmarked for RIDEM’s flawed forestry programs, which prioritize logging and even clear-cutting of old-growth forests—practices that destroy biodiversity and create habitats for species like the white-tailed deer that don’t need support, bringing more pests and deer ticks into our ecosystems. The single largest piece of funding—$15 million—is directed at upgrading Quonset Port. As reported by WPRI, this money is intended to “make infrastructure upgrades” so that Quonset can support offshore wind cargo. In plain terms, they plan to transform Quonset Point into a private port for large, diesel-powered offshore wind vessels. This will only increase marine traffic, bringing more vessel collisions that threaten whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Revolution Wind, one of the offshore wind developers, also plans to build a substation at Quonset, delayed due to existing contamination there. Why spend public money to add to this? With 20% of our electric bill already going toward wind energy subsidies, and billions in federal funds already supporting these developers, why should Rhode Island taxpayers fund more? Ballot Question 4 is not nearly green enough to justify a $53 million giveaway. Please join us in opposing Question 4 to protect Rhode Island’s waters and forests from this costly and harmful initiative. Barbara Chapman Newport, RI #rhodeisland #newportbuzz
Nathan Kivlehan, 32, of Portsmouth, passed away on Nathan Kivlehan, 32, of Portsmouth, passed away on Nov 1, 2024 after a short but hard fought battle with cancer. Nate was born in Newport, RI on Nov 8, 1991 and was the son of the late Anthony and Rose (Pereira) Kivlehan. Known for his clever and quick witted sense of humor, Nate will be fondly remembered by those who came to know him. He loved to fish, golf, ride his motorcycle, play rugby, and travel. A lifelong Packers fan, one of his favorite vacation spots quickly became Green Bay, WI. During his annual trip, Nate enjoyed cheering on the Packers and partaking in WI traditions. Eating cheese curds and custard were a must as soon as he got off the plane - and Culver’s was enjoyed in all parts of the country. Separate from traveling, some of Nate’s fondest memories were Saturdays with Newport Rugby, quality time spent with friends and family and laughing his way through the work day. He hated to admit it, but at 17 he met the love of his life in summer school and they were together until the bitter end. They enjoyed traveling, going to country concerts, sharing a good meal and spending quality time together. Although sometimes hidden behind a rugged and stoic exterior, Nate always had a big heart and would go to great lengths for those he cared about. His dry sense of humor kept everyone on their toes and his infectious laugh would make anyone smile. Nate will be missed by so many people and was truly taken too soon. Nate is survived by his partner, his “ol’ lady”, Cameron DuBreuil of Portsmouth, his pup Lacy, his sisters Nicole and Brittany Kivlehan, of Middletown, his nephew Coltin, his aunts Maria Dowler and Linda Fereira, of Middletown, Anna Pereira of Newport, his uncle Joseph Pereira of Naples, FL, Karen and Barbara of Bristol, Margaret and Mary of Newport and other members of his extended family. His funeral service will be held on Tue, Nov 5. All are welcome to attend the Mass and Christian Burial starting at 10:00am at Jesus Saviour Church at 509 Broadway. In lieu of flowers, please call an old friend, grab a meal with a family member or just offer kindness to a stranger - we aren’t ever promised another opportunity to do so. #newportri #rip
Newport has always been a town that thrives on com Newport has always been a town that thrives on community spirit, transparency, and connection—a place where participating in local government didn’t require deep pockets or political ties. But lately, that spirit is under siege. Enter ‘Change the Charter’—the pet project of Newport newcomer and political operative Ryan Patrick Kelley. This initiative seems little more than a personal campaign to boost his close friend, Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong. With a resume that includes stints with Senator Whitehouse and Governor McKee, Kelley has a track record of divisive tactics, and now he’s bringing that approach to Newport. His so-called “movement” is a thinly veiled attempt to pave the way for Xay, deploying national-style smear tactics against anyone who stands in their way. Kelley’s methods are dragging Newport’s political landscape into murky waters, targeting city leaders and candidates who have worked tirelessly for our community. This campaign appears to center on advancing Mayor Xay’s ambitions at all costs, transforming Newport’s city government into something more akin to Providence or Cranston. Let’s call it what it is: Change the Charter is a one-man operation hiding behind smoke and mirrors, designed to pave the way for his bestie Xay to secure more power and hold onto this seat, all while dragging down dedicated Newport residents who have worked for years to make our city better. The question remains: who’s funding this campaign? Despite running extensive text, email, and social media efforts, Change the Charter has yet to file any disclosures with the RI Board of Elections. And for what? To gain control over a part-time, honorary mayoral role? For Mayor Xay, this doesn’t appear to be about Newport—it’s about building a political stepping stone. Since January 2023, he has raised a staggering $108,000, with two-thirds of it coming from outside Newport, including $40,000 from lawyers, lobbyists, and developers. Enough is enough. It’s time to stand up to Change the Charter, Ryan Patrick Kelley, and Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong to protect our city from those who would sacrifice it for their own ambition. (link in bio) #newportri #newportbuzz
Happy Monday! Here’s What’s Happening in Newpo Happy Monday! Here’s What’s Happening in Newport Today! @newport.mansions @nikolaspizza @wharffishhouse @thequenchernewport @viestesimplyitalian @tavernonbroadway @tinyhandsofnewport @ticketsnewport @wharfsouthernkitchen #newportbuzz #newportri #rhodeisland #scenesofnewengland #newengland #autumn #fall2024
To the Editor: Elections have real consequences—consequences that affect real people. As we approach this election, it’s time to seriously examine the impact of Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong’s decisions on our community. I want to recognize someone who’s given so much to Newport without ever seeking the spotlight: Barry Botelho. Barry has supported this town in ways Xay could learn from. For years, he provided first jobs to local kids at Easton’s Beach Snack Bar, teaching them responsibility, hard work, and community pride. When the pandemic hit and Newport’s restaurant scene was on the ropes, Barry was one of the first to step up. He became my first client in a food delivery service I launched to support local businesses. Barry didn’t just sign up—he taught me the ropes of the restaurant business and put in countless volunteer hours to help create an online ordering system that supported over 40 Newport restaurants. He’s been the quiet hero working behind the scenes to make Newport stronger. And where was Xay? Instead of celebrating Barry’s contributions, the mayor’s actions pushed him out of Easton’s Beach, where generations of Newporters have enjoyed Barry’s famous lobster rolls. Now, Xay is calling Easton’s Beach “not essential” and pushing a 99-year public-private partnership that would privatize one of Newport’s most cherished public spaces. Newport deserves better. Think about former mayors: Sardella, Winthrop, Gaines, Donnelly, Gordon, McKenna...Would they have targeted a dedicated local businessman and community servant? Absolutely not. Mayor Khamsyvoravong’s vision for Newport seems to cater more to outsiders and investors than to the residents who live and work here. This is a “leader” who wasn’t even registered to vote in Newport until 2021. As we approach Election Day, let’s remember that our choices today will shape Newport’s future. This election is about what kind of town we want Newport to be. It’s about deciding whether we want leaders who protect our public spaces, honor community traditions, and support the people who make Newport great. Elections have consequences. Vote accordingly. Anthony Spiratos #newportri #newportbuzz
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