This past Spring, I participated in a national study about violence in politics by the University of Illinois at Chicago. The study focused on negative, hostile, and menacing communications between constituents and public officials. It concluded that the constant personal and negative discourse fuels threats and abuse. “Experts warn that this climate may get worse”.

We should all be concerned about our country’s federal debt, but what seems to be missing from the debate is exactly how we need to address the problem.

Certainly, refusing to pay for debts that we have already incurred is a reckless and dangerous proposal.

We are saddened and outraged by the disrespect and even hatred shown to elected officials in the Town of North Kingstown. Residents in town have always disagreed about policies and decisions made by the Town Council and School Committee — a strong democratic community is based on vigorous discourse and shared decision making.

Happy New Year, Narragansett!  First, I’d like to thank the residents of Narragansett for placing their faith in me as the top vote getter in the Town Council race in the November election. It truly has been an honor to serve the residents of Narragansett for the past 24 years. I am forever grateful and honored that you continue to put your trust in me as you have throughout these many years. I have always loved representing you and working for the best for our town. I took an oath to serve and will complete this current two-year term to the very best of my ability. 

On December 20th at the Narragansett Town Hall, the University of Rhode Island Research Class led by Dr. Will Green and assisted by Landscape Architect Chuck Carberry presented research on how to revitalize Galilee, and how to take steps to preclude and mitigate the consequences of global warming.

This past election the voters of North Kingstown elected five candidates from the same party to the town council. That is the first time that has happened since 1984. According to the state library it has happened at least 15 times previously dating back to 1942. Therefore, having the public elect five members from the same party is not uncommon in our community. All 15 times, the 5-0 majority was Republican. However, this time is historic because this is the first time our community has elected five citizens from the Democratic Party. 

As a newly elected committeewoman to the school committee of Narragansett I feel the desire to comment on the negativity narratives going around concerning our beautiful town.

So many outside factors affect what we bring to conversations in everyday life. It is very hard to truly understand all of our own reactions in the fast paced competitive world we live in, let alone understand the reactions of others.  As a mother and teacher I know this well about myself because in both of those roles I have the responsibility to take a step back and say, is this how I want my children/students to learn how to communicate with others? 

Last  weeks’ letter by George Nonis (“Dzwierzynski chooses politics over duty”, The Independent, Dec. 8, 2022)  accused newly elected Town Council President Ewa Dzwierzynski of being a pawn for the Narragansett Pier Residents Association (NPRA.) His basic criticism was  that Ewa has been supportive of resident interests, most notably that she voted for the three-student ordinance. 

For anyone who followed the political career of Councilor Ewa Dzwierzynski and witnessed the first meeting of the new Town Council, you’ll see that, unfortunately, she is motivated by the politics of power not duty to our community.

Holidays are a fun and festive time but they don’t have to include alcohol. In American culture alcohol is served at most social occasions. Many people use it to unwind after a long day at work. How many of us have heard someone say, “I need a drink”? We gladly offer alcohol to our guests at parties, weddings, sports events, barbeques, etc to “celebrate”.

I have been a year-round resident taxpayer for 54 years. I have watched the politics in Narragansett through the years and have yet to witness such poor behavior by an elected official as has been the case recently with the election of Town Council President.  The current situation makes it very clear that Ewa Dzwierzynski is the right choice for our Town Council Presidency. 

Let there be no doubt that Hardy New Englanders are still thriving here in the South County!

Thanks to all who came out in the gale-force winds and driving rain to attend our second Holiday Street Faire on Clarke Road. It was sensational because of you.

One of the key values of the Democratic Party is deep respect for the process of government by the people.  This value has been amplified in recent years by threats up to and including a violent attempt to overthrow the results of a democratic national election.  When I, as chair of the Narragansett Democratic Town Committee, vote to endorse a candidate, I do so with the expectation and assurances that this candidate will uphold the basic values of our party and the fundamental principle that government is a process of collective decision-making for the betterment of our community, state and nation.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s 2022 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island is out and the results are cause for serious alarm and concern.  The fact that one in three Rhode Island households cannot afford an adequate amount of food is a true wake-up call to the fact that too many of our families and residents are falling behind in the current economic climate and that they our need help.