Narragansett Election Profile: Alexander Menzies

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Alexander Menzies is running for a seat on the Narragansett school committee. The 27-year-old Democrat previously ran for school committee in 2018.

A Narragansett High School graduate, Menzies holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and a master's in the same field from Boston College. He currently works as a supply chain and quality assurance specialist with Peeled Snacks, and previously spent six years working for Narragansett Town Beach.

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Campaign website

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am who I am today because of what I learned in the Narragansett School System. I have never forgotten the value of education I received. It has always been a dream of mine to serve in a public office. I will fight to ensure that we remain at the top of the list of public schools in RI. I cannot think of a better way to give back to the Narragansett community and the school system that I grew up in than to be a member of the Narragansett School Committee.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

We will continue to monitor updates made by the Department of Health and make sure that all guidelines are followed in our schools and community. The safety of everyone attending the Narragansett schools will always be the top priority.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

This is a serious issue that I believe we all need to work on. I would propose to have workshops setup to provide teachers and parents with an education on these issues. Students will undoubtedly be asking questions at all ages. I believe it is important to know how to answer these questions when asked by our children at home and in the classroom. As a society, we should not be afraid to ask questions. We should take time to learn from each other and about each other.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I went through every grade in the Narragansett School System from K-12. Currently, there are no sitting members on the committee who can say the same. I know how much passion and care that all of our teachers have in their classrooms.

Graduating from NHS in 2011 was one of the greatest honors and achievements of my life. I sang in chorus, ran cross-country, and played tennis. I was an active participant in many school functions. I understand how important these programs are to students.

I believe it is necessary to have a student’s voice on the committee who can bring a unique perspective and a sense of reflection on those academic years. I have lived in Narragansett for all 27 years of my life. I am a hard worker who enjoys helping others in the community. I also spent many summers working at the Narragansett Town Beach. I cannot imagine living anywhere else.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

If there is anything that I am not okay with, I promise to speak up about it. I will also not be afraid to ask questions. Every vote I make will be thought out and entirely based on whether or not I believe it is in the best interest of our school community. The current school committee has done great work. I want to especially thank Rebecca Durkin and Frank White for their contributions to the Narragansett community as faithful members of the Narragansett School Committee.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Safety of our school community is always the top priority. We need to have a safe and healthy learning environment to ensure that our teachers can continue to provide the best education to our students. We will continue to abide by guidelines from the RI Department of Health and the RI Department of Education. We need to determine whether distance learning, in person learning, or a hybrid will be the best course of action moving forward.

Our schools have an incredible amount of resources and technology. We also have the best teachers and administration in the state. I will fight for our schools to make sure that they receive adequate funding to ensure that our teachers are able to provide the best learning environment. I would also propose that we continue to receive feedback from teachers, parents, and students regarding their reflections on the past and present academic climate. We need to know what works and what does not work so that we can all put our best foot forward. We are all in this together.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Graduating from Narragansett High School, after growing up and attending every grade K-12, was one of the greatest honors of my life. This alone would be enough to know that I can do this job. If you believe in the Narragansett School System and the work that this School Committee has done in the past, then you can believe in me. I have never forgotten the value of education that I received in Narragansett. I will continue to bring this spirit and pride with me as a member of the Narragansett School Committee. I have also gone on to receive my master’s degree from Boston College in Political Science. I am prepared to do my research, to talk to the Narragansett School community to ensure that we are making the best decisions for everyone.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

We are all students. We can all learn from each other. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I sincerely believe we have the greatest teachers and schools in the state. I am so thankful to have been able to walk away with a Narragansett High School diploma. I want to ensure that every student that leaves the Narragansett School System is prepared to embrace every opportunity in the future.