Narragansett Election Profile: Jesse Pugh

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Jesse Pugh is running for the Narragansett Town Council. The 41-year-old Democrat currently serves on the council.

Pugh is a web developer and has a degree in new media from Emerson College. He and his wife, Vicki, have two daughters: Cali, 9, and Isabelle, 6.

Campaign website

Why are you seeking elective office?

I hope to continue my work on the council advocating for residents, families, and the finally completing the library move to the Belmont Building. Additionally, I will continue to protect and expand accessibility to public coastal access points for all to enjoy.

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

Public officials and government must continue pushing for compliance on face masks and social distancing. We're now seeing that relaxing these rules has led to increased positive result rates across the country. Rhode Island and Narragansett are now starting to see an uptick in cases, as well. I believe, in the long term, the best way to lessen negative economic impacts is to be aggressive with crowd restrictions and social distancing rules in an effort to cut down cases and to give businesses the confidence to be able to re-open with less chance of having to shut down again due to additional waves.

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?

Yes, I believe, with no doubt, that systemic racism is a problem in this country as a whole. No state, city, or town is an exception, although some areas are surely better than others. We all have a lot of work to do to make things better and empathy is the key. I am proud to support Black Lives Matter, as well as police reform initiatives to combat the racial injustices that happen every day in this country.

I continue to appreciate the work Chief Corrigan and the Narragansett Police Department do here in town and am glad to see them join all other RI police departments in the "Twenty for 2020" set of promises formalizing principles and policy amendments.

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 have spent the last 18 months advocating for the principles and issues that I campaigned on. I made promises during my first campaign and have kept these promises. I have not been successful getting three council votes on every issue, but will continue speaking up when needed and for supporting the causes that are important to residents here in town. I believe I have earned the trust of the public through my actions.

I grew up in Narragansett, attended public school here, and have seen the decline of young families living in town. My wife and I made the decision to raise our children here and will continue to support policies that work to increase our family and full-time resident population.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I support and will always support those who choose to make Narragansett their full-time home. Our families and residents are the backbone of the town and provide strength and support to our schools, businesses, and the community in general. The action I take and the votes I cast are informed by the idea that Narragansett must do more to make the town a viable option for those looking to rent year-round or purchase a home here. Currently, finding either of those is extremely difficult in the current housing climate.

I have spent the last 18 months fighting to uphold the voters wishes and proceed with moving the library to the former Belmont Building. It has been a battle with a council majority that has done everything in its power to stop the project. I am hopeful that the 2020 election will bring forward a new council that is supportive of the library project so that we can finally break ground and build the new library while keeping Pier Liquors intact next door.

I recently announced a proposal to create a Coastal Access Protection Committee for the Town of Narragansett. The committee will be tasked with identifying and reviewing every public coastal access point in town and creating a plan to improve parking and access around each of these points, if needed. The recommendations will then be sent to the Town Council for approval. This is an initiative I hope to have voted on during the next Town Council session.

I am a strong advocate for creative environmental policies and believe concrete action is necessary to ensure a livable future for our children and grandchildren. Living on the coast we see the effects of climate change first hand and it is our responsibility to work with federal and state departments to build up our resiliency and be pro-active in creating solutions.

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

It has been a tough term being in the council minority on many issues. I have always done my best to raise awareness and support on important issues even in the face of inevitable failure. These issues include affordable housing, parking and access to public coastal access points, and moving the library to the former Belmont building. While we have not made progress on all of these issues we have brought them into the public discussion and have positioned many of these issues to be acted on next term with a fresh Town Council.

I have run a successful small business for 9 years, which isn't always easy, and have balanced that with family and Town Council responsibilities. I look forward to earning enough votes to serve for another term and would be honored to do so.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The Four Agreements never fail.

- Be impeccable with your word
- Don't take anything personally
- Don't make assumptions
- Always do your best