Narragansett Election Profile: Joseph Robenhymer

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Joseph Robenhymer is running for the Narragansett Town Council. The 65-year-old is a newcomer to elected office.

Robenhymer is a real estate broker with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and psychology and a master's degree in counseling. He and his wife, Loren, have five children: Matthew, Michael, Nathan, Nicholas and Kathryn.

Campaign website

Why are you seeking elective office?

It has been a privilege to be a business owner, employer, and active member of this wonderful community for the last 30 years. Living here with my wife and five children has been a gift, and I have always found joy in giving back to the community through Scouting, Lions Club, church activities, Knights of Columbus, appointments to town boards, town cleanups, food distribution, providing meals to seniors during COVID-19, events for local individuals with special needs (including Special Olympics), and generally wherever I am able to lend a hand. My commitment to the community speaks for itself, and building relationships along the way has developed my sense of understanding for the needs of the community. I have strong leadership skills and enjoy working with others to make positive change. I know my strengths and talents can benefit the citizens of Narragansett, and I am up to the challenge.

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

The coronavirus is a serious public health issue that has impacted our lives in ways we never could have imagined. Because the pandemic has been rapidly changing and recommendations vary from state to state, it is important to keep abreast of current CDC and RIDOH recommendations. As a small business owner, I have seen the impact of COVID-19 firsthand. It is important to strive to maintain employment opportunities with the balance of safe and healthy environments. I believe we need to be creative and savvy in our approach because healthy businesses are the backbone of a healthy recovery. We need to apply guidelines in creative and straightforward ways, knowing that even small changes can make a big difference in preventing community spread. Ultimately, each person is responsible for their own health. Citizens should be aware of their responsibility and work with businesses by adhering to the guidelines they set. We can get through and past this by working together to make positive changes, and we will come out better on the other side.

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, and I believe that enactment of policy or political attitudes that specifically target a race or group of people to subordinate or deny resources that should be available for their betterment is inherently wrong. Education, housing, employment opportunities, personal safety, and systems for upward mobility should be readily accessible to all people. The issue of racial inequalities in the United States has had a long and tumultuous history with slow progress but important victories. There is more to be done throughout the United States and in Rhode Island. Open dialogue and representation must be maintained to understand and prioritize needs of minority groups and how they can best be met. An attitude that appreciates the strengths that diversity brings to the table should be embraced and fostered.

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 been a small business owner in town for 30 years and understand the intricacies of running a small business through myriad circumstances, including the current coronavirus. I understand the importance of providing needed services within the town while also generating outcomes like increased tax revenue, job creation, and creating a ripple effect of opportunity for other businesses. I am trustworthy, energetic, and have good leadership skills. I am a good listener and get the facts from as many sources as are available to ensure my decisions will positively affect the public and town employees. I am fiscally conservative, believing that taxpayers’ hard-earned money needs to be prudently managed for the utmost benefit of the community.

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

There is not adequate dialogue among the current council members—who are not receptive to each other’s opinions. Their behavior can be divisive and even at times mean spirited during meetings. They have not consistently followed through with action plans for many of the major issues in town. I believe the council must be a cohesive body. Members should respectfully listen to and seriously consider the opinions of all other members as well as the opinions voiced by all town residents and taxpayers. Goal setting, collaboration, constancy, and follow through are key.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

As it has been emphatically endorsed by taxpayers, bringing the relocation of the library to the former Belmont Market location to fruition is one of my main concerns. I am also in favor of creating municipal spaces for community recreation and developing and maintaining environmentally friendly coastal access. This would include the completion of the bike path, which provides access to wooded hiking paths as well as a safe, traffic-free route to access beaches and schools. Additionally, I believe we need to create an environment for community growth that provides affordable, year-round housing for all, including families, single individuals, and the elderly. Creating initiatives for affordable housing will increase the year-round residential population, enable a potential influx of young families, and provide opportunities for increasing diversity within our community. Regarding zoning, I think there needs to be change, but limiting the number to three students per property is not the solution. Doing this will increase the demand and price for summer and winter rentals and decrease the availability of affordable, year-round housing. It also does not address preserving the integrity of those neighborhoods which are traditionally considered to be residential areas of our town. I will work for ordinances that will really solve the issues related to summer and winter housing such as parking, noise, and large gatherings. As for infrastructure, I will work hard to assess what is needed and promote the completion of public projects, including roadwork and the maintenance of community spaces, municipal buildings, and school buildings. I would also work to make public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities and ensure safe working environments for town employees.

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

I have owned and managed a successful business in town for 30 years. I have held leadership positions in several civic organizations, helping them to grow and prosper. I am currently on the Narragansett Tax Assessment Board of Review and the Narragansett Housing Authority Board, and I was a member of the Narragansett/URI Coalition. I have undergraduate degrees in mathematics and psychology and a master’s degree in counseling. Prior to pursuing my career in real estate, I was the senior mental health counselor in an inpatient mental health unit, responsible for staff management and milieu therapy.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

When arguing with an obstinate person, be sure that they are not doing the same thing.

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

I am someone who will listen to all members of the Narragansett community, be they directly or indirectly affected by an issue. I will always gather the facts with an open mind and make myself available for candid discussion of ideas or concerns. I believe that I can make positive changes and will work energetically toward that end.