Narragansett Election Profile: Steven Belaus

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Steven Belaus is running for a seat on the Narragansett Town Council. The 63-year-old Democrat is a newcomer to elected office.

Belaus is semi-retired after spending nearly four decades in corporate finance and international trade. For the past four years, he has served as a substitute teacher in the Narragansett School System. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's of business administration in international business.

Campaign website: Visit Steven Belaus on FaceBook

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elected office to restore faith in our democracy at the local level. The will of the people was hijacked nearly two years ago and it is time to get it back on track. At this point in my life, I have the experience and time to serve my community.

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

I believe we should follow the lead of our Governor and comply with social distancing requirements, protective face coverings, and proper sanitation. While doing so, we should refrain from unnecessary travel, staycation, and support our local businesses. For those having difficulty obtaining government stimulus, a coalition of local businesses could be formed outside the Chamber of Commerce to solicit the attention of our federal and state leadership with in-person visits for assistance and aid. I also believe the federal government should be providing assistance to municipalities that have been effected by this pandemic through no fault of their own. Lastly, we need to keep people employed, so this is an excellent time to build a new library and to build it with new technologies, equipment, and space conducive to these extraordinary times.

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?

I’ve travelled far and wide and have seen systemic racism first hand, but did not realize the full extent until these past three years. It’s all about access and privilege, who has it and who does not. Long term, education is key, but it is still no replacement for what is being handed down at the kitchen table. We can all do our part to know and accept the history of our country and to pass that truth along to our children. I have faith in our children and young adults to eventually make this a thing of the past, one generation at a time. It is critical that young people especially come out to vote and elect leaders that embrace diversity and empathy. The right to vote is a precious and powerful commodity that needs to be taken seriously and without suppression. We have to demand better from our leadership. We are a country based on laws, so systemic change is predicated upon legal change. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines state, “Ignorance is no defense”, meaning, if you did not know, you should have known. Know history. Know current affairs by reading and educating yourself. Know the candidates you are voting for and what they represent, individually and as a party. And above all, know the source of the material you are relying on to make decisions. If the source states that it is fair and balanced, but is all one-sided, dismiss it completely. If it is based on conspiracy theory, run in the opposite direction and don’t look back. If it promotes violence, report it to law enforcement.

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?

Personally, I have nothing to gain and nothing to lose. I have the skill set and time to apply lifelong experiences and a fresh point of view. I am here to work and produce meaningful results for the residents of Narragansett.

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

Certain members of the current town council have failed to acknowledge and honor the will of the people by sabotaging efforts to move forward with a new library. Certain members have not taken environmental stewardship seriously, as well. Certain members are embedded in the politics of local neighborhood associations and their agendas. A better job could have been done monitoring zoning and housing ordinances.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

In addition to a new community library, I am in favor of the four unrelated parties/students per dwelling ordinance and will focus on the enforcement mechanism, if elected. I will support the needs of public education and public safety during this pandemic. I will work with other town council members on zoning issues, including bulk zoning. I plan on reviewing road maintenance and repair methodology and funding. I also believe we need to make improvements to parking and beach access.

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

I am currently a substitute teacher at Narragansett High School and Pier Middle School and have been for the past four years. For those with children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews in the school system, I am better known as "Mr. Sub." I identify with the student body, teachers, and administration. They're awesome. Prior to teaching, I retired from a thirty-eight-year career with three Fortune 500 multinational companies and experience in finance, audit, mergers and acquisitions, project management, international customs law, global commerce, supply chain security and logistics, and have lived and travelled extensively overseas and throughout the United States. I have a degree in Accounting and an MBA in International Business.

I’ve spent most of my career problem-solving and working with diverse groups of people to produce meaningful results. I was Chairman of the National Council on International Trade Development in Washington, DC and have successfully managed projects and teams around the world. I have worked closely with international infrastructure projects including public utilities and road construction funded by the World Bank, performing financial oversight activities and estimates to completion.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen, it’s free and you might learn something, even if you disagree with what you are hearing.

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

These are extraordinary times that need extraordinary people working together to guide our town. I am confident, open-minded, inquisitive, very detail oriented, and a good listener. I have the time, talent, and dedication to serve on Town Council to the best of my ability and would be honored to represent the Town of Narragansett.