South Kingstown Election Profile: Deb Bergner

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Deborah Bergner is running for the South Kingstown Town Council. The 52-year-old Democrat is a newcomer to elected office.

Bergner and her husband, CJ, have three children: Casey, 25, Hailey, 23, and Mike, 20. Both are lifetime Rhode Island residents, and have lived in South Kingstown for more than 20 years. She has worked at the University of Rhode Island since 1997.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been an engaged resident for over 20 years. I ran for Town Council in 2018 and was truly changed by the experience. I campaigned by knocking on thousands of doors, meeting fellow residents. The chance to meet with people and listen to what is important to them gave me a clear perspective about our community - residents are greatly concerned about taxes, schools, and being able to afford to live here. After that election, I stayed involved and continued to pay attention to the decisions and actions of our elected officials. In 2019, the Council president said “the community can afford it” and they passed a 3.8% property tax increase. This year, in the midst of the pandemic, they approved another budget increase and took money from our town’s rainy day fund to cover it. This only defers the increase. Where will the money come from next year? Their actions ignored the economic uncertainties we all are facing and helped me to decide to run again.

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

My family and I follow all of the CDC and RIDOH directives. I practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home when ill, and wash my hands frequently. It is important to listen to the doctors and scientists because they are the professionals. If we can adhere to these directives, we can reduce the spread and then the local and state economy can recover more quickly.

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?

Systemic racism is a national issue. We need to examine the institutions in nearly every facet of life that create and perpetuate inequality for people of color. For example, there are discrepancies across the state in terms of the criminal justice system, employment, access to health care, education, and housing for people of color. We begin by listening to the experiences of those who are harmed and look for solutions and changes in policy and legislation. I am hopeful that recent tragic national events have awakened the American people, and we are on the cusp of real and lasting changes.

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?

As a Democrat with an independent perspective, I hold the values we expect from those who serve. Ahead of us are many important decisions with long-term consequences and the community has a right to provide input on all the matters that impact their lives and pocketbooks. The current elected officials are not welcoming to residents who express their opinions and concerns. I will embrace community participation, not disregard or dismiss it. I am an honest, straightforward voice who will advocate for our community and pay close attention to the local issues that impact us: responsible growth, housing that is affordable, and mindful spending of our tax dollars.

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

We need a Town Council that will listen to all of us, not just some. We rely on the Town Council to see through the rhetoric and make the best decisions for the community as a whole.

The pandemic has changed all of our lives. Residents are concerned about their health, their jobs and their family’s future. Does the community want to pause right now to give us time to breathe. Honestly, we haven’t been asked.

The School Facility project has changed focus, while increasing in costs and scope. Originally the project was proposed at $62Million, it has now grown to over $100+Million. This bond (mortgage) will be decided at a future special election and may prevent future borrowing, and commits an unknown increase to our property tax baseline for the next 20 years. Trying to balance that with the many other important decisions that will have long term consequences requires a Town Council that pays attention to the issues that impact us — responsible growth of our town, housing that is affordable for both young and old, and support for economic drivers that can enhance revenue but still keep the community feel we know and love.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Housing that is affordable
The importance of affordable housing only seems to be discussed by our elected officials during election season. For example, more than two years ago, the Town Council hired a consultant, at a cost of $100,000, to come up with ways to address the affordable housing needs of the community with changes to the zoning ordinance for inclusionary zoning and multi-household development. Fast-forward two years to this election and no changes have been adopted.

I will advocate to ensure this critical item moves forward in a meaningful way.

Responsible growth
Our comprehensive plan is the guiding policy document for the future of the town and every zone change is prefaced on being in compliance with the comprehensive plan. An update to the plan began in January 2017 but remains unadopted and still in draft form in 2020. We see new subdivisions and commercial properties being developed, and we hear over and over that we do not want to look like Warwick with Route 2, but we do need the most bang for the buck (ie revenue) from development. Responsible, thoughtful projects can help grow the town’s tax base and still preserve the small town charm and feel we love.

Mindful spending
The town’s municipal needs are often overlooked in the debate over the affordability and necessity of renovations to our school facilities. Every additional dollar the town spends on school renovations is one less dollar that can/will be spent on other municipal priorities, and it is the responsibility of the Town Council to make decisions for all of the community.

The Town Council must be truly transparent, seizing every opportunity to educate the town and its residents and taxpayers on both the process and the impact of each decision made. Although the voting majority determines who serves, once elected the duty of our Council members is to have the best interest of ALL citizens, not just those who are the most vocal. We place our trust in them to act for our collective benefit. As a member of the Town Council, I will do my homework and ask the questions we all want the answers to and will always vote with the whole community in mind.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Never shy away from doing what you feel is right, even though it may be hard.

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

2020 has been a challenge for all of us, to put it mildly. Keeping up on local issues has been especially challenging…we don’t stop to talk with our neighbors at the grocery store to share the latest town happenings, so it’s more important than ever that we have elected officials who keep us informed and represent our best interests. The Town Council members need to be engaged themselves and have the pulse of the community.

Our community values our schools, vibrant businesses, open space and recreation facilities, not to mention natural attractions like our coastline and beaches. I know that a decision made in a vacuum on one issue, without consideration of its impact on the whole, has lasting consequences for our community. I ask for each community member’s vote in the primary on September 8th so we can move our voice forward to the November ballot.