Newport Election Profile: Hugo J DeAscentis, Jr

NEWPORT, RI — Hugo J DeAscentis, Jr is running for a seat on the Newport City Council. The 67-year-old previously served on the Newport School Committee for 13 years, until 2010.

DeAscentis is a Newport native, graduating from rogers high School in 1972. In 1976, he graduated from the University of Rhode Island with bachelor's degrees in biology and psychology. He and his wife, Sheila, have three sons: Peter, Nathaniel and Nicholas.

Occupation

Retired after 40 years in ensuring a safe Public Drinking Water Supply

Campaign website

Facebook Hugo DeAscentis and also see Facebook page campaign 2020 Hugo DeAscentis for Newport City Council 1st Ward

Why are you seeking elective office?

*Promote Newport’s small manageable character

*Ensure an open decision-making process with public input

*Apply analytical/outcome based problem-solving while utilizing all available community resources.

*Accountability for all costs both immediate and long term affecting present and future generations of Newport taxpayers.

*Public awareness of ALL decisions at the municipal level.

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

This is THE most challenging issue facing all communities on two fronts. 1st is the public health challenge and second is the extreme negative effect on all levels of our economy, our Federal, our State and our local Newport economy. All government operations have been affected reducing all community operations and support services to our residents. Extreme challenges are facing public school openings. I have been saying the solution is not to shut down but to face the very difficult task of finding ways to allow ALL activities to continue to operate and operate SAFELY. This is not easy but must be done. I have some experience in ensuring a safe public water supply and suggest bringing together medical, business, and local government to work on how to safely maintain "normal" activities within our community and then bring our solutions to the Rhode Island Department of Health for review. Keep in mind that generic shutdowns may not apply to all activities as each activity/business may have the ability to develop unique ways to safely operate.

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?

As a local elected official I would be very concerned if Newport exhibited some of the symptoms we have seen nationally. However, there is always room for improvement in community relations and I would also suggest periodic monitoring of the services of our various municipal departments. A few years back I had attended a Citizens Police Academy offer by the Newport Police Department and came away with the belief that the community was being well served. Available resources are an important function of any department and should be provided.

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

No

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

Lifelong Newport resident, past elected member of Newport School Committee for 13 years and as such am familiar with the challenges of servicing a diverse community. Familiar with school budget, familiar with city budgets, familiar with the operation of Newport Public School, also know the operation of the various city departments and more importantly am familiar with how these various department interact with each other. 40 years experience in ensuring safe public drinking water. Familiar with RI Department of Health, Familiar RI DEM. Strongly focused on finding the necessary solutions to COVID-19.

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

I am a candidate for Newport City Council. Newport has always had concerned citizens on their councils and school committees. However, I would focus on fleshing out issues in advance before bringing a resolution to the full committee for a vote. Also, bringing issues forward AFTER working with input from local officials and community resources will produce a product that best serves the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

*Promote Newport’s small manageable character

*Ensure an open decision-making process with public input

*Apply analytical/outcome based problem-solving while utilizing all available community resources.

*Accountability for all costs both immediate and long term affecting present and future generations of Newport taxpayers.

*Public awareness of ALL decisions at the municipal level.

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

Lifelong Newport resident, knows Newport "layout" and how our community has been changing over (my) years. Past elected member (13 years) serving on Newport School Committee which gives experience in working in a diverse community with (always limited) public resources. 40 years experience working with public health aspects of public drinking water supply which gives experience with RI Department of Health and the regulatory environment (our solution to COVID-19).

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Yes, stay healthy

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

Newport residents are very proud of their city. Newport is and should remain a "premier city."