Newport Election Profile: Jeanne Napolitano

NEWPORT, RI — Jeanne-Marie Napolitano is running for an at-large seat on the Newport City Council. She has represented the city's First Ward for four years and has also served as the mayor and an at-large councilor.

Napolitano is retired, previously working for Newport Financial Associates and as the executive director of Rhode Island Life Underwriters Association. Her sister serves as the county commissioner in Tampa, Florida.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have demonstrated I have the ability to confront economic challenges with years of service to Newport families Newport is a beautiful, vibrant, and diversified city. It has also undergone dramatic changes over the years. When faced with the Navy withdrawal in 1974, many businesses closed, and a large population left permanently. Our predecessors, thought the best way to revive the City was to promote our natural assets of historic homes, museums, and a lively economy with small retail shops and restaurants. The Navy made a tremendous comeback bringing a number of important commands and personnel along with the emerging technology. Even from the recession of 2007, we survived and thrived. Broadway and other areas of the city was looking very tired. Council passed a road bond, which I sponsored, to revitalize Newport. With the help of many locals and organizations such as the AARP we were able to incorporate Complete Streets concept and totally revamp and energize the entrance to our city, a proven success. We also upgraded our public housing replacing Tonomy Hill with a public/private partnership, Newport Heights and continued improvements with Park Holm. Broadway and Newport Heights have received national awards, which I was privileged to be intimately involved. This proves what can happen when the community works together. Both projects improved the lives of many. I supported Innovate Newport which serves as an incubation of small technology businesses at the former Sheffield School. The North End presents an opportunity to diversify our economy with higher paying job opportunities for future generations. We face many challenges in the future with business, school infrastructures, tax stabilization, and economic growth. I want to continue my efforts to support future generations.

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

First and foremost, I believe in science and data with the advice of national and local experts. Social distancing and wearing a mask in public venues is imperative, if we are to re-open our economy. Wearing a mask is the responsible thing to do. It protects others as well as yourself. The mixed messaging has caused confusion and divisiveness around the country becoming a political issue instead of a life saving measure for our entire population. Kudos to Susan Taylor and Lynn Ceglie and all the citizen volunteers who have worked the booths distributing masks along our major corridors of Broadway, Thames, and Bellevue to local and visitors

In terms of the economy, we should strive to develop future employment which is technology based. This diversified job opportunity could allow some employees to work from home. I would support continuing to work with local businesses to streamline permitting to facilitate safe outside dining.

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 would promote more diversity in employment at every level of local and state government and in our schools. These careers should be promoted as options by guidance counselors. Private employers should be encouraged to offer more internships to minority students to provide real life experience in an ever-changing workplace.

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 believe the biggest difference would be my experience and leadership on major issues. I was determined to change the timing of the presentation of the the City's Audit several years ago. It was continually late by as much as six months affecting future budgets and planning. Through the diligence and work of the Fire Department Executive Board, and others, we discovered pensions were not being properly funded. Many changes occurred as a result of changing personnel who proved competent and able to move the City forward. The City has experienced a tremendous period of growth in the years that followed. It is important to have the time, dedication, and energy to devote to the City and constituents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My campaign will focus on the economic future of Newport. This pandemic has left many people concerned about what the future will be like. People are anxious to get back to some sort of measure of normalization. The major issues the City is facing is the re-vitalization of our economy to create higher paying jobs which will allow our younger generations to stay and live in Newport. Investing in our schools and our children will guarantee Newport's future viability. The hospitality industry is a critical sector of our economy, however diversifying through technology will bring new prosperity allowing us to grow. Working with the Navy and Marine industries will enhance our efforts to diversify employment. Green (environment) technology and Blue (water-related) technology will enhance our efforts to diversify our work force. Changing the bridge re-alignment will connect the North End with the rest of the City, bringing new higher paying job opportunities. It will help support our city and school infrastructure needs, stabilize our tax rate, create new employment in the tech industry, and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Newport home.

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

Working with several different Councils has given me insight and knowledge which has proved invaluable. Every Council is different and communication among councilors is the key to understanding other points of view. Working with community groups and individuals can spark ideas. Keith Stokes encouraged me to continue my work on behalf of residents with an inadequate housing environment known as Tonomy, when I lost an election at-large. I continued my work through New Visions as Chair, working with the City and Housing Authority. Newport Heights became a reality when I was re-elected at large. Same was true with the road bond of 2007, which I sponsored. It was many years later the revitalization of Broadway took place. Both were proven successes for the City and Citizens of Newport.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason, LISTEN" Judge Judy
"90 percent of things we worry about never happen" not sure where it came from
but my dad said it all the time,

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

I have a tremendous amount of faith in God. My family is the center of my life.
Humility and empathy are values I embrace every day. I have children and grandchildren who have made Newport their home. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Newport provides them and others with the opportunity to have the highest quality education and job opportunities in the future. I try to surround myself with diverse backgrounds and opinions. I am still learning something every day. Education is a lifetime process.