Newport Election Profile: Lynn Ceglie

NEWPORT, RI — Lynn Underwood Ceglie is running for an at-large seat on the Newport City Council. The 59-year-old has represented the city's second ward since 2014.

Ceglie holds a bachelor's of arts in mass communications from the University of Hartford. She has served as an interactive courseware designer at Aquidneck Data Company for the past decade and spent 12 years as a child outreach screener at the East Bay Community Action Program.

Ceglie and her husband, Vincent, have two children, Mia and Chase, both of whom graduated from Newport Public Schools and graduated from college.

Campaign website: ceglie2ndward.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I became involved in the community when my children were in the Newport Public Schools. I was co-PTO President of Cranston Calvert Elementary School and became more and more interested in the community. I joined the following organizations and boards: Newport Public Education Foundation Vice President, Newport Public Library board member, Charter Review Commission member, Zoning Board Vice Chair. I feel great satisfaction being a responsive representative, helping people with their issues and concerns.

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

Science tells us that the wearing face coverings is crucial in containing the virus and lessening its economic impacts. I have been involved in a volunteer effort, started by fellow council member, Susan Taylor in handing out free masks on Thames St, America's Cup Ave, and Bellevue Ave. Soon we will be on Cliff Walk and at Easton's Beach giving out masks. Volunteers educate visitors on the importance of mask wearing and adhering to the City's executive order requiring the wearing of masks. The City has signage everywhere telling people to wear masks for the health of our community. The City has done a very good working with restaurants implementing Rhode Island's outdoor dining guidelines and is also working very hard monitoring social distancing in critical areas such as playgrounds, parks and beaches.

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 do. Over the years, policies such as redlining of neighborhoods, job discrimination, unfair housing, unequal educational opportunities created discrimination, hindering generations of people of color to participate wholly in society and the economy. I believe Newport has a great opportunity to invigorate the North End with the state's commitment to realign the Newport Bridge ramps. Land that is now unusable, will be opened up creating potential development of diverse economic opportunities. We have an obligation to create economic diversity so that our residents will have year round, well paying employment. The bridge realignment will also connect the North End that is now cut off by a highway to the downtown areas of the city. I believe the connectivity will erase not only a physical barrier in the city, but a psychological one as well. The success of the Pell Elementary School, eliminating neighborhood schools and having all children educated under one roof has been a positive, unifying experience for our city. We must be one Newport.

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 can not state critical differences among candidates since many of us don't know each other yet. A successful council starts with responsive, productive communication among its members. For the past three terms, my approach is to be responsible to the residents and responsive to their needs and concerns. I feel that it is my duty to work with businesses helping them to be successful. I am very concerned about our schools having the resources they need to educate every student. I also know how important it is for our residents to not be priced out of their homes with high taxes and fees.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I will continue to work to strike a balance so that residents have a high quality of life, diverse economic opportunities and a vibrant tourism industry. Public safety, monitoring of short term rentals, clean city enforcement, high quality infrastructure, and communications are all important issues for our residents and are high priorities of my campaign.

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

Working with Broadway businesses during the Broadway revitalization project. I met weekly with RIDOT, National Grid, the general contract, businesses, residents and the press to coordinate all efforts to allow for construction that would have with the least economic impact on businesses while communicating progress with residents.. I led an effort and public relations campaign to eliminate single use plastic bags that were polluting our harbor. I am working with our senior residents for Newport to be designated an "Age Friendly" city. I supported the allocation of funds for Newport Public School students to have up to date technology. I also worked to reinstate our Cemetery Commission which is doing an amazing job rehabilitating historic headstones. I currently work with Newport Partnership for Families, Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, Edward King House Senior Center, and Newport For All Ages to improve Newport's quality of life for all our residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Get over it!" — Jeanne Marie Napolitano and "Do what you think is right because you'll be criticized anyway." — Eleanor Roosevelt

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

Newport is a very special place, and we are so lucky to live here. I've had the great honor to represent the 2nd Ward and now I hope to work to be responsible and responsive as an at-large council member representing the whole city.