Newport Election Profile: Olga Enger

NEWPORT, RI — Olga Enger is running for an at-large seat on the Newport City Council. The 43-year-old Democrat is a newcomer to elected office.

Enger has a degree from the University of Minnesota and is the owner of Studio Newport. Before that, she was a reporter and photojournalist for 10 years. She has one child, 6-year-old Gabriel.

Campaign website: www.olgaforcouncil.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm running as a mother, small business owner and homeowner. After listening to the issues for 10 years as a journalist, I am ready to be part of the solution for Newport.

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

As a small business owner, I know first-hand the economic impacts of the pandemic, but the health and safety of our residents comes first. The COVID-19 pandemic should not be a political issue, and elected officials should enact policies following the guidance of medical experts. To ensure the basic needs of our residents are met, Newport should continue to support and enable organizations such as the Martin Luther King Center. The need to shop local, and support our family-owned businesses has never been more important. As the post office reports record numbers of packages from Amazon, elected officials should highlight ways to spend that money with local businesses.

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 am well-known in the community as a journalist who has covered racial issues, long before this topic began to trend. Most recently, I documented the Minneapolis protests, and my photographs were picked up by national news outlets. I continued to bear witness through the violence and tear gas, so I was able to document a perspective few media outlets were able to reach. That determination to listen makes for quality journalism, and I will take that skill into the council chambers if elected.

The one thing I've learned from 10 years of reporting in Newport, is that complicated issues are not solved by the chatter of politicians. Solutions require community conversation and engagement.

Knee-jerk reactions lead to divisiveness, which Newport can not afford during this unprecedented time. Let's take what happened in Minneapolis to start a meaningful dialogue, not point fingers and blame.

This June, I attended Butler Basketball Club's Unity March, which was attended by members of local police departments, black leaders and most importantly, the children in our community. This was a powerful example of how Newport can come together. I was disappointed the event was not attended by any city councilors, when there has been so much discussion surrounding these issues in recent meetings. Before we act, we first need to listen. That is when we can impact change.

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?

I have 10 years of reporting in Newport, so I understand the issues facing our community. I am trained to listen objectively to other perspectives, which is what is needed in today's divisive political arena. I have built my business Studio Newport from the ground up, which has grown despite the gas outage and COVID. I am a mother, and watched my son's friends leave Newport for nearby communities. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and be part of the solution.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Year-round residents, schools, maintaining a clean city, roads, small businesses and arts/culture

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

I have built a successful business in Newport, through unprecedented events of the gas outage and COVID-19. Before that, I was an award-winning community journalist and photographer, covering Newport. I am trained to listen to all sides of the story. Good politics is like a good journalism — well-balanced.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. — Benjamin Franklin

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

Please visit my website olgaforcouncil.com to learn more or feel free to email me at olga@olgaforcouncil.com if you have specific questions and concerns.