A verson of this letter ran in the Westerly Sun
The past few weeks have seen
many ‘letters’ from candidates stating the other side isn't telling the truth.
It seems most campaigning for local office is quite negative to the opposing
side.
I am running for Planning Commission in Charlestown and chose not to engage in the back and forth ‘letters-to-the-editors’. With only a few days left in this campaign, instead of telling you what I don't like about others’ ideas who are running for Planning Commission, I’d like to share with you who I am and what I believe.
I am running for Planning Commission in Charlestown and chose not to engage in the back and forth ‘letters-to-the-editors’. With only a few days left in this campaign, instead of telling you what I don't like about others’ ideas who are running for Planning Commission, I’d like to share with you who I am and what I believe.
I’ve grown up in Charlestown and
continue to live here with my wife, Kimberly and my two young children, Logan
and Mia. I am a professional firefighter for the city of Cranston and have
spent many years in the home construction industry. I am a supporter of
families and community life and feel our next generation should have quality
education and a clean environment.
The acquisition of open space is appropriate, in moderation, and for the right reasons. Having the Town purchase ‘open-space’ to limit new families joining our community is unacceptable. Acquiring ‘open-space’ through donations and grants is highly desirable.
I would encourage freezing taxes
of seniors, helping those on fixed incomes stay in their homes without fear of
inflationary and property tax increases.
Keeping our taxes low without burdening municipal employees is also very
important to me.
Our local businesses are vital
to our community. They provide goods, services, and employment; they should be
encouraged to prosper without restrictions that do no harm to our citizens and
our environment.
Having built three homes in
Charlestown for my family during the last ten years, I have acquired ‘hands-on’
knowledge of plot planning, zoning, and variance processes. I am proud of what
I have been able to accomplish. I know I
would be able to assist our citizens to accomplish their goals as well.
I believe in honesty, respect,
and compromise. It is the basis for the values I instill in my children and I
will offer the same values to the citizens of Charlestown as an elected
official. I will admit I don't have all
the answers to the difficulties we face, but with a common sense approach and
the desire to work together we can keep Charlestown a great place to live.
I look forward to the opportunity
to serve you on the Charlestown Planning Commission and would appreciate your
vote on November 6th.
Sincerely,
Brandon T. Cleary
