Updates

January 2021

Unfortunately the Town Council voted last night (4-1) to move ahead with a plan that closes the high school intown and moves it to Curtis Corner Middle School. I voted against it. There are many unanswered concerns, unknowns and questions. At the 11th hour, we learned that the high school teachers will not have their own classroom in Curtis Corner. Some will be sharing as the plan calls for reduced classrooms and shared science labs. This project's price tag has grown and now exceeds $94,000,000 and still has items on the to-do list, including $1.5 million needed for athletics. The plan will cost the average household an extra $209 every year for the next twenty years, before any other tax increases. With the average Social Security check only going up $20 per month but Medicare taking $14, what remains would barely cover a weekly cup of coffee.

I have heard from many residents and businesses who want to pause and regroup to form a better plan. A former Town Council member and head of the Chamber of Commerce called in and also asked for a pause. We are seeing businesses and members of our community struggle through COVID. Many of us are just trying to get through this.

I really care about hearing what you think because the Town Council is responsible for the entire community. I just can't rubber stamp things. Given all of the information I have seen and read, along with your input, I could not support the application - it’s the wrong project, the wrong price at the wrong time. If the State approves this application, it will be up to the voters to decide if they want to spend their money on an addition and a coat of paint to the worst school building in our inventory.

Our community will be paying for this for a long time, so we need to make sure it is the right project. As always, please reach out to me.

https://www.ricentral.com/narragansett_times/sk-town-council-votes-4-1-to-submit-stage-ii-app/article_9352b586-5f8c-11eb-a802-0feb9c68a8df.html

​

​

​

December 2020

WOW - I finished my first week! We elected the Town Council President and Vice President. Even with a female Council majority and the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment (women's suffrage), we did not elect a woman to either leadership position, but I know our voices will be heard.

I am learning a lot but I always need to hear from you on any other topic or concern you have. I genuinely believe that your voice is the reason we have a seat at the table.

​

Stay in Touch - I always want to hear what is important to you.

debbergner@gmail.com

401-515-5771