Tiverton Town Council candidates discuss issues town faces in coming years

There are 16 candidates vying for the seven-seat Tiverton Town Council.

Sixteen candidates comprise the field for the seven-member Tiverton Town Council. 

The Daily News reached out to the hopefuls to get their thoughts on issues the town will be facing in the coming years. They were asked the same three questions, and their responses, listed in alphabetical order, are below. Candidates were asked to limit each response to 250 words.

The following candidates did not respond to the questionnaire: Joel Bishop, Joseph Perry and Joseph Sousa. 

Sheri Aakre

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

I think, first, that revenue should be accumulated before it is obligated to be spent, which means we should eliminate projected casino revenue from the budgeting equation. In addition, because of the clearly unreliable nature of the revenue, I would rather like to see it built into a larger town investment plan to provide for continuous investment income, emergency support, or one time unexpected purchase which do not add to increased tax payer commitment, and not be included as revenue which allows increased obligation for either operational or school budget spending.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

People are always going to disagree, but much of Tiverton's instability is due the pursuit of policy (or the appearance of such) which is motivated more by personal life choices and minority factions, and not based on a realistic consideration for the community make up as a whole, the majority shareholders, and long term stability.  Our town and governing bodies need a long term plan, some procedural adjustments, and basic guidelines which flatten the financial uncertainty.  If we can establish realistic goals and limitations which guide and form everyday leadership, then it will aid to settle overreactions, and level out cycles in extremes.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

The best option for the town and its people is to quickly investigate and decide on a private waste contractor who will give the town and its residents the best group rates now and in the future.  Some of us already know much of the information we need in order to act on this.  There is no long term benefit in trying to remain in the trash business or throwing more money into a partial solution.  The faster we can recognize this and move to understand the alternatives, inform the residents, and offer them a solution, the better. 

Gavin Black

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward? 

I recognize the casino as a valuable part of the Tiverton business community and look forward to working with them in the best interests of all of our Tiverton residents. I favor a model where the revenue is kept in a restricted Capital Account, then let the people decide by going through the budget process.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together? 

While I completely agree with AOC that there’s nothing intrinsically better about an elected official than anyone else, and we will all carry our individual strengths and weaknesses to the position, I think we will all have to summon our best selves to meet the challenges of the difficult times ahead. If the uneven or lack of a unified government response to the pandemic has taught us anything it’s the value of local, county and state elected officials. I’m running for council as an ordinary civic minded citizen because I think we all need to do something to help at this critical time in our history, not to push forward a political platform or single special interest agenda.

Additionally, I believe my moderate political views and practice of evaluating matters on their merits, regardless of whether sourced from the left or right, with an open mind will contribute toward better team chemistry on the council. Leadership experience matters as well. While this is my first run for elected office, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as President of the Narragansett Bay Propeller Club and the Rhode Island Ports Coalition in recent years so I understand the process of building a consensus when possible and bringing large, varied interests toward a common objective.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal  into the future?

For this matter I will look first to our landfill committee who have had their hands on the work in order to make an informed decision, then I’ll be relying on my legal education and training and my professional experience as a business attorney to make sure Tiverton gets the very best deal and service portfolio possible from a duly selected vendor.

Michael Burk

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward? 

In my last race for Council I recommended we split revenues three ways:  Invest 1/3rd in addressing immediate critical infrastructure needs; set 1/3rd aside to meet planned infrastructure needs; use the remaining 1/3rd to develop and implement an economic development plan.  I continue to see this as the most effective use of Casino revenues.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together? 

I am trained as a Social Worker which means for me focuses on two values – the importance of listening and incorporating a broad perspective when addressing problems; secondly, focusing on solutions rather than trying to score political points.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal  into the future? 

We need to recognize that most households need to continue to be provided a curbside pickup program that allows for the pickup of trash and recycling.  Many households don’t have the time or the transportation to make weekly runs to a transfer station.  At the same time, we need to ensure that households have a place to take larger waste – furniture, electronics, mattresses, etc.  I believe a curbside program combined with a transfer station for larger goods and yard waste is the best option at this point and would also want to continue to explore composting of food waste.

Scott Burns

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

Casino Revenue should be allocated to restricted accounts on the Town’s Balance Sheet and used to pay for  essential  capital expenditures — infrastructure and debt service. As we have seen this year, the Town can never be certain just how much money (if ANY) it will receive from the Casino, despite representations that a $3 million payment is “ guaranteed” annually to the Town by the State — it is my understanding that if the Casino is closed  — or simply not offering certain games — to the public for ANY period of time during the year, the State has no enforceable obligation to pay Tiverton anything. The Town simply can’t depend on funding its annual operations on an uncertain income stream . IF funds are received from the Casino and allocated to these restricted accounts  to be used for essential expenses - the burden on taxpayers can be reduced.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

Candidates elected to the Tiverton Town Council have to focus on being responsible and efficient in getting the People’s business DONE. There is no room for childish spats or intrigues. Town Councilors should be executives — not  backbiting entertainers. They HAVE  to collaborate civilly with each other. For decades I represented clients as their lawyer  in the US, Europe and  Africa working on complex commercial transactions. I think the skills I developed in those years will help me work effectively -and collaboratively- with other Town Councilors. 

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

I believe TRASH REMOVAL is an essential public service. Even today all types of trash is routinely dumped illegally on Town lands and private property. When the landfill is closed without a Town managed trash removal service, this problem will be much worse. Tiverton’s  purchasing power should be able to assure the most cost effective  service is provided to all residents. Once the landfill closure is completed, the proceeds from the Town bag purchase program can be used to offset the cost of trash removal. The Town must work to promote the operation of a local garden waste composting service similar to those available to some other Rhode Island Towns . 

Donna Cook

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

Casino revenue should be under the control of the taxpayer through the process of the FTR, not exclusive control by the Town Council and restricted accounts. Let casino money go where the taxpayers want it, with a delay to count it ONLY after collected.  Also, the citizens were promised tax relief with the money.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

The recall says more about the replacement council, than it says about the 4 Councilors that won in 2018. The council would have to accept the results of the election, this did not happen in 2018. I was part of the elected majority, but the others refused to work with us and flooded the town with hateful politics. The infighting pre-recall was from the minority recall group due to the resistance of election results. The recall was very disrespectful to the voters and damaging to the election process. The divisiveness is on the replacement majority, it is all on them.

Post-recall I decided to move forward with the Town’s business offering positive, creative ideas with problem solving and good government agenda items to protect the towns interest. I introduced the idea of the Town entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the CRMC regarding aquaculture, new Municipal Facilities Maintenance Committee to track building improvements due to complaints the improvements were not being done. RFP to hire a carpenter for all building improvements, one bid for everything. New Care of Dogs Ordinance, assisting constituents with problems, found a grant opportunity for the FD to apply for, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant and Scholarship Program. Up to $50,000 for the FD to apply for safety equipment. 

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

This was a key issue for me. concern. Faced with the closure of the landfill I carefully assessed the trash issues and looked at all the options and tools available to me to resolve this matter. There were several problems to identify. First, we had most of the money for the closure but, due to the pandemic and regarding this of revenue, businesses and casino closed plus the state withholding 1.8 million dollars to contend with, it became a real financial problem for the taxpayers and affordability going forward. 

I came up with a remedy for this budget busting dilemma. I authored and submitted to the Council a Resolution in Support of Extension of the Landfill Closure for 2 years, to give the town time to resolve the financial issues surrounding the added cost of the landfill closure.  This would give the taxpayers tax relief and time for the town to get on their feet due to lose of revenue and expenses. This is what I did to ensure trash removal remains affordable now and in the future. I’m for keeping the PAYT and recycling to help with cost.

I want to thank Councilor Driggs for her role in the town’s decision to bring legal action against the state for deciding not to pay the town 1.8 million dollars of casino revenue due to the state’s decision to close the casino by Executive Order and her support of this Resolution.

Robert Coulter

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

Most of the casino revenue has already been baked into the budget.  My opinion is that any future revenue above expectations should be split between tax relief and capital needs like road paving.  But that should be decided by the voters at a financial town referendum, not by the town council.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

Tiverton offices are nonpartisan. In my four prior elected terms on three different boards I’ve worked hard with everyone and worked for all Tiverton residents, no matter what part of town they live or what party they might be affiliated with.  Sadly, though, we’ve seen there are some who refuse to work together because they’ll do anything, everything, they can to play politics to advance their personal agendas over the good of the town and the voters.  How to improve this?  I think much of the problem comes from the council doing so much behind closed doors, then refusing to work with everyone else.  Putting more of the public’s business out in the open should help stop the gamesmanship.  More transparency will help make everyone to work together. 

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

I would make one pay-as-you-throw bag per household free each week, with escalating costs for additional bags.  That would further encourage recycling and minimizing waste, and help keep the program affordable.  I also strongly support the work by Councilors Donna Cook and Nancy Driggs to spread out the landfill closure cost until the town recovers from the economic impact of the pandemic.

Denise DeMedeiros

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

I believe the casino revenue should be placed in a capital reserve account to be used for capital expenses for the schools and the town. As we learned this year casino revenue is not guaranteed. Appropriating this money for reoccurring expenses potentially place the town with a structural deficit each year when the money does not come in. This account will help save in taxes because these capital expenses will not be in the budget. Also will decrease in the reoccurring loan payments each year.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

I believe  this is the responsibility of each councilor elected. We do not have to agree on every decision. Recognizing that we will all have different opinions and discussing these topics in a respectable way will be what I encourage. Respectable dialogue goes a long way.To agree to disagree and move on.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

We need to find the most economical way to haul our trash. Then we need to go through our budget for savings to help with the cost. It has been clear to me through out many meetings with citizens of our town that the majority want trash pickup. It is the councils responsibility to deliver this service the most cost efficient way. Also we need to continue with our plans for the recycling center.

Nancy Driggs

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

I believe the casino revenue should remain in the town’s operating budget, transparent and visible to Tiverton voters who will cast their votes for the budget at the town’s Financial Town Referendum. In other words, keep the decision of where to spend the casino revenue, which could include capital expenditures, within voter control. At the time Tiverton voted to have the casino, it was the majority’s expectation that any revenues would help lower taxes in town which is why it should remain in voter control, and not a decision a town council should make on its own.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

First of all, I would argue with any concept of “years of recalls” as, to my knowledge, the recall of two duly elected town council members in 2019 was a first, and, based as it was on erroneous charges and lots of outside union spending, unconscionable.  I believe whatever “infighting” has existed over the years is the result of political ideological differences. 

I believe the citizenry should be kept informed of their government’s business through the open and transparent exercise of the town’s business. The “other side” is known for back room deals, and a desire to amass more and more power in government and out of the hands of the citizenry.  In that sense, one could say what looks like “infighting” is just the reality of a clear choice voters can make when electing their officials as to what kind of governing body they wish to have – open and transparent, or secretive and power-grabbing.

Also, it is important to remember that the town council is non-partisan, so the resistance that occurred, on ideological differences, by the now-minority, in 2019, to overturn the duly elected town council majority, was a real disregard of the will of the voters.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

This has been an ongoing discussion of the now town council, and the town.  Donna Cook and I have worked hard to make sure, first, that the town seeks an extension on the landfill closure date given the shortage of revenue the town is experiencing due to the loss of casino revenue.  The town has also been tasked to explore the viability of perhaps a recycling center and finding the cheapest way to haul trash out of town. 

Jay Edwards

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

I believe that any and all casino gaming and sports betting revenue should be placed into a restricted special account to be used solely for capital expenses. It must not be used to support municipal or school department operational expenses.The funds in this account would not be spent until the year after they are received.

I would also like to maintain a minimum balance of $1,500,000 in this account at all times. The capital needs of the town would be prioritized by the Town Administrator and the Town Council and presented to the Budget Committee who would review them. They would then be presented to the voters as a Resolution at the Financial Town Referendum.

Once voted upon these could not be changed nor could the funds be used for any other purposes without a declared emergency.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

It has become obvious over the past years that the opposing factions in town just refuse to shelve their differences and do what is in the best interests of our town. They are more concerned with enforcing their own agendas and practicing one-upmanship. Only the voters can remedy this sad state of affairs.

They need to really pay attention to who the candidates are and what they say and do. Many of this years candidates have years of prior elected service on the Town Council, School Committee and Budget Committee. By now their opinions and actions should be well known to all. Don't simply rely on social media to make your decision. Take the time to view town meetings on YouTube and see for yourself what has occurred at these meetings. I hope my actions have convinced people that I am willing and able to work within a diverse group to achieve the best outcome for our town.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

The imminent landfill closure is an inescapable fact. We may get another extension from the state until next June but it is by no means a certainty. I believe we will ultimately need to adopt the model of most other communities which is to impose an annual fee as well as retain the current pay-as-you-throw program.

Even after the landfill is closed and capped the state DEM will require us to closely monitor, test and file reports for the next 30 years. This will cost roughly $100,000 per year which will be in addition to the costs of collecting and delivering our trash and recyclables to the central landfill in Johnston. We must also find an economical way of dealing with yard waste.

All of this can be done in a cost effective manner and we will do it because we simply have no other choice.

Ray Fougere

I have been a Tiverton resident for the last 10 years and a business owner there for 20.  Tiverton does have its share of “irregularities”.  Questions 1 and 3 are very controversial and I’m not privy to all the facts to make a rational decision at this point.

However, whatever decisions are made, there will be a trash solution and we will need money for things. How that’s done I leave the voters with question 2. I am in favor of gathering facts in a rational transparent manner, reviewing the facts and alternatives, then developing a strategic plan that will serve Tiverton.  My council would be an industrious group of like minded individuals peering into the economic and social future for the betterment of all residents.

Deborah Janick

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

I believe we can all agree that using the casino revenue as part of the operational budget was an epic failure. We simply can’t spend money we don’t already have in the bank. We were warned by Lincoln against doing this. 

I feel that the casino money should be used for capital and emergency expenditures for our municipal departments and our schools. This allows us to invest in our community programs and infrastructure. It also helps keeps our taxes low by reducing the need for bonds and high interest loans.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

In order to improve cohesiveness, Council members need to treat each other civilly, need to agree to treat each other with basic human kindness and respect I pledge, if elected, to listen to and be open to opposing ideas. We will never all agree 100%. We need to understand that going in. We can agree to disagree. 

Respect, adult conversation, civil debate, and compromise need to be agreed upon from the outset. It is the duty of all members of the Council to support the President of the Council in managing the meetings. I pledge to treat with respect all community members and other town committee members who interact with Council members. The Council should be a guiding body, where citizens can feel safe and comfortable. Mutual respect is the start. 

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

We need to look at options to keep trash affordable for our citizens. There is no doubt our costs will increase when we have to truck our waste to the Central Landfill. We will need to continue some method of revenue to pay for closure and offset the continued monitoring of the land fill for the next 30 years. 

Some surrounding communities have used a sticker program, rather than a purchased trash bag program. I am open to that idea. We will also need to build the recycle center which was removed from the 2020 budget. This is another new expenditure. Cost analysis will need to be completed from various companies to review bids, including modifications to the current program. 

The trash program will probably not look the same as it does currently. It might be alternate week pickup. It might be a fee for pick up. We need to listen to what our residents want. Portsmouth did a study in 2017 and found that only 50% of their residents preferred curb side pickup over their current transfer station system. At that time, they found a company to do pick up for $35/month per household. We need to encourage recycling which will reduce the costs of trash pickup. Incentive programs and public education are needed to increase recycling. 

David Paull

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

I feel the gaming revenue should be restricted as was on the ballot in 2018. Question 10 lost by a very slim 13 votes. If applied properly, the revenue can be used to offset the tax rate while maintaining infrastructure, supporting capital needs of both the municipal and school sides, and by paying off (initially) our financed debt.

Paying off the financed debt alone would help reduce the tax rate. We should also allocate a set amount towards bonded debt as that cannot simply be paid off. I would support a one year freeze on applying gaming revenue so that there is always an amount to fall back on. Lastly, the Council needs to push our State delegation to rewrite the law with the allocation. As I type this, I learned Twin River bought Bally’s Brand yet they, and the State, left Tiverton out in the cold with COVID.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

As one of the leaders of the recall effort, I absolutely feel we can all work together for the good of all of Tiverton. The issue with the subjects of the recall was that they blatantly ignored any opposition opinions and felt they had a mandate. This is Tiverton. It is not the State or National level where certain topics are constantly dividing sides. Some of the opposition (in the recall target — the TTA) have good ideas but present them in an iron fist manner. We all need to work together and at the end of the day we are all one Town, one community.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

Unfortunately I don’t see the maroon bags going away. For now, they are what is funding the pending closure of the landfill. Once that is complete, we will be looking at a significant tax increase to pay for tipping fees at the Johnston Landfill. The bag fees can certainly help in paying for that expense. Another idea (not mine alone) is to explore the newer technology of incinerating trash. The byproduct is gas and glass. The glass byproduct is no more toxic then the trash currently being thrown into the ground and leaching into groundwater.

The industrial park would be ideal as the gas can be piped to the power plant. Right now it is an option to explore and could potentially be a significant revenue generator, but could also have it’s downside. Again, something to explore as the Johnston Landfill will also close someday. I am also a proponent of stickers instead of bags and more education on recycling.

William Vieira

1) How do you believe casino revenue should be used going forward?

This question assumes that we will see substantial revenue from the casino. While I hope that is the case, I am cautiously optimistic. I am afraid that our eyes were blinded by dollar signs that resulted in us not reading the fine print. I have always believed that we approved a white elephant used to house a state’s online gaming facility. 

However let us assume that we receive the amount of three million dollars from the state. I believe like most non-TTA candidates, that we take a three-prong approach. We reduced current debt owed in the way of bonds. While I know many bonds do not allow for early payment, we should work with the treasurer to target those debts that would reduce taxes in the future. 

Another million should target priority town infrastructure needs including the Tiverton Middle School. Our children and their education should be our highest priority. This is a major factor why many families choose to move to Tiverton. The reason my daughter was able to finish her senior year was because the Superintendent and the School Committee had the foresight to invest in laptops before the pandemic occurred. 

Finally, the remaining million should be considered revenue in the following year’s budget to lower our tax rate.

2) After years of infighting and recalls what would you do to ensure the Council is better at working together?

When working with people, I always try to conduct myself as a professional who remains focused on the issues. I find most of the time other individuals tend to reciprocate that respect. However, I will say that I don’t think in the end that TTA and Non-TTA members will agree on governing issues. The differences and motivations are vastly apart. 

The majority will rule and the minority will be lame duck candidates. Therefore, I strongly suggest that the readers get out and vote to ensure their interests and that their voices are represented over the next two years.

3) Faced with the closure of the landfill, what would be your plan to ensure residents can afford trash removal into the future?

I am grateful that the current Town Council has addressed many of these issues and set the wheels in motion that I would like to see continue. I am hopeful that the landfill will not need to be closed in the next few months as projected. Due to the pandemic and lack of monies received from the casino, the Town Council has bought us an additional six months to a year with the State of RI to continue to construct the recycling center at the Industrial Park. This will be a user-friendly facility compared to the current landfill and DPW suggested location. 

The Industrial Park will also allow for expansion should we require it. As we move to more online shopping, it is very important that we have a location to take our mattresses, computers, and white goods. Regarding the trash itself, it appears currently that we are bound by a state law that requires us to take our trash to Johnston. It also appears that the tipping fees are the cheapest around.

I would work with our Town Administrator to ensure that this our cheapest option. We will probably need to continue the PAYT bags until sufficient funds are received in capping the landfill. The reserved account is close to its goal, but unfortunately still needs additional proceeds.  We were blessed with the longevity of this landfill, but the time come to join the rest of the towns and cities of RI in the way we responsibly dispose of our trash going forward. Thank you for the opportunity to answer these questions.