NEWPORT–Native Newporter Herb Armstrong, 60, has announced he will run for Newport City Council as an at-large candidate.
Last month Newport This Week reported that at-large Stephen Coyne would not seek re-election, creating at least one vacancy on the council.
A Realtor with Hogan & Stone, Mr. Armstrong said his involvement in the real estate field gives him insight into the difficulties small businesses and residents have in dealing with city government, especially when it comes to zoning issues. Mr. Armstrong said he hopes to make government more business-friendly, citing Bliss Properties, Inc.'s recent battle to move forward with renovations of Bellevue Gardens as one example of how city government could be more proactive.
"The developers jumped through hoops for two years and spent $600,000," he said. "The project ended up being better, but the conclusion should have been reached in a shorter time frame and cost less money."
Mr. Armstrong also said that as a council member, he'd focus on big issues facing the city like the schools and crumbling infrastructure. Calling for the paving of lower Thames Street, he said beautification of the street would go a long way in helping merchants reach their goals and make the spot more of a destination area.
"Since I've been back I've noticed that city government isn't always business friendly," said Mr. Armstrong, describing small merchants as the lifeblood of the city. More long-range planning by the council to assist small businesses could help retain Newport's quality of life, he said.
While Mr. Armstrong said he has no political experience, he's been attending council meetings on a regular basis for the past few months. He's currently chairperson of the Newport Beach Commission and is proud of the commission's efforts over the last year and a half to work with city administration on long-range prospects for Easton's Beach including plans for seaweed collection, renovations to the Rotunda and marketing the building for more upscale weddings and events.
Mr. Armstrong was born and raised on the point and attended Newport schools, graduating in 1966 from De La Salle Academy. He is an alumni of the College of William & Mary and served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1974 as an infantry office, ranger and aviator. From 1975-85 he worked as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Upon leaving the FAA he embarked on a collegiate aviation program at Hampton University in Hampton, Va., where he spent 20 years working as a college teacher and administrator in aviation and business.
Returning to Newport four years ago, Mr. Armstrong entered the real estate field in 2006. He's also served as an adjunct instructor of management at the Community College of Rhode Island since 2005 and belongs to several organizations including the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, Point Association, Friends of the Waterfront and Newport County Board of Realtors.
Stating that infrastructure, planning and streamlining the city's business license process are priorities, Mr. Armstrong said he wanted to make a contribution to see Newport prosper. "Last summer seemed like such a great summer for Newport and that is how Newport should be seen — as vibrant, attracting the right kind of tourists and keeping the economy going."
While Mr. Armstrong decided to announce his bid for election now, he won't officially become a candidate until June, when those interested in running for local office must declare their candidacy with the Canvassing Authority on the last Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of the month. City of Newport elections are non-partisan and take place every two years.
By Colleen McGrath