PORTSMOUTH — From rising property taxes and affordable housing to aging infrastructure and the workings of town government, Portsmouth voters have plenty to consider when they head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3.

With 12 candidates competing for seven seats on the Portsmouth Town Council, we asked each of them the same question: “If elected, what is the single most important issue you believe the Portsmouth Town Council must address during your term? Why should it matter to residents, and what specific action would you advocate to address it?”

Their responses, limited to 300 words each, appear below in alphabetical order. They have been lightly edited for grammar, punctuation and newspaper style.

David P. Fiorillo (D)

The most important thing the next council must do is return to steady, practical decision-making about the town’s money and services. Our schools, housing, taxes and town services are all connected, and they need to be planned that way.

Our schools are among the best in Rhode Island. That reputation brings families here and supports the value of every home in town. Many of our school buildings need serious work, and I support the school bond. If it passes, the next council will decide how to spend up to $41 million on repairs and improvements. We should make sure every project meets state requirements so we get as much state aid as possible. We should also plan the borrowing so the effect on the tax rate stays predictable.

Housing is the next piece. Portsmouth is below the state’s 10 percent goal for low- and moderate-income housing, and new state laws are raising the stakes. Suing the state is costing us money without solving anything. I’d rather work with our legislators and planning department to support good local projects, like the affordable senior housing. A community is stronger when the people who teach our kids can afford to live here. If we care about keeping Portsmouth’s character, making room for them is part of preserving it.

Taxpayers also need to know basic services will be handled carefully. When the council chose to recover the full trash program deficit in one year, families absorbed the cost all at once. Decisions like that need longer-term planning.

I’ve run my own businesses for 16 years. I know how to stretch a dollar and how to plan improvements for the long term. I’ve chaired Parks and Recreation since 2019, and I’ve seen what people can accomplish by working together. That’s what I’d bring to the council. 

David M. Gleason (R)

AFFORDABILITY. This is the most important issue facing Portsmouth residents, particularly longtime Rhode Islanders and seniors who worry about being taxed out of homes they built and love.

A Portsmouth resident since 1957 wrote to the council in September 2025: “I am totally in favor of affordable housing. But — I am devastated about your lack of concern about those who have lived in this town since it was mainly farmland.”

I agree. I support affordable housing, although I’m not sure exactly how we get there. I do have ideas. The writer and her husband built their home in the Hummocks in 1962, just as I built mine in Common Fence Point. Both were once considered undesirable neighborhoods; today, they’re highly desirable and much more expensive.

The writer believes senior taxpayers should be able to afford the homes they’ve worked for. As she wrote, that “is every bit as important as building affordable housing” and “is the essence of affordable housing!”

This council advocated for lower tax increases than proposed. I would work hard to keep increases as low as possible, although the school budget is a major factor. The writer noted that school budgets keep increasing while enrollment has declined.

I support maintaining our schools and all town properties, and the middle school needs a new roof. But I question the estimated cost. We must be cautious spending bond money; these are loans that accumulate interest. Having worked as a maintenance engineer, I would work to complete projects at the best cost to taxpayers.

The writer was Lee McGaw, mother of editor Jim McGaw. Her questions raise others: Can her family or children afford a $10,000 tax bill? Do they sell at a profit or place a deed restriction on the property and sell it as affordable housing?

Affordability isn’t easily solved. But let’s try.

Keith Hamilton (R)

The most important issue coming in the next few years in Portsmouth will be careful and thoughtful budgeting. Voters will be asked on Nov. 3 to approve or disapprove a bond that could lead to additional debt service of around $30 million. We will need councilors with strong budgeting skills to review expenditures and revenues to maintain a balanced budget with the smallest possible tax increases.

I have introduced bills over the past five years in the General Assembly to reintroduce general revenue sharing to all cities and towns. I will continue to work with our legislative delegation, whether reelected or not, to get this legislation passed.

Back in 2009, the governor cut revenue sharing out of the budget when the state was hit by the economic downturn. The General Assembly has never reinstituted the funding, despite a budget that has grown more than 115%, from roughly $7 billion to $15 billion. Surely the simple request of $78 million, or 0.52%, can be found in a $15 billion budget.

We will also need to continue our capital investments in infrastructure and roads. I believe I have the experience and institutional knowledge to help maintain the proper investments and budgets needed to keep Portsmouth the wonderful town we love.

I respectfully ask for your vote in this coming election.

Leonard B. Katzman (D)

The “single most important issue” that the next council must address is the unknown crisis. For example, the town’s budget — developed back in April — doesn’t account for the increases in diesel fuel costs, which directly impact fixed-budget line items such as transportation costs for schools, police, fire and DPW. The next council will have to figure out how to cover those unanticipated higher costs. If elected, I would advocate for open public input and debate to craft a solution and base any decision on the facts. Simply pulling money from the “rainy day” fund sounds like an easy fix, but that should be a last resort. We may need to look at capital expenditures and explore creative cost deferrals.

But that’s just speculation, an example of an unknown crisis. Whether it’s the budget, or state zoning mandates, or any other item, the most important issue is whether Portsmouth will have leaders capable of making sound, rational, evidence-based decisions. Too often, the four members of the current council majority leap to conspiracy theories or rumors. They point fingers and blame, rather than working hard to develop solutions. Worse, they seem to follow the wishes of a small number of people who speak to them in private back rooms.

A pandemic. A big box store. Sakonnet River Bridge tolls. No one predicted those crises before they happened. The people of Portsmouth deserve a town council able to perform clear-headed, rational decision-making in the face of any crisis. Whatever the future may bring, I will approach issues with care, listen to all voices, and exercise my best judgment. I will make decisions based on facts and explain my reasoning in public. I pledge to be prepared for all issues that may come, and I ask for your vote.

John G. McDaid (D)

What the council needs to do right now is restore public trust in its decision-making. Everything else, from taxes to housing to trash, flows from that.

When the process is open and orderly, residents may not agree with every outcome, but they feel respectfully heard. And when the process doesn’t work, the town pays: sometimes in money, sometimes in staff time — always in trust.

I would be one vote of seven, so I can’t guarantee the council’s behavior. But I can promise how I would do the job. Three commitments.

First, respect the charter. It is the town’s constitution, and I have twice served on the committee that reviewed it. It says the council sets policy and the town administration carries it out. This summer, a proposal was advanced to ignore the plain language of the charter and give the council a hand in staff hiring. I was one of many who testified against it, and it was tabled. That line should not need defending twice.

Second, listen widely while respecting expertise. Residents on all sides of issues deserve a real hearing before a vote, not after. So do the town’s administration and departments. Their guidance, like that of paid advisors, boards and commissions, should be considered seriously, not set aside without explanation.

Third, decide based on the facts. Before I vote, I will want all the details and anticipated consequences laid out for public review. We might differ on interpretations, but I will always make decisions based on the evidence and be clear about my assumptions and my degree of confidence.

None of this is partisan. The council should work like this no matter who holds the majority. It is how a well-run town operates, and Portsmouth residents should just expect it. I ask for your vote.

Mary A. McDowell (I)

The single most important issue and responsibility of a town council that must be addressed annually is the town budget. We, as a town council, are obligated to develop a responsible budget that maintains essential services while keeping property taxes affordable. Every budget decision affects residents’ cost of living, and taxpayers deserve careful oversight of every dollar the town spends.

This council has held the total tax levy increase to under 3% for the past two years. That has required a disciplined review of proposed expenditures, meaningful budget reductions and tough decisions, particularly when contractual obligations involve annual increases of between 3 and 4%. We have demonstrated that careful oversight can make a difference while maintaining essential services for our residents.

It is important to distinguish between budget increases and property tax increases resulting from a town-wide revaluation. Residents, including myself, have experienced substantial tax increases because of changes in assessed property values. While revaluations can shift the tax burden among taxpayers, controlling spending remains essential to limiting the overall tax burden.

Going forward, we must look beyond spending reductions and make better use of the financial resources we have. This council has identified two opportunities that deserve serious attention. We must look to improve returns on the town’s available cash and investments, and we must review concession agreements with outside vendors to ensure the town receives fair value for the use of its facilities and property. Both offer the potential to generate additional revenue and reduce pressure on taxpayers without cutting services or raising taxes.

A municipal budget is more than a collection of numbers. It determines the quality of our services, our educational opportunities and whether Portsmouth remains an affordable place to live. I will continue to advocate for disciplined spending, greater financial efficiency and responsible revenue generation.

Sharlene M. Patton (R)

Dear Portsmouth residents,

I’m seeking your support to continue serving as your town councilor and build on the progress we’ve made together as a council over the past two years.

I believe the single most important issue facing Portsmouth is affordable housing. Housing decisions affect our neighborhoods, schools, roads, emergency services and town budget. We must plan responsibly, protect existing affordable homes and ensure new development provides lasting affordability. Residents deserve clear information about the benefits and costs of proposed projects.

As a Sunny Acres resident, I understand firsthand the uncertainty families face when the future of their housing is outside their control. Preserving affordable homes, including our mobile home communities, must be a priority alongside creating opportunities for seniors, working families and young adults.

If reelected, I would advocate for a public review of Portsmouth’s housing needs and an action plan with measurable goals. This plan should identify ways to preserve affordable homes, support appropriate development and evaluate infrastructure and service costs before commitments are made. Residents must have meaningful opportunities to participate throughout the process.

I would also press our state legislators to work directly with the council and residents on reforms to low- and moderate-income housing laws. We need practical solutions that support affordability and respect local oversight of housing and zoning decisions.

Beyond housing, I remain committed to preserving open space, finding ways to reduce the tax burden while maintaining essential services, and continuing public comment and council office hours to encourage community involvement.

I value being part of this community and will work with fellow councilors to ensure residents’ concerns are heard and addressed.

Let’s continue moving Portsmouth forward while preserving the beauty, character and community spirit we cherish.

I respectfully ask for your vote on Nov. 3.

Juan Carlos Payero (D)

The most important issue facing the Portsmouth Town Council is making responsible, long-term investments in our community while protecting taxpayers from unnecessary costs.

During my time on the council, I have seen that delayed decisions or those made without a clear plan become more expensive and harder to address later. Portsmouth faces significant needs ahead, from maintaining our roads and municipal infrastructure to addressing aging school and town facilities. Residents deserve a council that plans ahead, sets clear priorities and spends taxpayer dollars where they deliver the greatest benefit.

These decisions directly affect our quality of life and the cost of living in Portsmouth. Every dollar spent on unnecessary litigation, poorly planned projects or avoidable expenses is a dollar that cannot be invested in our schools, roads, public safety or other community priorities.

I would advocate for a comprehensive, transparent capital and infrastructure strategy that identifies Portsmouth’s needs, sets priorities based on urgency and community impact, determines realistic costs and funding sources, and provides residents with a clear understanding of what we are investing in and why.

My approach on the council has focused on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility and progress for Portsmouth. We will not agree on every issue, but residents should expect their elected officials to make informed decisions, follow through and keep the community’s long-term interests ahead of politics.

Portsmouth cannot afford to govern from crisis to crisis. We need to plan responsibly today to leave a stronger, more sustainable community for the next generation. Residents deserve a council that puts them first!

David G. Reise (R)

I believe it’s important to keep Portsmouth affordable while maintaining the quality of life we enjoy in our town so that we, our children and grandchildren can continue to live here.

Affordability is a key issue in Portsmouth; therefore, I strive to keep taxes under control.

The town is a business and should be run as such. I have worked to develop a town budget that does not reduce services but generates savings and potential income through careful review of existing agreements, contracts and leases with outside vendors.

Savings generated on the town side of the budget will help support the school system. Schools are a high priority since they help young people blossom and build a solid foundation for the future. I supported the town council’s decision to provide emergency funding for repair and replacement of the high school roof. We also supported the decision to place the school bond question on the ballot. This bond, if passed by voters, gives the school administration funding for upgrades to the middle school that will make it a shining star on Aquidneck Island.

After the election, the town budget will need further review to ensure there is minimal additional burden on taxpayers if the bond passes.

Balancing expenses and revenue can make Portsmouth affordable, which is the same kind of stewardship I practice with my own budget. With the knowledge I have gained during my first term, I hope to continue moving forward by being a good steward of town finances. I am ready and up to the task of serving again.

Alexander Lewis Roberts (D)

The single most important issue Portsmouth must address is responsible, long-term management of the town’s finances and essential services. Residents deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent carefully, that infrastructure is being maintained before small problems become expensive ones, and that the town is planning for future needs rather than reacting to problems as they arise.

This means taking a proactive approach to school repairs and using school bonds to maximize available state reimbursement. It also means not wasting the town’s time, money and personnel getting involved in litigation with the state. Families and local businesses need predictable costs, while town employees need the resources and direction to do their jobs effectively. Responsible budgeting is not simply about spending less; it is about getting the best value for every taxpayer dollar.

I would advocate for regular communication about operating expenses, staffing needs and infrastructure maintenance, with clear explanations of the financial impact of major decisions before they come to a vote. Council members who arrive at meetings well-informed and aligned on the town’s priorities, projected costs, funding sources and timelines can focus meetings on productive discussion and sound decisions rather than confusion. I would also push for consistent follow-through once decisions are made, keeping energy directed at implementation and measurable results.

My goal is a town government that plans ahead, communicates clearly and makes practical, consistent decisions. This gives residents confidence that Portsmouth is being managed responsibly and will continue to run smoothly.

John Mark Ryan (D)

Portsmouth residents are best served if the incoming town council can work effectively with our excellent town administrator and the capable staff he has assembled.

The efficiency, effectiveness and experience of our town’s professionals have ensured that Portsmouth’s taxes have remained in the lowest 25% of Rhode Island towns that administer a school district. Low taxes can’t be the only goal. The town must provide services, maintain infrastructure and prepare to deal with potential threats such as severe weather.

Portsmouth is noted for its excellent schools, which is why many families choose to live here. Our town prioritizes the maintenance of public buildings and properties. Businesses stay because our infrastructure works. Homeowners see their property values protected because the town takes care of what it owns.

The cost of housing remains a concern. Portsmouth has begun to take steps to address this issue. Through a partnership with Church Community Housing, Portsmouth gained a new senior center and Ade Bethune House, with 54 affordable apartments for older residents, without using taxpayer money.

In recent years, nonresidents have been buying houses as investments, which increases prices and makes it harder for young families to move to our town. Young families form a vital part of any town. Helping older residents remain in our community and young families join it will be an important issue the incoming council must address.

M. Conley Wake Zani (D)

The single most important issue facing Portsmouth is restoring effective, collaborative leadership to our town council.

Portsmouth faces real challenges: rising costs, aging infrastructure, maintaining essential services and planning responsibly for our future. But addressing these challenges requires a council that understands its role and works effectively with the professionals entrusted to run our town.

As an executive leadership consultant, I’ve spent decades working with leadership teams, helping them build trust, navigate differences and perform more effectively. I’ve also put those principles into practice locally, leading the rebuilding of the Common Fence Point Community Center and serving on nonprofit boards throughout our community.

One lesson stands out: Leadership isn’t about controlling every decision. It’s about creating the conditions for capable people to succeed.

I believe that’s exactly what Portsmouth needs.

The council’s job is to establish policy, set priorities, provide oversight and hold our town administrator accountable for results. It’s not to micromanage town employees or interfere in day-to-day operations.

We hire experienced professionals for a reason. We should respect their expertise, empower them to do their jobs and sometimes simply get out of their way.

If elected, I would advocate for a renewed commitment to these roles and responsibilities, empowering our town administrator to lead his team while maintaining accountability to the council and residents.

This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations or disagreements. Healthy debate is essential to good government. But we can disagree without being disagreeable.

Portsmouth deserves a council that sets direction, stands behind its decisions rather than continually revisiting them, asks thoughtful questions, respects professional expertise and focuses on results rather than control.

That’s the kind of leadership I believe in and the kind I would bring to the table.