Change. Many of us fear it. And some running for Town Council claim they won’t enact it. But the problem is things have been changing around us for years. Between 2000 and 2026, the median age in Little Compton has risen from 43.5 years to over 60 years. In the same time, student enrollment at Wilbur McMahon has declined by 36%. Median home sale prices have risen nearly 320%. And now we have no gas stations, no full-service bars, fewer restaurants, and fewer farm stands. If we wait too long to recognize the change that has happened around us, it will be too late to do anything about it.

I’m running for town council because I want to continue the work we’ve started to reverse these trends. Little Compton should be a community where young families and community members can afford to stay and create a home of their own. A few ways we have started to address this is through enacting the homestead exemption, creating the Community Septic System Loan Program, supporting the LC Housing Trust and the Commons Foundation to redevelop properties in town, and amending the Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning ordinance to help provide low-cost housing.

There’s more to be done. Here are a few of my priorities if elected another term on the Town Council. I will;

• Continue to support the LC Housing Trust and Commons Foundation in their efforts to expand opportunities of home ownership towards current residents and people who want to contribute to our community.

• Propose a study to search for ways the Town can support our small businesses.

• Support the financial recovery of the Town through oversight and balanced budgeting without unreasonable changes to the tax levy.

• Work with the LC Agricultural Conservancy Trust to acquire properties that could be used for farmer or worker housing.

• Explore a fair Farm Promotion Ordinance that provides clear guidelines and regulations for farmers to be able to use their properties for reasonable expanded applications to help ensure their way of life is sustainable.

I love hearing from Town residents about new ideas for ways we can improve life in Little Compton. I promise to continue listening and taking all viewpoints in to consideration. I hope to continue serving the community, and working to make this a Town where all can thrive. Thank you for the opportunity you given me for the last 8 years – I hope to earn your vote again on November 3rd.

Additionally, Town Council President Patrick McHugh and Vice President Victoria Talbot deserve to be reelected for the thoughtful and disciplined leadership. Both have consistently focused on the less glamorous work of governance: asking hard questions, building consensus, and making decisions with the town’s long-term interests in mind. Travis Auty has worked tirelessly as School Committee Chairman, and would make a fantastic addition to the Town Council. I believe we could make a fantastic team with a diversity of opinions and life experiences within our community.

Andrew Iriarte-Moore

Incumbent Democratic candidate for Little Compton Town Council.