John Walker
Walker For Newport
Candidate for Newport City Council • Ward 2
“Newport is where I was raised, where I’m raising my family, and the community I’m proud to call home.”
What John Is Talking About
These are some of the issues that matter to me.
Economy
Commitment to cultivating sustainable economic development in our local market, with emphasis on our blue and green sectors. Newport has always has been much more than just a tourist destination. It’s time that we all remember that and work towards growing industries that offer competitive year round jobs for our residents.
Infrastructure
In our current political environment, we seem to discuss infrastructure often, but most times fall short of actual progress. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t change the fact that every single second critical infrastructure that supports this community continues to degrade and crumble.
I will commit to making infrastructure improvements one of my most important goals and will always advocate for these projects when we discuss this city’s budget.
Housing
One of the most complicated issues facing this community right now is housing.
I believe we need to work on policies that will incentivize the current market to increase inventory in the year round rental market as well as the ownership market. I believe that we also need to reform the two tier tax system that will incentivize property owners to rent year round rather than seasonally.
Quality of life
Newport has long been a tourist destination. It is obvious that we have a booming tourism based sector of our local economy. However over the last decade it has grown to the point where a great deal of our residents are left wondering if the economic value of it is really worth the collateral damage it causes on our quality of living. I too share these sentiments.
As a candidate I am fiercely committed to working hard to strike a much more favorable balance between our tourism industry and the quality of life of our residents. I plan to work tirelessly on issues like automobile traffic, foot traffic, parking and congestion, noise and light pollution, trash and litter on our streets and sidewalks.
In addition to this, I plan to work with council to pressure the state of Rhode Island to leave us bigger share of the impact fees we generate through tourism . Newport is a massive economic engine for the state of Rhode Island and I believe that we deserve our fair share.
Things I do not support.
Zoning changes that will increase density in our community , thus changing the character of our neighborhoods. Furthermore , increased density will further compound existing parking, and congestion issues while , also adding additional burden to our already compromised utilities infrastructure.
Hotel developments and major tourism projects , are not the economic growth that we need right now.
I do not support Natural gas connection
moratorium. In this volatile energy market we are currently experiencing, Newport residents need diversified options when considering what is the best source of energy for their homes.