Archive - 2012 - News Article

CURMUDGEON'S CORNER: NK voters should approve all four local ballot questions(OPINION)

November 7, 2012

On November 6th, North Kingstown voters will decide on four amendments to the town charter. As a member of this year’s charter revision commission, let me explain the rationale for these changes.
The first question deals with limiting the terms of appointed members of boards, commissions and committees to 12 consecutive years, after which the citizen would have to take two years off before being reappointed. However, if the person has special qualifications the town council may reappoint him or her by unanimous vote. For example, this might apply to the planning board or audit committee.

Early morning voters greeted with wrong ballots in West Kingston

November 6, 2012

WEST KINGSTON-Voters had difficulty submitting ballots at West Kingston Elementary School early yesterday when trying to cast their votes for the 2012 election. Voting was stopped after the polls opened at 7 a.m. when poll workers noticed the ballots were incorrect and meant for North Kingstown. Although seven voters received the wrong ballots, their votes were voided and not cast. The school received the correct ballots and opened for voting at 9 a.m. South Kingstown Representative for General Assembly, Spencer E. Dickinson was less than pleased about the voting mishap.

NK voters facing four ballot questions in today’s election

November 6, 2012

By ANDREW MARTASIAN
Special to the Standard

On Tuesday, voters will head to the polls to cast their ballots in this year’s presidential election. In addition to selecting a round of political leaders, they will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on several state and town issues.
North Kingstown voters have four local questions that concern amendments to the North Kingstown Home Rule Charter following the seven state questions on their ballot. One local question accompanies the state measures on the Exeter ballot.

Langevin battles for new term

November 5, 2012

By TRACEY O’NEILL
Special to the Standard

Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District finds incumbent James R. Langevin facing off against his Republican challenger, Michael Riley, founder of a Rhode Island-based investment firm.

Incumbents face tough competition in NK races

November 4, 2012

By TRACEY O’NEILL
Special to the Standard

NORTH KINGSTOWN – November’s ballot for Town Council is veritable proof of Democracy in action with a slate of fourteen candidates vying for a seat on the five-member council. The cast of characters includes only three incumbents, all having served multiple terms in office.
Council President, Elizabeth (Liz) Dolan (R.), seeking her fourth term at the helm, previously served on the Town’s Planning and Charter Review commissions. An endorsed candidate, Dolan is a member of the Rhode Island Federation of Republican Women (RIFRW).

Lessons learned from Irene convinced people to prepare

November 3, 2012

By MARTHA SMITH
Special to the Standard

Exeter’s emergency preparedness Stefan Coutoulakis is crediting the lessons of Tropical Storm Irene with his community’s willingness to thoroughly prepare for Hurricane Sandy.
“There was heightened awareness,” he says. “Irene brought it to light. Nobody knew how to prepare or what to be aware of.” For this storm, as Coutoulakis constantly updated residents of Sandy’s approach and directed them to the availability of local services, residents seemed to follow his recommendations.

CRMC continues decision on development of Native American site

November 2, 2012

PROVIDENCE—The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) continued its decision on October 22 regarding the future development of a neighborhood on the Native American site behind Salt Pond Plaza in Narragansett. . The developer, Downing/Salt Pond Partners, has been attempting to complete their 67-acre housing project behind Salt Pond Plaza since 1992 and subsequently encountered delays when the archaeological site, dated to the 1300s, was discovered.

Charlestown, Hopkinton and Richmond all impacted by storm

November 2, 2012

Just in time for Halloween, Hurricane Sandy, dubbed by many as “Frankenstorm,” wreaked havoc on Charlestown, Richmond, Hopkinton and the whole of Rhode Island.

Southern Rhode Island felt the brunt of the storm, as many were still without power Wednesday afternoon.
“As of right now, about 65 percent of the town is without power,” said Ron MacDonald, Hopkinton’s Emergency Management director.

CRMC works to assess extent of damage caused by Hurricane Sandy

November 2, 2012

NARRAGANSETT—The Coastal Resources Management Council and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will have much work to do in the upcoming days after Hurricane Sandy. From insurance claims to rebuilding the coastline, both state agencies will be assessing damages and communicating with local governments regarding areas such as Matunuck Beach and the Narragansett Pier area.

Main Street businesses contend with power outage in SK

November 2, 2012

SOUTH KINGSTOWN—As of Thursday morning, power remained out for the businesses and properties along Main Street and High Street in downtown Wakefield. While National Grid has been working throughout the day and night hours to restore power, business owners have been doing their best to preserve product and cope with the issues associated with a prolonged power outage.