1. Describe your occupation in three words. (Retired, or place of employment, or former educator, etc.)
Government Contracting/Process Improvement
2. Describe simply, in 4 words or less, how long you have lived in Newport. (ie my whole life, 20 years, or on and off for 40 years)
My whole life
3. Give 1 or 2 ways for voters to contact you. (Either an email address, website or phone number - only two options will be printed)
I can be reached at smythcitycouncil@gmail.com or through my website stephsmyth.com
4. State your campaign priorities in 20 words.
Attainable housing, quality education, resilient infrastructure, environmental sustainability, process improvement, policy reform, transparency, community engagement, equity, and responsible budgeting.
5. In 20 words or less, name what improvements you think the city can make to ensure a better quality of life for its residents? Consider such things as noise reduction, better maintained streets, enforcement of e-bikes or reducing water bills. (Space will not permit longer explanation)
Put residents first—attainable housing opportunities, safer streets, climate resilience, improve roads and sidewalks, and balancing tourism with resident needs.
Main question in 100 words (I know it's hard but space is limited) Regarding the affordability of living in Newport what zoning or density ordinances do you feel the city can make to develop more workforce housing? (You can write the 100 words in a steady stream or consider making 3 or 4 bulleted points
Newport needs more middle-income, year-round housing without encouraging overdevelopment or creating more high-priced units. We should explore converting appropriate larger homes into smaller units while preserving neighborhood character. We also need better data on how seasonal rentals and unregistered STRs impact housing availability, neighborhoods, and infrastructure. Our new Housing Commission can engage residents, examine these impacts, and explore creative solutions, including incentives for landlords to rent year-round to middle-income individuals and families. Our goal should be keeping Newport livable for those who work and live here year-round. More on questions 5-7 are available at stephsmyth.com.
6.Answer either A or B to this statement: No explanation please, I will just indicate the results of the question.
A- Would you advocate for a short, 5-10 min. report or presentation at every council meeting from the superintendent to keep the council better informed?
OR ...
B- Would you advocate for 6-10 joint council and school committee meetings to keep the council better informed?
Yes
7.Answer yes or no to this question: Are you pleased with the new plans for Perrotti Park including the harbor master building? (Space will not permit longer explanation)
Yes