A city that protects residents’ quality of life, supports local businesses, invests in student success, and provides safe streets and sidewalks for everyone? A city where elected officials listen, answer questions, and treat people with respect?
As this City Council term comes to a close, I’ve reflected on both our accomplishments and the challenges we’ve faced. Unfortunately, political hostility, personal attacks, and aggressive behavior have too often overshadowed meaningful discussions about Newport’s future.
Election seasons can be emotional, and disagreements are inevitable. But personal attacks and misinformation distract from the issues that matter most to residents. We should be debating policies, priorities, and solutions—not attacking one another.
Recently, I received a candidate questionnaire from a local “publication”. Unlike traditional candidate surveys, where candidates are generally asked the same questions, these questionnaires appeared to vary significantly, with some questions framed around accusations and assumptions rather than objective inquiries about policy.
After careful consideration, I chose not to participate.
My decision was not about avoiding difficult questions or accountability. It was about refusing to contribute to an outlet that is biased in the information that it “reports” on and prioritizes hostility over informing residents.
I welcome respectful dialogue and believe residents deserve thoughtful, factual answers.
The topics raised, along with my positions, legislative work, and priorities for Newport, are available at stephsmyth.com.
Newport deserves leadership focused on collaboration, transparency, professionalism, and results. We can disagree without disrespecting one another. We can challenge ideas without attacking individuals.
Our community deserves campaigns focused on Newport’s future. Where facts matter more than misinformation and false accusations.
That is the standard that the residents deserve and one in which I will continue to uphold.
Stephanie Smyth
Newport City Councilor, At-Large