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Your Questions, My Answers: Engaging with the Community
Below is a collection of questions I received while campaigning through District 2. As your Councilwoman, I believe in transparency and open dialogue. I’ve answered each question to give you a clear understanding of my values, my vision, and how I’m working to make Coventry a better place for all of us. Explore these questions to learn more about my commitments and what drives my decisions on the Council.
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Are you running against the at-large candidates? Eileen S.The Coventry Town charter was voted on in 2022 to increase the Town Council to include 2 townwide representatives. In the election in November, you will vote for (1) one district seat and (2) out of 3 Townwide seats. Sometimes it is called At-Large. Coventry Charter: Section 3.01Number; term; constituency. https://ecode360.com/8175494 [Amended 11-2-2010; 11-8-2022] The Town Council shall have seven (7) members, one (1) to be elected from, and by the electors of each of the five (5) districts of the town, for a term of two (2) years, or until their individual successors are elected and qualified, and two to be elected at large by all of the electors of the town. At the general election to be held in November 2024, the at large candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to a four-year term and the one receiving the second highest number of votes shall be elected to an initial two-year term. Thereafter, each at large council member shall be elected to a four year term, so that the terms of the at large members of the town council will be staggered, provided however that if voters approve reducing the terms of the five (5) district council members to two years in the 2022 election, then the at large members shall enjoy only two year terms, and thereafter the two at large candidates receiving the first and second highest number of votes shall be elected at large council members every two years. All members of the Town Council shall enjoy a two-year term. District(s) 1 and 4 shall finish the remainder of the four-year term to which they were elected in 2022 so that at the general election in November 2024, Districts 2, 3, 5 shall be placed on the ballot, along with the at large candidates, for two-year terms. In each general election thereafter all council seats shall be for a two-year term. Research shows that: A mixed council with both at-large and district seats offers several benefits. It balances the broad representation provided by at-large members, who focus on the town as a whole, with the more localized attention that district representatives offer to specific areas. This setup can enhance diversity, ensure local interests are heard, and create accountability while reducing risks like gerrymandering or fragmented governance. It provides a blend of community-wide perspectives with district-specific advocacy, leading to more equitable and well-rounded decision-making​.
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I read about you and what you stand for. It is very vague and the usual politician talking points. I want to know about your issues on abortion, same sex marriage, the border, wokism, current economic issues affecting prices and elderly, and other important matters. Janice H.As your Councilwoman for District 2, my commitment is to serve our community by listening to your concerns and making sure that your voices are heard by the town administration. My focus is on creating a vibrant, welcoming, and safe Coventry, where everyone can thrive with access to amenities and resources that improve our quality of life. I am dedicated to working tirelessly for the betterment of our district and our town, and your trust in me is at the heart of everything I do. ​ Currently, I am addressing critical local issues that impact our community directly. Revitalizing our local economy through key projects like the solar array installation on Arnold Road and the updates at Center of New England. Championing comprehensive solutions for infrastructure issues, including addressing flooding and drainage challenges on Station Street. Supporting the formation of a commission to explore and guide the creation of a municipal fire department, ensuring informed decisions for our community's safety. Advancing fairness for senior residents through initiatives like streamlining the Senior Tax Freeze ordinance to ensure clarity and equity. Securing the safety of Johnson’s Pond dam to pave the way for developing a public beach that all Coventry residents can enjoy. Collaborating with the school department to accurately assess needs and implement a strategic deficit reduction plan, securing a stronger fiscal future for our community. Promoting transparency and timely communication between the town and its residents. Amplifying District 2’s voice to influence town-wide decisions. The Coventry Town Council operates on a non-partisan basis, focusing on local governance and community needs. While the issues you mentioned, such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and broader national policies, are important, they are under the purview of our state representatives and senators, who are best positioned to address them. My role is to support our town on matters directly within our council’s jurisdiction, and I am always here to guide residents on where to direct their concerns on state and national issues. ​I appreciate your engagement and welcome any further questions about my work and vision for Coventry. I will be out campaigning over the next few months, and I would be more than happy to stop by your house to discuss these topics in person. Your feedback and perspective are valuable to me, and I would love the opportunity to speak with you directly. ​
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What are your priorities? Kristen C.Revitalizing our local economy through key projects like the solar array installation on Arnold Road and the updates at Center of New England. Championing comprehensive solutions for infrastructure issues, including addressing flooding and drainage challenges on Station Street Supporting the formation of a commission to explore and guide the creation of a municipal fire department, ensuring informed decisions for our community's safety. Dedicated to reforming the Senior Tax Freeze ordinance to ensure fairness and integrity to all seniors. Making the dam safe, as the first step towards developing a public beach that all Coventry residents can enjoy Committed to collaborating with the school department to accurately assess needs and implement a strategic deficit reduction plan, securing a stronger fiscal future for our community. Promoting transparency and timely communication between the town and its residents. Amplifying District 2’s voice to influence town-wide decisions
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Can you give an update on where we are with Johnson's Pond, Senior Tax Freeze, the solar array, and Center of New England?Here is a great overview by Council President Hillary Lima and Councilman Pascua. They do a great job summarizing the 4 hour council meeting that was held on August 27. Click here.
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What is your employment history? There is no disrespect in that question, just curious how your prior work experience translates to being a successful council member. Mike G.I was appointed to the District 2 seat on the Coventry Town Council on March 12, 2024, from a pool of four candidates, including my current opponent. I hold a BS in Communications from Emerson College and bring over 25 years of experience leading global communications for companies like National Grid, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and FM Global. I am a proactive, detail-oriented, and innovative communications leader with over 25 years of experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that drive employee engagement, strengthen organizational culture, and support business priorities. I excel in delivering written and creative materials across all channels, consistently meeting deadlines and staying within budget to achieve high-quality results. I am skilled in managing multiple projects with tight timelines and evolving priorities, using a data-driven approach to measure and refine strategies and tactics. I have a talent for translating complex issues into clear, digestible communications and a proven track record of advising senior leaders, building strong relationships at all levels, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. In my roles, I developed and executed strategies that aligned with corporate goals and engaged a diverse workforce. Key achievements include: National Grid: Spearheaded internal communications for the AMI Program’s digital transformation, driving a 42% increase in employee engagement through effective change management strategies. FM Global: Led communications for a major rebranding initiative, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and brand consistency across 60 global locations. Corvias: Managed internal communications across 15 U.S. military installations, enhancing engagement for 87,000 residents and over 800 employees, achieving a 42% increase in engagement. You can view my LinkedIn profile for more details: LinkedIn. Additionally, here is a video of the speech that earned me my appointment to the Town Council, where I explained why I wanted to serve and what I aimed to achieve for Coventry. Now, as a current Council member, I’m proud to say that many of the initiatives I outlined in that speech are already coming to fruition​: Appointment Video.
If you have a question that you would like answered, please reach out here.
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