To volunteer on Mike’s campaign or to put up a yard sign, please contact Mike at 401.641.2800 or michaeldonegan@cox.net
Click here to read my letter to East Greenwich residents about why I’m running for re-election.
Dear Neighbor,
In 2018, I made the decision to run for East Greenwich Town Council because I saw that our community was headed in the wrong direction and we were becoming fractured along the fault lines that we too often see play out on the national news. I did not believe that the prior town council was effectively or efficiently serving the people of East Greenwich – so I decided to do something about it.
On November 6th, 2018, the people of East Greenwich spoke loudly and clearly – delivering a resounding mandate for changing the way our town government operates. That election resulted in a sea change of the Town Council, and we promised a better way forward. Since that time, I have proudly served our community as Vice President of the Town Council and worked hard to deliver what our community both expects and deserves:
- Open and Transparent Government: First and foremost, we replaced the former unethical Town Manager. We also initiated live-streaming of all meetings, expanded public comment on each agenda item (no longer after the vote) and created many public workshops on issues of community importance.
- Responsible Budgets: We passed fiscally responsible budgets that ended deficit spending, restored and increased the previously plundered reserves, and set us on solid financial footing with an excellent bond rating.
- Reduced Tax Burden: We reduced the tax burden on residents. The average residential tax increase over the 6 budgets we have passed was only 0.31% compared to an average inflation rate of 3.7% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics), while the average home value increased from $452,715 to $726,762. I was the lead in amending the State law finally ensuring that large businesses are supporting the residents and not the reverse (supported by the E.G. Chamber of Commerce).
- School Support: We restored school funding and advanced $150,000,000 in school construction projects (referendum passed with 70% of the vote). Our schools are the gem of our community and their excellence supports both our children and our property values.
- Expanded Senior Services: We restored and expanded critical senior services and program offerings in education, arts, travel, physical fitness, social support, and more. We also expanded critical transportation options to grocery stores, pharmacies and retail venues.
- Small Business Support: We funded and worked with the E.G. Chamber of Commerce and local businesses on many issues of significance to help small businesses thrive.
- Navigated COVID: We managed our community through the COVID pandemic keeping town government open and running smoothly throughout the crisis. Our vaccination clinic provided early protection with the highest vaccination rate in the State.
- Open Space: We acquired 170 acres of land, preserving open space and increasing recreation opportunities for our residents. We are currently negotiating to obtain ownership of nearly 40 acres adjacent to Boesch Farm.
- Responsible Development: We are using all available tools to responsibly manage development pressures, including the direct acquisition of land, encouraging age-restricted development, litigation where necessary, and engagement with the General Assembly. Recent examples include defeating MedRecycler and challenging the 400-unit development proposed on Division Road.
- Used Grants in Lieu of Taxes: We have successfully prioritized obtaining grant funding to reduce the tax burden. Exciting successes include:
- Main Street: $6,000,000 in Fed/State grants for a total Main Street restoration from Division St. to First Avenue that includes: a new road, new sidewalks, ADA accessible improvements, new crosswalks, new lighting, aerial wire reconfiguration, banners, seasonal lighting, power installation and much more.
- Waterfront Improvements: $963,000 Federal Grant for improved shoreline access, removal of fuel tanks, resiliency improvements, shelters and creating accessible docks.
- Swift Community Center: $1,500,000 Federal CPF/ARPA grants to provide broadband internet and improvements to enhance program offerings for our seniors and broader community.
- Eldredge Recreational Facilities: RIDEM $400,000 grant to construct new basketball courts (renamed after Donnie Bowen) and to develop new fields, a pavilion and concession facilities.
- Academy Field: $100,000 RIDEM grant for field and facility improvements, including new pickleball courts.
- New Dog Park at Scalloptown Park: $100,000 RIDEM grant to construct a new, modern, fenced dog park.
I am first grateful that we were able to restore civility and responsible local government to our truly wonderful community, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. I ask for your vote on November 5th, so we can continue to keep the national drama out of our community and ensure that our town continues to get the top-notch services and quality of life that we all expect and deserve. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at michaeldonegan@cox.net or 401.641.2800. Please vote in this important election.
Sincerely,
Mike
Mike Donegan
About Mike
- Current three-term Vice President, EG Town Council
- Current Member of the School Construction Committee
- Five children through EG Public Schools
- Education: Dartmouth College (B.A.) and University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D.)
- Attorney, Orson & Brusini, Ltd.
- Former Chairman, East Greenwich Planning Board (6 years)
- Former Member, East Greenwich Conservation Commission (4 years)
- Former Coach/Advisor, EGHS Debate Team and EGHS Model United Nations Club
- Former Coach, Cole Middle School Mock Trial Team (6 yrs.)
Accomplishments
- Open and Transparent Government: First and foremost, we replaced the former unethical Town Manager. We also initiated live-streaming of all meetings, expanded public comment on each agenda item (no longer after the vote) and created many public workshops on issues of community importance.
- Responsible Budgets: We passed fiscally responsible budgets that ended deficit spending, restored and increased the previously plundered reserves, and set us on solid financial footing with an excellent bond rating.
- Reduced Tax Burden: We reduced the tax burden on residents. The average residential tax increase over the 6 budgets we have passed was only 0.31% compared to an average inflation rate of 3.7% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics), while the average home value increased from $452,715 to $726,762. I was the lead in amending the State law finally ensuring that large businesses are supporting the residents and not the reverse (supported by the E.G. Chamber of Commerce).
- School Support: We restored school funding and advanced $150,000,000 in school construction projects (referendum passed with 70% of the vote). Our schools are the gem of our community and their excellence supports both our children and our property values.
- Expanded Senior Services: We restored and expanded critical senior services and program offerings in education, arts, travel, physical fitness, social support, and more. We also expanded critical transportation options to grocery stores, pharmacies and retail venues.
- Small Business Support: We funded and worked with the E.G. Chamber of Commerce and local businesses on many issues of significance to help small businesses thrive.
- Navigated COVID: We managed our community through the COVID pandemic keeping town government open and running smoothly throughout the crisis. Our vaccination clinic provided early protection with the highest vaccination rate in the State.
- Open Space: We acquired 170 acres of land, preserving open space and increasing recreation opportunities for our residents. We are currently negotiating to obtain ownership of nearly 40 acres adjacent to Boesch Farm.
- Responsible Development: We are using all available tools to responsibly manage development pressures, including the direct acquisition of land, encouraging age-restricted development, litigation where necessary, and engagement with the General Assembly. Recent examples include defeating MedRecycler and challenging the 400-unit development proposed on Division Road.
- Used Grants in Lieu of Taxes: We have successfully prioritized obtaining grant funding to reduce the tax burden. Exciting successes include:
- Main Street: $6,000,000 in Fed/State grants for a total Main Street restoration from Division St. to First Avenue that includes: a new road, new sidewalks, ADA accessible improvements, new crosswalks, new lighting, aerial wire reconfiguration, banners, seasonal lighting, power installation and much more.
- Waterfront Improvements: $963,000 Federal Grant for improved shoreline access, removal of fuel tanks, resiliency improvements, shelters and creating accessible docks.
- Swift Community Center: $1,500,000 Federal CPF/ARPA grants to provide broadband internet and improvements to enhance program offerings for our seniors and broader community.
- Eldredge Recreational Facilities: RIDEM $400,000 grant to construct new basketball courts (renamed after Donnie Bowen) and to develop new fields, a pavilion and concession facilities.
- Academy Field: $100,000 RIDEM grant for field and facility improvements, including new pickleball courts.
- New Dog Park at Scalloptown Park: $100,000 RIDEM grant to construct a new, modern, fenced dog park.
Get In Touch
Feel free to contact me on my cell phone at 401.641.2800 or by email at michaeldonegan@cox.net