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. 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:

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: Shortly after being elected, we replaced the former Town Manager. We also initiated live-streaming of all meetings (allowing remote public participation), expanded public comment on each agenda item, and created many public workshops on issues of community importance. The Town was recently recognized by the ACLU for meeting every metric for public participation in Town Council meetings.
• 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 significantly reduced the tax burden on residents. Over the last 8 years, the tax burden on the average home increased by 2.16% against an inflation rate of 3.54% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). We did this while also making significant capital investments in our community (see projects below). I was the author and lead in amending the State tax law finally ensuring that large businesses are supporting the residents and not the reverse (a policy supported by the E.G. Chamber of Commerce).
• School Support: Our schools are the gem of our community and their excellence supports both our children and our property values. We restored school funding and advanced $160,000,000 in school construction projects (the referendum passed with 70% of the vote) that will involve significant renovations to the high school and Meadowbrook and construction of two new schools to replace Frenchtown and Hanaford. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for EG to take advantage of a limited State funding program where the State will reimburse EG $88,000,000 of the capital cost. This is $32,000,000 more than we would receive at any other time. As the State will also reimburse an enhanced 55% of all bond interest over the years, that amount will fully exceed $142,000,000 of total State reimbursement. As a member of the School Construction Committee, I am working hard to ensure that these projects land on budget and on time. They are on track to do just that.
• Expanded Senior Services: We restored and expanded critical senior services and program offerings in education, arts, travel, physical fitness, social support, and more. We significantly expanded Swift Community Center to add programming. 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.
• Open Space: We acquired 170 acres of land, preserving open space and increasing recreation opportunities for our residents. We have another 40 acres under contract.
• Responsible Development: We support responsible development but we are also using all available tools to reasonably manage development pressures driven almost entirely by State law, including the direct acquisition of land, encouraging age-restricted development, amendment of the Comprehensive Community Plan, litigation where necessary, and engagement with the General Assembly. Recent examples include defeating MedRecycler and litigation over the large development proposed on Division Road, where we successfully reduced the total number of units by 25% and limited 50% of the remaining units to 55 years and older. We also limited the annual introduction into the market of 50 units per year so that we can absorb the units at a manageable rate.
• 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 Federal/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 (Fall of 2027)
  • Waterfront/Scalloptown Improvements: $963,000 Federal Grant for improved shoreline access, removal of fuel tanks, resiliency improvements, shelters, accessible docks and other work in Scalloptown Park (2027)
  • Swift Community Center: $1,596,000 Federal CPF/ARPA grants to provide broadband internet and improvements to enhance program offerings for our seniors and broader community (ongoing with completion by year end)
  • Eldredge Recreational Facilities: RIDEM $400,000 grant to construct new basketball courts (named the “Donnie Bowen Courts”) and to develop new fields, a softball field, a pavilion, paths and concession facilities (completed)
  • Academy Field: $100,000 RIDEM grant for field and facility improvements, including a new basketball court, new pickleball courts, fencing, accessibility measures and site amenities (completed)
  • New Dog Park at Scalloptown Park: $100,000 RIDEM grant to construct a new, modern, fenced dog park (2027)
  • CLC Learning Center: $95,000 State funding for programming at Swift Community Center (2027)
  • Learn 365: $250,000 in State funding for community educational programs related to learning loss (2027)
  • Rural Community Health Grant: $1,405,000 Federal funding for community health initiatives (recently awarded)

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 3rd, so we can continue to keep the national drama out of our community, focus on our shared goals, 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