Richard Welch for Town Council

Born and raised in Rhode Island, I have lived in our town for more than 40 years. For many of these years I have served on many town boards and commissions prior to running for office in North Kingstown. This gave me a lot of knowledge about our town and its people. I have served on the North Kingstown School Committee as Chairman for one term and as President of the town council for one term while serving for a total of three terms. During this time, I ran as a Conservative Democrat. Now I am running as an independent candidate. I do not support the current Progressive Democrats that have the majority on the town council and the school committee. I was educated in the Cranston school system and graduated from Roger Williams University in Business Administration. I have been self-employed as the owner of Apple Construction Corp. for many years as well as working for a large financial institution over seeing joint venture investments in the South. Experience and honesty are important traits that I bring to the position on the town council. Owning my own business, serving on many town boards and commissions, serving on school committee and the town council have exposed me to the many areas of concern that our citizens have and the need for some changes. Knowledge of our town has saved our taxpayers many times over, lack of that knowledge has proved to cost our taxpayers. There is a saying that not knowing history means that we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. The current makeup of the town council does not have the history to fall back on as they have not been in town that long. I have a voting history of being conservative. I am for our town and all of our residents, seniors, adults and children. I am for making sure that our tax dollars work for our citizens. There are many things that can be done more efficiently to make our tax dollars go further. Please vote for me and other candidates that show that they have the experience, knowledge and desire to make North Kingstown a better place to live. We have a great town but there is always room for improvement. Speaking of improvement, we have been paying for up-grading in our water system by replacing water mains, some are over 100 years old and new pumps and filtration systems. The water department has about $9 million

that has been collected over the years for just this work but nothing has been done, why? This town council has been talking about a new rec center that is estimated to cost over $10 million in taxpayer money. When I asked if this would be put on the ballot for voter approval the president of the town council stated that he did not know, really your going to spend $10 million without voter approval! Millions in surplus real estate that is not paying any taxes while owned by the town still hasn't been put on the market since I was on the town council more than 3 years ago and asked to have this done. I will work to get these issues changed like I did to get the ponding on north Post Road on the agenda of RI DOT.

Issues that I will work to change/improve:

Post Road Corridor: change the zoning back to what it was, move to get the sewers that were voter approved 8 years ago, work to move the utility lines off the Seaview Line easement to Post Road.
Work to get RI DOT to solve the traffic light problem on Route 4 at Oak Hill and W. Allen Town Roads.
Zoning issues need to have town council approval for variances.
Sale of marijuana should be allowed in our town.
Tax plan that will pay taxes in the arrears when developing acres of land, similar to Warwick.
Actively seek re-development of formerly developed commercial property and seek out new investment for Post Road.
Return Post Road to a four lane road capable of handling the traffic.
Having concern about the way this School Committee failed our community and our students I would support a charter change that would make the town council part of the school committee with voting rights. This would help get the financial affairs and the process of making sure that our students are the first concern, that all school department employees understand that education comes first, and that parents are listened to when it comes to what is being taught and how.
The state law regarding the right of way to the ocean is very specific, and I do my best to preserve access to the water for all North Kingstown residents.

These are the issues I will work on to improve or change if you elect me to serve on the town council in November. I hope that you will see that together we can make a difference in North Kingstown, working together for a better community.

Thank you!

Richard Welch

rawelch911@live.com

Richard A. Welch, 8 Arrow Lane (Resident in North Kingstown 40+years).

North Kingstown Appointments: Sewer Advisory Committee, Asset Management Committee (3 times), Economic Development Committee, Building Code Review/Housing Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, QDC Board (2 times) and Harbor Committee

Civic Activity: North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce, St. Francis Council Knights of Columbus

Elected Positions: North Kingstown School Committee Chair, North Kingstown Town Council three terms, one term as President.

I have gained much knowledge about our town through the years that in have served on many town boards and been elected to our town offices. It is important to know the town's history when deciding on the town's future. I have always been mindful of our taxpayers when making long term decisions that will effect peoples lives and the value of their real estate.

"What happened to the RIDE report on the condition of WMS two years ago which called out $18 million worth of renovation/remodel that was needed, not a new building! The geothermal system will cost a lot more in electricity to run the pumps and this system is more efficient in the warmer climate of the mid-Atlantic states and to address Joe T's issue, we already have a free-standing gym and a recently improved septic system. When talking about energy savings consider that if the building were 3 stories instead of 2 there would be less heat going through the roof and the building footprint would be smaller making better use of the very tight site. The estimate of the renovation of WMS just does not wash. It appears that the people telling the architects what they want are driving the bus and no one cares about the taxpayers ability to pay."

'There isn't any recourse on anyone if the estimate is wrong so why have one in the first place? Please remember that the only one holding the bag in this game is you and me and the rest of the taxpayers and we have the least input on what is going to happen! The proper way to go forward would be to go under contract with a construction company for a not to exceed amount and then put it before the voters for approval. You wouldn't get a loan from a bank for construction based on what they want us to approve would you? At the meeting last evening it was very apparent that we are looking at the same money problems as East Greenwich, Warwick and Newport are experiencing by underestimating the cost of school construction and having to go back to the voters for more money and/or reducing what they told the voters would be included in the schools to cut down on the price of the project, also called VALUE ENGINEERING. RIDE has not approved this project, which has to happen for it to go forward. They have had 2+ years to get this approval before we vote on the bond, this is another reason to reject this bond."

"I went to the meeting last evening at the high school (should be available as it was recorded) with about 40 other concerned taxpayers. Here is what you should know about the school bond on the ballot: 1.) the project has not yet been approved by RIDE which must approve of any school construction over $500,000. You would think that this would have been accomplished by now since they have been working on this for maybe two years. They should be embarrassed to ask for money approval without this approval. 2.) Portions of the classrooms are 2 story rather than 3 story which would take up less room on a very tight site, they claimed that it is more efficient? 3.) They claimed that their plan to build a new school is less costly than fixing up the existing school, really! The new school will need new sport fields, new septic system, which was rebuilt now that long ago, new foundations, HVAC, special thermal heating system, new parking and driveways, and the demolition of the existing school building all of which would not need to be done if renovating the school. What happened to the RIDE report from 2 years ago calling for updates/repairs to the building in the amount of $18 million? Their plan needs to be changed and not approved at this time. Cost over runs were an important item for discussion last night especially since many local schools including Warwick, East Greenwich and Newport will be going back to the voters asking for more money for their projects even before the construction has started. What are we doing here folks?"

"Enrollment is dropping because family size is one maybe two children not four or five it is too expensive to have more. This is a national trend check the data. The age of the North Kingstown population is increasing which means more people are over sixty-five and more coming. The age of the baby boomers is upon us. Bricks and mortar do not educate our children. Last week it was reported the North Kingstown schools came in second place behind Barrington and ahead of East Greenwich. But let's tear down this school building rather than renovate it because we need a shiney new school, really! I won't be here paying off these bonds as I am well past 65 and these bonds will be 25 & 30 years. I am fighting for you who will be paying this bill!!!!"

'It is good that someone (Jim Grundy) who has facts speaks up. Having the knowledge of the building and construction background should make taxpayers wake up and pay attention. He is a taxpayer not running for office, please listen. Approving the school bond will be setting the school department free to do as they please not as it should be. They have had plenty of time to present the facts, plans and specifications before now, why did they wait? Wickford Middle should be given a longer look before it is torn down.'

Important letter from Independent NK Town Council candidate Richard Welch that appeared in last week's INDEPENDENT:

I received a letter this week like most of you telling us in North Kingstown of all the wonderful improvements that he has made for us over the last four years, sounds a bit like someone who is looking to be President again.

Let's for a moment think about the items that could have been accomplished by this ALL Democrat town council that didn't happen:

A - Traffic problem on the roads that cross Route 4: Oak Hill and West Allenton where you can wait several light changes for a light that takes 5+ minutes to change.

B - Traffic Diet on Post Road where the never-ending lines of traffic make this sometimes impossible to enter on to Post Road or make a turn. Business along this road suffer because of this traffic as people go elsewhere to avoid this problem. The Traffic Diet needs to go and return Post Road to its former 4-lane road.

C - Bridge over Route 403 has been weight limited to 5-tons for over 2+years: this is stops school busses, first responders and all commercial trucks from using this road causing all to use longer routes in residential areas.

D - Bonds for Sewers on Post Road from Quonset to School Street was overwhelmingly approved by the voters 10 years ago. Now with federal money available for this project and the town hasn't begun the process.

E - School/Police/Fire bonds: It is coming again (even though both were defeated by well over 60 +%) in a new version but without the 50% funding from the state and still no emergency and bond prices still high. You should question why this, where is the plan and specifics of the improvements, is new more cost effective that renovating what we have? This really needs to be reviewed by people other than town employees. Be aware that the average home will have a tax increase of around $1,000/year just for these bonds if approved and will last for 30 years. This along with the re-valuation that is currently being done and the annual tax increase that the town & school budget passes that will add another $150-200./year to the average home in North Kingstown.

F - Real Estate owned by the town that is excess to the towns needs amounts to several million dollars of NON-Taxed real estate. If this property was on the tax rolls and developed it would bring in more revenue to North Kingstown but as it is, it just costs us money to maintain. I have asked that this property be put on the market and sold over 6 years ago when I was on the town council and nothing has been done.

G - The yet to be finished Old Meeting House. The town was to only invest $50,000 on this building and the balance was to be raised by Mr. Cranston but hasn't been. The town council has spent more than $162,00 to date on the building that still can't be used but they have approved another $300,000 to complete this project several years ago but there it sits as a testament to how our town will run a project to build a new middle school.

This is some of what hasn't been accomplished in North Kingstown in the last 4 years. Some could have been done if the Democrats on the council, the democrats in the general assembly as reps and senators, the democrat controlled general assembly, our democrat congressman and senators all pulled in the same direction most of this work could have moved forward, so much for working together for the citizens of North Kingstown.

Be very aware of how your vote in November will affect your taxes for years to come and how that will affect the value of your real estate. Taxes in Narragansett are 30% of our taxes in North Kingstown, how come? Vote for a change on the town council, vote for the Independents running for town council.

Call me if you have any questions, thanks.

Richard Welch

rawelch911@live.com

Richard Welch:

The March 28 N K Town Council meeting during public comment I asked what the cost of the talked about Rec Building was expected to be and received no direct answer. It was said that $3.8 million of surplus tax money would be allotted towards the project however no final price would be admitted to. When I asked if the $3.8 million would pay for the building and the land or would the total be more like $10 million. Again no answer. I then asked if the rec building would be on the November ballot giving the taxpaying citizens the opportunity to approve or reject this project and the use of our tax dollars. I was told they have not decided whether it would be on the ballot. Imagine they do not know if we the voters will get the opportunity to approve the use of $10 million. We did get to vote to spend $5 million on the town hall, why not a vote for the rec building. We need to keep watch on this Town Council they have big plans to spend millions at your expense!

When the vote came up for the renovation of the town hall I voted NO, the vote was 4-1. Reason: they were voting to make the building smaller and less usable than the original footprint, which includes the two additions made thru the years. The building was not going to allow the town staff to move from 100 Fairway Drive into this building and we were going to spend at least $5 million dollars to do this. The architect did not care as he gets paid on what he changes not what stays. The goal was to save the building and to start looking to building a new town hall. That would cost the taxpayers about $12-15 million dollars on land that the town does not currently own making in public land and not paying taxes. I was always for saving the town hall just not doing what they have done.

Voted to have the school surplus used in the school budget which did not pass. The schools currently have about $13 million in surplus tax dollars which could have reduced our tax rate but the democrats voted against that idea.

I would push for and vote for the return of the water regulations that the current town council did away with. It was never explained why these needed to be dropped and who was behind the push to make the change. I do not recall that our water restrictions were a problem for any development in town.

I stand up for our residents all of the time ; pushed to get the state to fix the ponding on Post Road which has existed for many years, stopped the proposed rotary at route 2 & 102 that would have caused untold problems for the folks trying to enter on to those roads from the developments in the area, worked to get the traffic lights on route 4 at W. Allentown Road and Oakhill Road replaced with overpasses that will enable traffic to flow more freely. I have also started to get a right turn lane at St. Bernard's church for traffic heading south, this will help eliminate traffic backup here.

I voted with the majority to stop the Rolling Greens Development's plans for commercial development at the Preserve. I felt that with the report that the town had that stated that our town has too much retail for our population that this would only create more vacant space in town which already has too much. When the next election was over the vote for president went to Mr. Mancini with the votes that elected him coming from the republicans who supported this development. The next time a vote was needed for Rolling Greens development MR. Mancini voted to approve this development, why?

When the town council had a chance to put an accomplished former school member on to replace a committee member that resigned, the three democrats on the town council voted to put a new comer to our town, here just 5 months, and another progressive democrat, voting for political needs not for our students and our town's reputation. When given a choice to vote for our town or for political favors they have chosen how they will vote and we come in last. Remember how they voted these past two years and remember how you should vote on November 8th, show them the door.
~Richard Welch

North Kingstown Democrat Town Council has plans to use $3.7 million dollars towards the building of a Recreation Center, the funds for this will come from the over $20 million dollars of taxpayer funds held as Undesignated Funds coming from budget surplus. This only represents a small portion of the funds needed to buy a site and construct the building.

This building will not be on the November 8th ballot and will not be put before the voters for approval. This action will be by the town council and the town manger. This building will compete with the former YMCA and the Wide World of Sports for customers and employees and will be tax free as a town property and financed with tax exempt bonds, none of which are available to the other business.

Over the past several town council meetings I asked if the town council planned on putting this question before the voters in the November election and the council president refused to answer my question. I do not understand why the reluctance by the town council to let the voters approve of spending $10-12 million dollars on this facility. What makes these folks feel that they have the authority to all of these tax dollars without the approval of our citizens? Remember to vote on November 8th. Remember how some want to spend your tax dollars without your consent.

Richard Welch

Current democrat town council is claiming that they are working to protect our water supply on their campaign brochure. I am not sure how reducing the restrictions on water protection in town and allowing more development in sensitive well head protection areas is protecting our water. When this was passed, I asked why are we considering any changes, who will benefit from these changes and who is pushing for these changes? CRICCKETS! No answer and it was passed. If elected I will work to re-instate the regulations that were changed and continue to protect our water.

If you read their claims, you will find that this is not the only thing that they are claiming, including the renovation of the town hall which was voted on by the citizens and passed to complete by the former town council, not the current one. Please read their claims carefully.

As a majority on the town council, they have voted over 900 times together without any exception. Think about that and tell me when you agree to anyone for 900 times without a differing opinion. Think about your vote on November 8th, you can vote for the same old or you can vote for a positive change, vote Independent for town council, Richard Welch and Rickey Thompson. Current democrat town council is claiming that they are working to protect our water supply on their campaign brochure. I am not sure how reducing the restrictions on water protection in town and allowing more development in sensitive well head protection areas is protecting our water. When this was passed, I asked why are we considering any changes, who will benefit from these changes and who is pushing for these changes? CRICCKETS! No answer and it was passed. If elected I will work to re-instate the regulations that were changed and continue to protect our water.

~Richard Welch

Testimonials

"Want a leader who speaks the truth based on experience and knowledge of Town matters?
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-Marsha Welch, Realtor

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Richard Welch for Town Council

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