2 weeks Ago By By Eileen Kenny
Westin Place would help diversify the Senate I identify politically as a “conservative independent,” follow a variety of news venues regularly to sift out bias, watch during the years between elections and compare results to campaign promises, and I support Westin Place for State Senator from District 38. Rhode Island Sen. Dennis Algiere retired in 2022 after serving three decades as a rare Republican in our single-party, Democrat “state government trifecta.
” That year Victoria Gu, a Democrat who had attended the National Democratic Training Commitee Staff Academy and worked on a political campaign in California before entering local politics, took Algiere’s seat in a three-way race after garnering 5,808 votes. Westin Place, a Republican newcomer to politics, received 3,494 votes, and Caswell Cooke, an independent former town council member in Westerly, received 3,285. This year’s vote will be split only two ways, providing an opportunity to add needed political diversity to our legislature.
State laws seem increasingly to supercede local municipal oversight. Sen. Gu’s recent introduction and support for two laws are examples.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), were initially made lawful in many Rhode Island municipalities to keep seniors and disabled persons in their home by expanding a house or adding another dwelling on the same property that could serve as needed one-floor living, or, house family or caregivers, all under local oversight. The new state law gives allowance for an ADU’s use as a full-time rental dwelling, with an eye to help a valid need for affordable housing. A mobile home, if made stationary, can also be brought into a residential or mixed-use property as a rental ADU, all with decreased local regulation in this new law sanctioned by the state.
A second statewide law changes the number of people, unrelated to the owner, allowed to live in each dwelling, (including an ADU) from 3 to 5, an increase that local zoning cannot limit. Each law increases local density and lessens allowable local oversight. Called “Gentle Density,” it has been said that “you don’t even know they are there.
” Think of cars or trucks for five or more additional people parked on a property’s driveway, lawn, or on the street. Think of outdoor grills and furniture, with seasonal parties (all part of living), added to a neighbor’s patio view. People are different and use or abuse laws differently.
One size does not fit all. We cannot lose additional local oversight and accountability by giving it to Providence. Victoria Gu also supports same-day voting registration for elections.
Westin Place does not, an indication that he will bring his distinctive voice to the state Senate to support commonsense laws that strive to help our generational families stay, give a welcome to newcomers and tourists but with oversight so everyone can live well. Please support Westin Place with your vote. Add back a touch of red to our deep blue state.
Eileen Kenny Westerly.
