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| Langdon D. Clough, Candidate, West Warwick Town Council, Ward 4 |
Welcome to our web site!
On this home page we'll introduce our campaign and highlight important areas
of concern. We hope that you'll find the links useful, and visit again to receive the latest news and learn more about the
important issues facing the voters of West Warwick.
Please feel free to contact me with any concerns at selahart@verizon.net
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
RIPTA and YOU
Last night's public hearing at Warwick City hall regarding the proposed elimination of bus routes gave me a renewed
hope in the future of America. People from all segments of our society can come together to tackle problems. The good
old fashioned common sence of the people was on display as many good ideas were presented for the Board's consideration. These
are not selfish people asking for handouts from the taxpayers, rather, they are hard-working people asking for the opportunity
to be able to participate in the life of the community that can only be achieved by having mobility. Several people stated
that they would gladly pay more in fares to pay for the increased fuel costs.
While I can count on one hand the number of times during the year that I ride the busses in RI, I belive it is vital
for the health of our economy and well-being of the public that the service be maintained and increased. The challenge
is to do so in an economically viable fashion.
Businesses large and small rely upon Public Transportation to allow their employees to get to work and the customers
to get to the products and services they provide. The handicapped and elderly depend upon the availability of bus service
to visit doctors, shop for groceries and visit friends and get to work. Everytime we are stuck in slow moving traffice, imagine
what it would be like if RIPTA was not in operation and a few thousand more cars were on the roads at he same time.
Our time, gas, wear on our vehicles is precious too. The elimination of service would effectively be a tax on us all.
Mark Therrian, was quoted on WPRI-TV news in August as saying that the current 12 million dollar deficit was likely to
double in the next four years. Earlier this summer,Chairman Robert Batting, resigned sighting uncooperative management
and non-transparency of finances. This are just a few of the indicators that the problem is a structural one which will
not be fixed by a one-time cutting of routes. We are the smallest state geographically and the most densly populated.
We should have the most efficient public transportation system in the nation.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
On ZONING LAWS and ELECTIONS
At last Tuesday's Council meeting, an amendment ot the Zoning laws was introduced which would negatively affect
many small businesses, and small landowners, by increasing the required set-back from their property boundaries for the placement
of boats, trailers, RV's, even storage pods. While, the arguement can be made that it is a good-faith effort to make
the town more attractive and prevent hazardous situations from developing, the reality is much different. In fact, this amendment
seems to have been enacted at the request of a small number of residents who feel that their peaceful enjoyment of their
property is being compromised. While the Council certainly can be assurred of their votes in November, I am concerned about
all of the other people in this town who now face fines. One woman I spoke to felt that her home faced potential damage.
I asked the Town Solicitor, if there were already ordinances on the books that allow a homeowner redress for a situation that endangers
their property and he replied that there were. I belive that it is bad public policy to enact laws without careful consideration
of what the possible outcomes will be. Laws are not for the prupose of securing votes.(A press release was issued to the Kent
Coubnty Daily Times.)
In an election year, we see Zoning Ordinances being used to supress the citizens Constitutional rights of expression.
Tom Jones's signs regarding the Water Park are a perfect case in point and I applaud him for taking the case to the Courts. These
laws are being selectively enforced to benefit the "powers that be", not to protect the citizens or encourage the
lively public debate which our forfathers intended for us.
Monday, September 8, 2008
PRIMARY DAY
Tomorrow, on the heels of the National Conventions, most Rhode Islanders will have the opportunity to choose
from among candidates those they wish to have to chance to select from in November. I have often heard people say
that they don't feel as if their vote makes a difference or that the system is somehow fixed. But a look at past election
results shows that many elections are lost by only a handfull of votes. How will you feel if your candidate were to loose
by only one vote and you stayed home?
I've been greatly encouraged by the number of people discussing the issues in depth. I know of people who have voiced
their ideas and concerns to politicians recently and the politician's public positions have changed. I've been
proud to see newly registered voters get excited about the process and devouring as much information as they can abouit the
issues as they prepare to vote.
In America, the government is created and maintained by the people; it is only as good or bad as we allow it to be. Voting
is a priviledge and an obligation of citizenship. While I do not face a primary opponent tomorrow, I will be at the polls.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Monday, September 1, 2008
DIFFERENCES REVEALED AT PARADE
Happy Labor Day to Everyone! This marks the traditional end of summer and the return to school, work and the serious
side of life. It also marks the beginning of the political season in earnest. The public starts paying more
close attention to the candidates from which they will choose their representatives in various levels of government for
the following term. We have all learned that the words alone are not enough upon which to judge a candidate. We look
at their records and their actions in everyday life to help us judge who will best reflect the interests and values of
the society.
While not a political event, the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society's annual Feast and Parade is such an important part of
the life of West Warwick that other aspects of our community are revealed in its' fesivities. We saw the best
of our Town, such as the talented bands, the beautiful and talented children who are eager to participate in the life
of this town; we saw their hope that a bright future awaits them here. Our pride, the hard work that produces prosperity
respresented through the abundance of beautiful fruits, vegetables and flowers, the finely kept homes, vital small businesses, and
the renovated Royal Mills that the parade route passes, etc. was all reflected.
For most people, this provided thier first opportunity of the season to see the candidates for election and re-election
up close and in person. While some rode, others walked up and down the hills, reaching out to meet the public. Some sat in
comfortable chairs atop floats, as if enthrowned, others carried a load (candy, pencils, information etc.) to benefit the
public. Sometimes little things reveal a lot!
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Deciding to run for Public Office is a major life-decision and delivers significant challenges.One of whiich
is how to achieve the goal of getting a message out to as many people as possible, in a short time and on a small budget.
This web site is a introduce myself to the people of the 4th Ward and educate visitors on the key issues facing
our community.
We hope you'll find the information you need on this site to make an informed decision. We look
forward to hearing from you if you have any questions or need further information.
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Paid for by Friends of Langdon Clough.
Sheila S. Clough, Treaurer
Langdon Clough is a Candidate for the West Warwick Town Council
representing the 4th Ward.
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