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Newport Daily News Endorsement - City needs a new voice in R.I. House

If Rhode Island is going to change for the better, that change needs to start with the legislature.

Voters in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for Newport’s House District 75 have the opportunity to effect such change, by voting for newcomer Lauren Carson.

Carson, 60, is a first-time candidate, but she has a breadth of experience in a variety of areas, from running small businesses, including her own bed-and-breakfast inn in Newport, to activism and advocacy on a variety of issues related to energy and the environment. She is comfortable both in Newport and at the Statehouse, and sees the importance of interconnectedness between the city and the state on many levels. 

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September 5th, 2014. Newport Daily News. 

Carson Wants Voters to Feel Connected

The campaign to unseat Martin has been a satisfying experience for the gregarious and indefatigable Carson. With a grassroots house-to-house campaign a hallmark of her efforts, she estimates that she has knocked on over 1,000 doors.

“I love it,” she stated. “I started in June and some voters have expressed some surprise in seeing me, because candidates don’t really go door- to-door anymore. But contact is key. Constituents want to be connected to their legislators.”

Reflective of her approach to the campaign, she said, “I will bring a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the office. I am proactive and will offer a strong relationship with voters.”  Read more.

 

August 28th, 2014. Newport This Week.

To Debate or Not to Debate

The Newport County League of Women Voters approached the candidates back in July about engaging in a debate. Carson accepted immediately. Martin hesitated before declining to participate.

"It’s too bad,” said Susan Wells, president of the Newport County League of Women Voters. “There’s been so much going on. Informed voters are the best voters.”

“I prefer to take my race directly to my constituents and not debate,” Martin said. “I don’t like debating. I just like doing my job. I’m doing very well with what I’m doing. I don’t choose to do a debate.”  Read more.

Newport This Week. August 14th, 2014.

Who's Coming & Who's Going at the General Assembly

Here's my ongoing look at legislators who have decided to leave the General Assembly -- and the candidates trying to make their way into the 113-seat legislature. (You can email me tips and news releases at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org). As it stands, the General Assembly consists of 101 Democrats, 11 Republicans, and 1 independent. (UPDATE: A lot of stuff happening Wednesday, but I'll continue updating this list as time permits today and perhaps tomorrow). Read More.

Rhode Island Public Radio. June 25, 2014.

Charter Review Winds Up

After thirteen meetings and public forums to review Newport’s Charter and to recommend potential changes to City Council, the Charter Review Commission (CRC) has submitted its final report for consideration.

Empaneled last year, the CRC has engaged in a months-long process to determine whether amendments to the Charter could result in more efficient city operations. The effort culminated with the presentation of the panel’s final report to City Council on Wednesday, May 28.

Echoing a similar sentiment, CRC member Lauren Carson wrote to the council and acknowledged the importance of public comments during the panel’s deliberations. “We heard from neighbors and residents many times. In fact, we took steps to further empower the neighborhoods, by asking for ward representation on the School Committee. And we proposed expanding the number of wards to four. We decided that more neighborhood participation is good for local government.” Read More

Newport This Week. May 29th, 2014.

Neighbors Vie for House Seat

“I want to be a more activist representative than the one we have now,” Carson said, citing jobs and the economy, and also the impact of climate change on Newport. She observed, for example, that the Point neighborhood may be vulnerable to flooding caused by a rising water table and global warming. “I’m extremely concerned about this,” she said. “I want to represent the city on these issues.”

Newport This Week. May 10th, 2014. Read More.

12 Things to Know About Rhode Island Politics & Media

Newport environmental activist Lauren Carson has announced her plans to challenge state Representative Peter Martin (D-Newport) in the September 9 primary. Carson works for Clean Water Action and has been appointed to the 2014 Newport Charter Review Commission and the Newport Energy and Environment Commission. In her announcement, she says, "My years of experience as civic leader, small business owner and community advocate in Newport have prepared me for this next step of trying to serve the citizens of Newport and Rhode Island.”

Rhode Island Public Radio. May 2nd, 2014. Read More.

Trade show touts benefits of composting

Newport may be leading the state in hosting sustainable events and local environmental leaders are pushing to extend that effort in the future. During one of the conference workshops, Lauren Carson, a member of the Newport Energy and Environment Commission, said the city has been ramping up efforts to convince more organizers to participate in recycling and composting at their events.

The Newport Daily News. May 10th, 2014. Read more.

20 Newport County Residents & Their Influential Ways

Newporter Lauren Carson is more than just an active member of the community; she belongs to several organizations including Newport Energy & Environment Commission, Clean Water Action and Alliance for a Livable Newport that strive to make our home an environmentally conscious place. “I’m a child of the 60s, when civic activism was everywhere,” says Carson, who is working diligently to bring sustainable events here. “We are ready to do this, we’re already recycling and conserving in our homes, and when we go to a public event it’s limited. And sustainability is more than just recycling, it’s about conserving water, limiting waste, banning water bottles, using alternative transportation such as bikes or busses, and composting. Last year there were eight events; this year we’re hoping for 20. I will continue to be active until I see sustainable events protocol become city policy.” 

Newport Life Magazine. May 9th, 2013.  Read more