Linda Ujifusa
Portsmouth, RI
Political platform statement
Why I am running for this office: I want to continue to make sure the town is run in an open, prudent and fiscally responsible way that keeps taxes as low as possible and still protects the health and safety of our residents, our excellent schools, public services, infrastructure and properties.
Even before COVID-19, there were significant challenges facing the town, including: decreasing state aid (especially for schools), making up for enormous deferred maintenance of town properties, ever-increasing costs, and past administrative/bookkeeping errors. COVID-19 significantly added to these problems. I am proud to have helped ensure we have great town and school staff who have worked tirelessly to meet these challenges. For updated details, please read the COVID-19 Situation Reports at www.portsmouthri.com.
Some of the tasks accomplished during my tenure include:
- undertaking a complete and professional analysis of town facilities;
- creating rolling 5-year capital improvement plans;
- improving Town financial reporting;
- adopting a Hazard Mitigation Plan and winning a $339,000 grant for climate change resiliency work.
In the upcoming year, our major priorities should include:
- improving road safety and implementing a green and complete streets ordinance;
- improving climate change preparedness and resiliency •managing town properties suffering from severe deferred maintenance within the scope of a new open space and recreation master plan;
- creating an improved solid waste management program •improving the Town's online services.