Why are you running for city council, and why should someone vote for you?
THERRIEN: I’m running for city council because I believe in the future of my city and I believe I can make a positive impact on that future. People constantly talk about how much our youth is the key to our future: well, I’m that youth. I’m here. I’m ready to take a leadership role and be the key to our future. Our council has been notoriously negative, constantly saying why we can’t do things. I’m optimistic by nature and will work to find solutions, not make excuses. So people should vote for me if they want to see a positive change in attitude coming from the council.
MOCCIA: The city council has a responsibility to every citizen of Newport to make this a city worth living in. I have not seen how the current council has done this. It seems as though every vote in the council meetings have become the same and no one is asking the questions or exploring alternatives on any issues brought before them. Personally, I try to look at problems from different perspectives and think about all issues that arise. I want to help change this city for the better. I want Newport City to get back on a path of success and prosperity. I want to inspire others to get involved with the city rather than sit around and just wait for others to make the decisions. I also believe that the current council is very intimidating and people do not want to voice an opinion. I’m young and enthusiastic about what possibilities are in the city’s future. I’m approachable and willing to listen. The council needs fresh faces and fresh ideas.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the city in the next two years?
THERRIEN: I believe the biggest issues facing the city in the next 2 years relate to being ready to compliment Bill Stenger’s projects in town. It’ll be great to have those developments, but ultimately they’ll mean nothing if the rest of the city isn’t ready for them. So I want to do whatever we can do to develop the rest of the city, ensure that the proper support and infrastructure are in place and work with the Career Center to make sure our workforce is ready as well.
MOCCIA: We have a few issues that we need to really look at over the next few years. Appropriate spending would be on that list. Obviously every city department needs their funds for the year but the council is not exploring alternative ways to make these dollars go further and still produce the same quality results.
If elected, what would be your primary goal in the next year?
THERRIEN: My goals are to find a way to invest in our city, in a way we so desperately need. We need to develop our waterfront, both at the city docks and Prouty Beach. We need to recruit small businesses and increase our investment in Renaissance to have a more robust economy. We need to bring our parks and playgrounds into the 21st century. And we need to start dreaming larger. We do plenty of events in the area, but ultimately they’re too small to have much of an impact. Quality over quantity and work on really drawing in people from outside of this area, as well as providing more high quality activities for our citizens as well.
MOCCIA: I would love to see communication between the city and its citizens greatly increase. We need to encourage more people to become involved with the issues. I think the council lacks the respect from its citizens because it does not communicate well. I would like to see the council allow better democracy. We need to allow our citizens to vote on all types of non-binding resolutions and not just the council.
How do you differ from the other candidates in the race?
THERRIEN: One way I’m different than anyone else in the race is that I’ve personally attended more city council meetings in the last 2 years than all 5 of the other challengers combined. But the main difference is, together with Anthony, we’re a breathe of fresh air. We’re not part of the “good ol’ boys” club in Newport. We’re motivated to make changes; we’re not content with just getting by. We’re not nearing retirement, we’re still starting our careers and starting our families. We’re building our lives and want a role in building our community. Do we lack the experience of some of the other candidates? Sure. But as much as I like recycling, one thing we shouldn’t recycle are political leaders. Everyone has their moment, but I believe we should change leaders on a regular basis. Besides, does experience from the late 80’s, that led us into the “booming” 90’s Newport had, truly count as a positive?
MOCCIA: It’s a different era than the 80’s and 90’s; we need youthful diverse thinking. We’ve been stuck in this rut and we need to get out of it. Myself and Corey are here to provide exactly that. These meeting have become stagnate with ideas and communication. I am here to create a fresh perspective on today’s society. I’m not waiting anymore, I’m here to do anything. Working more closely with Bill Stenger, work to recruit small business to our area, work with the Renaissance, help expand the docks, bring more and larger events to our area; overall work to improve the quality of life in Newport.
Who is your personal hero, and why?
THERRIEN: My hero is my grandfather, my Pepere, Andre Therrien. In so many ways, the patriarch of our family. He taught me about hard work and dedication from a young age. I remember at 6 years old, being in charge of collecting eggs after school and cleaning pipeline in the sugar woods with him. Spending weekends and school vacations working with him instilled in me a duty to work as hard as I can. A man with only an 8th grade education, that has shown me that perseverance, consistency and a good work ethic can get you anything you want, fancy education be damned. He has always been there for me and our entire family. He is so dedicated to work and family, there are really only two reasons he leaves the family farm, and that’s for church and horse pulling. Although…we did get him to Providence for my college graduation.
MOCCIA: My hero is my high school Nordic ski coach Mike Kiser. Now a close friend; he taught us hard work and desire had huge payoffs. As a teacher and coach, he inspired us to put the effort in and our results would speak for themselves. He’s a great father, husband and now grandfather. He is the hero we deserve in this community.
