NEWPORT — Newport Mayor Linda Joy Sullivan says she will not seek reelection in March, concluding a term focused on reforming city governance and fiscal management.
The former state representative and candidate for state auditor won a special election in August 2023 to complete the term of Beth Barnes, who stepped down as mayor that May.
“I had no political ambition when I stepped up to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Barnes,” Sullivan said. “I have approached the duties of the office as a ‘lunch box Mayor’ of sorts, by just rolling up my sleeves and working to fix things.”
In 2024, Sullivan led efforts to realign city operations with Newport’s charter requirements, addressing what she described as previous deviations from the “strong mayor/council” model approved by voters. The reforms, she has said, restored greater oversight responsibilities to elected officials rather than the city manager.
The administration also sought to reform financial practices, ending the use of special purpose funds and grant monies to cover shortfalls in other accounts. While this created some immediate challenges, particularly in water and sewer funding, Sullivan said it improved fiscal responsibility.
Sullivan sought to enhance public accessibility through regular office hours at City Hall, weekly updates for Newport Dispatch and regular appearances on NEK-TV, including a series highlighting East Main Street businesses. She worked closely with Newport Downtown Development on initiatives aimed at economic growth.
“I encourage those of our younger families and workers who feel the desire and ability to contribute to the well-being of our ‘City by the Lake’ to consider running for a position on the Council or even for Mayor,” Sullivan said. “We’ll all benefit from the added vision and contributions new leaders offer.”
Sullivan plans to continue serving on several state commissions, including a recent appointment by Gov. Phil Scott to Vermont’s Workforce Development Task Force. She also serves on the state’s Housing Commission, Women’s Commission and Aviation Advisory Council.
“As for next year, I’ll personally be working on some really important initiatives that will have impact beyond the NEK,” Sullivan said, emphasizing her ongoing commitment to state-level service.
