Field Of 3 In Charlestown Town Council Race

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Voters have three candidates to choose from Tuesday in the Charlestown Town Council election.

Democrat Jill Fonnemann is the beverage director at the Charlestown Rathskeller Tavern. Fonnemann has served Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commission, January 2023-Present, as well as The Parks and Recreation Office Subcommittee.

The most time-sensitive issue Charlestown faces is the repair of the western wall of the breachway, Fonnemann said.

"This will avoid future damage to our aquatic life, estuaries, oyster farms and ecosystem," she said.

"The reconstruction of the breachway is imperative to the people of Charlestown and to the economic health of our town," Fonnemann said. "We rely on summer vacationers to visit while supporting local restaurants, shops, beaches and all of our other adjacent businesses. This directly hits home with myself working in the restaurant industry."

Related: Jill Fonnemann — Charlestown Town Council Candidate

Republican Laura Rom is retired. Rom served two terms on the Portsmouth School Committee and was the chair for two years.

Rom said she is running for town council to "continue the legacy of Richard 'Rippy' Serra who passed away suddenly while serving the people of Charlestown as Town Council Vice Chair.

Rom also considers the restoration of the breachway Charlestown's most pressing issue.

Related: Laura Rom — Charlestown Town Council Candidate

Rom described herself as a conservative who "believes in preserving property rights and the many acres of conservation and protected land that we already procured, increasing activities for all to enjoy at Ninigret Park."

"Ninigret Park, a former Naval air training base, is Charlestown’s gem that should be a passive and active recreational and entertainment area for all residents," Rom said. "This 55-acre town-owned parcel, plus the 172.4-acre parcel owned by the town with restrictions by the U.S. Department of the Interior, has endless possibilities for the enjoyment of all town residents."

Independent Bonnita B. (Bonnie) Van Slyke is a freelance copy editor, technical writer, and publications specialist.

Van Slyke said the most pressing issue facing Charlestown is protecting the quality of the town's groundwater.

"I will stand up for wise stewardship of our natural resourcesbased on scientific evidence," Van Slyke said.

Related: Bonnita B. (Bonnie) Van Slyke — Charlestown Town Council Candidate

Van Slyke said she is running to "bring a much-needed balance to the Town Council where everyone is now part of the same political group."