Laura Rom —​ Charlestown Town Council Candidate

Laura Rom is running for Charlestown Town Council. She took the time to answer some questions from us. Here's what he had to say.

Age: 70

Position sought: Charlestown Town Council

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Married 43 years, four children, 10 grandchildren, three dogs

Education: AS in medical science, medical laboratory technician

Occupation: Retired

Previous or Current Elected Office: Portsmouth School Committee, two terms, eight years, two years as Chair

Campaign Website: charlestownrigop.com

Why are you seeking elected office? To continue the legacy of Richard “Rippy” Serra who passed away suddenly while serving the people of Charlestown as Town Council Vice Chair. Rippy was a great friend and mentor and I cannot think of a better way to honor his integrity and love for our town than to continue his vision for Charlestown.

The single most-pressing issue facing your ward: Continued restoration of The Breachway. $8.4 M in repairs from DEM, CRMC and the Town of Charlestown was just allocated for repairs to begin in mid-October but that is just the beginning. Years of sever coastal storms have decimated the area adversely affecting Ninigret Pond, the surrounding areas and ecosystems.

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this
post? I have no knowledge of my Democrat opponent Jill, other than she is a nice person with no elected official experience, serves as a member on the Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commission. Unaffiliated opponent, Bonita Van Slyke flips her affiliation often from Democrat
to Unaffiliated, has been an elected Town Council member but came in with the least amount of votes in her 2024 re-election for Town Council and seems to want limited activity at Ninigret Park.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. I am a conservative that 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. This 55-acre town-owned parcel, plus the 172.4 acre parcel owned by the town with restrictions by the U.S. Department of Interior have endless possibilities for the enjoyment of all town residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was My dad, who was my hero. He would call me a crusader. He would often remind me to “make sure your family always come first, but never stop advocating and standing up for what you believe.”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I have been involved in the three Rhode Island towns in which I have resided:

• current chair, Charlestown Charter Revision Commission
• 1st alternate member, Charlestown Planning Commission
• chair, Charlestown Republican Town Committee
• vice chair, Rhode Island State GOP, Washington County.
• previous secretary, Tiverton Republican Town Committee
• Tiverton Housing Authority commissioner
• paid meeting minute scribe, Little Compton Planning and Zoning Commission
• Portsmouth Elementary School Volunteer of the Year

I have advocated for animal rescue and adoption for over 40 years. I have had many cats and dogs, some difficult to adopt out due to serious health issues. My greatest rescue achievement was saving a puppy from Afghanistan, a pup that most likely saved the lives of 30 soldiers, including my U.S. Army son. Our sweet Adel will be 15 years old in February.

I am a veteran advocate and long-time supporter of Wounded Warriors and Tunnel for Towers and Member of the Charlestown Downey Weaver American Legion.