Van Slyke Holds Slight Lead Over Fonnemann With Only Precinct Reporting

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Independent Bonnita B. (Bonnie) Van Slyke held a slight edge over Democrat Jill Fonnemann with the sole precinct at play having reported election night.

Van Slyke totaled 572 votes, Fonnemann racked up 530 and Republican Laura Rom tallied 357.

Related: Charlestown Town Council At Large Election: First Returns

Van Slyke, a freelance copy editor, technical writer, and publications specialist, said the most pressing issue facing Charlestown is protecting the quality of the town's groundwater.

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

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

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

Related: Jill Fonnemann — Charlestown Town Council Candidate

Fonnemann, the beverage director at the Charlestown Rathskeller Tavern, said the most time sensitive issue Charlestown faces is the repair of the western wall of the breachway.

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

Related: Laura Rom — Charlestown Town Council Candidate

Rom, served two terms on the Portsmouth School Committee and was the chair for two years, also considers the restoration of the breachway Charlestown's most pressing issue.

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."

Related: Field Of 3 In Charlestown Town Council Race