Matt Grant
Candidate for Newport City Council, Ward 2
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Hi, I'm Matt!
In August of 2020, I took a leap of faith and moved from Boston to Newport, having never even visited the city for more than an hour. Since then, my wife, Jackie, our Goldendoodle, Bortus, and I have called the City by the Sea our home and I could not be prouder to live here.
Prior to living in Newport, I graduated from Stonehill College with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 2017. I am so lucky to have a career in Software Engineering that I truly enjoy, but to be honest with you, my passion lies within local and national politics.
Jackie and I have thoroughly enjoyed intertwining our lives into the Newport community. In 2021, Jackie fulfilled a lifelong dream of starting a small business in Newport by opening Bellevue Boards, an artisan cheese and charcuterie board shop, located at 84 Broadway. If there is one thing we both learned from this experience, it is that running a business is HARD! If there's another thing we also (and more importantly) learned, it's that Newport is filled with good people.
I am running for City Council because I believe that Newporters deserve a new generation of leadership. We need leaders who are willing to face our toughest challenges head on and work together with anybody and everybody to solve these ever-evolving problems.
Priorities
Restoring Civility in Politics
Politics often feels like a zero-sum game, with no room for nuanced views or tolerance for those with whom we disagree. As a result, politicians tend to focus their attention on voters who affirm their own beliefs and alienate those who think differently from them. I refuse to accept this status quo. I believe in the power of inclusive dialogue and the importance of considering diverse perspectives to create comprehensive and effective solutions.
I am fully committed to working across partisan boundaries for the betterment of all Newporters. This commitment is reflected in my work with Braver Angels as Co-Chair of the Rhode Island Alliance, where I have dedicated myself to fostering constructive conversations and building bridges between people of differing viewpoints. By promoting civility and understanding, I aim to develop policies that benefit everyone in our community, not just those who share my views.
Environmental Resilience
Newport is on the front lines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, more frequent and severe storms, and other environmental challenges that pose an existential threat to our community. As a coastal city, we are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, which puts our homes, businesses, and way of life at risk. Recognizing this hard truth, we must act with boldness and urgency to prepare the City by the Sea to confront these challenges head-on.
Our response must include comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to its unavoidable impacts. This means investing in resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and safeguarding our natural resources. It also involves engaging with experts, community members, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions that protect our environment while fostering economic growth. By taking these proactive steps, we can ensure that future generations are able not just to live here, but to thrive in a Newport that remains beautiful, vibrant, and sustainable.
Housing Affordability
I am committed to transforming the dream of homeownership into a reality for the people of Newport. I recognize the critical need to tackle the high cost of living that stands as a barrier to many in our community. By advocating for innovative and sustainable housing policies, I am dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing options. My vision includes collaborating with developers, community leaders, and stakeholders to create initiatives that not only lower housing costs but also enhance the quality of living.
Understanding that a vibrant community is built on the foundation of stable homes, I champion efforts to make homeownership achievable and sustainable for all Newport residents. My commitment to this cause means advocating for financial assistance programs, zoning reforms, and investment in community development that supports a diverse and thriving population.
Quality Public Education
Quality public education is the foundation of a strong and vibrant community. In Newport, we must ensure that our schools are well-funded, well-staffed, and equipped with the resources necessary to provide every child with a top-notch education. Our commitment to education goes beyond academics; it includes fostering safe and supportive learning environments where students can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. We need to invest in our teachers, offer comprehensive professional development opportunities, and ensure that our curricula are inclusive and forward-thinking, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
I am dedicated to collaborating with educators, parents, and policymakers to identify and address the unique needs of our schools. This involves advocating for equitable funding, supporting innovative teaching methods, and promoting community involvement in our educational system. By prioritizing quality public education, we can empower our children with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to society. Our investment in education is an investment in Newport’s future, ensuring that our city continues to thrive and prosper for generations to come.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a critical component of a thriving, accessible, and sustainable community. In Newport, enhancing our public transportation system is essential to reducing traffic congestion, decreasing our carbon footprint, and ensuring that all residents have reliable and affordable access to jobs, education, and essential services. We must invest in expanding and modernizing our public transit options, including more frequent bus routes, better connectivity to surrounding areas, and the introduction of eco-friendly transportation alternatives. By improving our public transportation infrastructure, we can create a more equitable and efficient city where everyone, regardless of their income or mobility needs, can move around easily and sustainably.
To achieve this, I am committed to working with transportation experts, local businesses, and community members to identify and implement the best solutions for Newport. This includes advocating for increased funding, leveraging technology to optimize transit services, and promoting policies that prioritize public transportation development. By making these strategic investments, we can not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but also attract more visitors and businesses to Newport, contributing to our city’s economic growth and long-term resilience.
Endorsements
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