Episode Eighteen: Candidate Chat with David Punchak

View the full transcript.

In this episode of Public Comment, hosts Sarah LaFontaine and Elizabeth Hammond interview David Punchak, a North Smithfield town council member running for re-election. David discusses growing up in Lincoln, RI, in a neighborhood populated by extended family; his career in design, where the majority of his work involves budget-constrained municipal projects; and his volunteer history with town youth sports, including a tenure as soccer president that extended two years beyond his children's participation. The interview addresses the practical realities of local government, the factors that shape civic engagement, and the day-to-day work of a town council member.

Find David at "Punchak for North Smithfield Town Council" or contact him at  401-265-8253.

Find Public Comment at nspubliccomment.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PublicCommentNorthSmithfield or on instagram @nspubliccomment

Episode Seventeen: Candidate Chat with Nelly Burdette

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Public Comment North Smithfield hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine interview Nelly Burdette, a licensed psychologist and chief clinical officer running for Rhode Island Senate District 17, covering Lincoln, North Smithfield, and North Providence.

With over 20 years in healthcare and behavioral health, Nelly Burdette has seen firsthand how silos between organizations stall mental health progress in Rhode Island. She discusses the affordability crisis affecting Rhode Island families — from housing and childcare to rising healthcare costs — and explains why government should be designed for the people using it, not the people working inside it.

As a first-generation immigrant from Ukraine, a cancer survivor, and a working mother of three, Nelly shares the personal story behind her drive for public service and the door-to-door conversations — with voters who agree with her and those who don't — that fuel her hope for a stronger, more united community.

This episode covers healthcare policy, behavioral health access, local government transparency, and the 2026 Rhode Island election. Whether you live in Lincoln, North Smithfield, North Providence, or anywhere in Rhode Island, this conversation is a must-listen for voters who care about mental health, affordability, and community.

Episode Sixteen: Candidate Chat with Veronicka Vega

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Public Comment: North Smithfield sits down with Veronica Vega, candidate for Rhode Island House District 49, which covers Woonsocket and one precinct in North Smithfield. Veronica is a 27-year-old Woonsocket resident, former city employee, and Women's Policy Institute fellow who decided to run for office after discovering that state legislators are "just regular people."

In this episode, Veronica discusses the pressing issues facing northern Rhode Island — from economic development and commuter rail to underfunded schools where students don't have enough textbooks to take home. She talks about the need for an inspector general to audit state spending, her support for a historic tax credit to revitalize downtown Woonsocket, and her commitment to never becoming a complacent politician.

Veronica also opens up about her personal experience with homelessness, food insecurity, and relying on public transit — experiences that shaped her commitment to community and public service.

Episode Fifteen: Candidate Chat with Jon Brien

In Episode 15 of Public Comment, hosts Sarah LaFontaine and Elizabeth Hammond interview Rhode Island State Representative Jon Brien, the sole independent member of the Rhode Island General Assembly. Representing District 49 — covering Woonsocket and part of North Smithfield — Rep. Brien discusses his political career, his switch from the Democratic Party to independent, and his successful passage of the Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act, a landmark 340B healthcare bill that protects community hospitals and health centers from pharmaceutical drug pricing discrimination.

This episode covers key topics in Rhode Island politics and policy, including the legislative process for passing healthcare legislation through the RI House and Senate, the role of independent representation in state government, energy policy and natural gas supply challenges in New England, tax competitiveness between Rhode Island and neighboring states, and the future of independent and third-party politics for younger voters. Rep. Brien also shares his personal story, from losing a primary by 50 votes in 2012 to winning as an independent by the same margin a decade later.

Public Comment is a local civic engagement podcast based in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. Hosts Sarah LaFontaine and Elizabeth Hammond provide clear, honest analysis of town meetings, local ordinances, and state legislation affecting North Smithfield and the broader Rhode Island community. Listen to this episode for an in-depth look at independent politics, healthcare policy, energy costs, and the Rhode Island General Assembly.

Find Jon by phone (401-559-3999) or email (jondbriendistrict49@gmail.com) or on his Facebbook: Jon Brien State Representative - District 49

Episode Fourteen: Public Comment After Dark with Guest Host Bryan Murray

Sometimes following local politics is enough to drive you to drink - so that's what we did. Elizabeth and Sarah are joined by guest host Bryan Murray for the first-ever episode of Public Comment After Dark. They do a wine and tequila filled deep dive into the North Smithfield town council race. They unpack the pettiness of the local campaign season, from sign-stealing drama to Facebook feuds, and explore why nice neighbors seem to transform after they declare a candidacy. Then, the trio puts all eight town council candidates — Kevin Carriere, Rebecca DeCristofaro, Sean Fuller, Paul Jones, Ann Lilley, Beth Newberry, Michael Plante, and David Punchak — through the "Google Test," searching to see what everyday voters can actually find online about each candidate's platform. From SEO-optimized websites to candidates with no digital presence at all, they leave no search result unturned. Plus, Bryan shares his vision for building communities that residents inherit, and we ask him the question no one ever asks. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite after dark beverage and tune in.

Find us:

• Website: nspubliccomment.com

• Email: nspubliccomment@gmail.com

• Facebook: Public Comment North Smithfield (page and group)

• Instagram: @nspubliccomment

Find the Candidates:

• Kevin Carriere: https://kevinforns.com/

• Rebecca DeCristofaro (incumbent): https://yourteamfornstc.com/

• Sean Fuller

• Paul Jones: https://www.electpauljones.com/

• Ann Lilley: https://yourteamfornstc.com/

• Beth Newberry: https://yourteamfornstc.com/

• Michael Plante

• David Punchak (incumbent): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563070934094

Episode Thirteen: Candidate Chat with Mark Fasano

View the full transcript.

Welcome back to Public Comment, North Smithfield news by the neighbors, for the neighbors! In this episode, hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine sit down with Mark Fasano, candidate for North Smithfield School Committee.

Mark has been a North Smithfield resident for nearly 20 years and is a proud parent of seventh-grade twins. He shares his journey from coaching Little League to launching the town's softball program, and discusses why he's now stepping up to run for School Committee. We dive into his vision for the schools, his deep community roots, and what drives him to serve.

Links & Resources:

Mark's campaign website: FasanoForNorthSmithfield.weebly.com

Find Mark on Facebook: Fasano for North Smithfield

Podcast website: nspubliccomment.com

Email: nspubliccomment@gmail.com

Facebook: Public Comment North Smithfield

Instagram: @nspubliccomment

Episode Twelve: Candidate Chat with Ken Block

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Independent RI gubernatorial candidate Ken Block joins Sarah and Elizabeth for an in-depth conversation about Rhode Island's most pressing challenges — and what it really takes to solve them.

Topics covered:

• Why Ken can't vote in the primary (and why it would be a news story if he did)

• How his wife went from "hard no" to letting him run again

• His work investigating voter fraud for the Trump 2020 campaign — and what he actually found

• Subpoenas from Jack Smith, Fani Willis, and Ruby Freeman's legal team

• The housing affordability crisis: why it's the hardest problem to solve

• Why RI should stop charging bus fares ($9M is a rounding error in a $15B budget)

• The education crisis: 25% teacher absenteeism in Pawtucket, 25% student absenteeism in Warwick

• Why K-3 is the make-or-break window for educational outcomes

• The Mississippi Miracle and what Rhode Island can learn from it

• Fire department consolidation: 6 fire chiefs in Lincoln making more than NYC's fire chief

• 161 ladder trucks in RI — more than Chicago

• Why RI's 911 system is dangerously slow (Sarah's personal 911 story)

• The Washington Bridge failure: clogged drains with actual trees growing in them

• The $5 billion Medicaid problem and why nobody knows where the money goes

• $44,000/year health insurance and his plan for a regional New England marketplace

• The pension system: why rolling back reforms now would be catastrophic

• His advice for young people considering running for office

• The perfect Rhode Island day (Beavertail, seafood, and RISD)

• The closing question: what would Ken fix with a magic wand?

Guest: Ken Block, independent candidate for RI Governor Hosts: Sarah LaFontaine and Elizabeth Hammond Website: kenblock.com Find us: nspubliccomment.com | Instagram @nspubliccomment | Facebook: Public Comment North Smithfield

Episode Eleven: Candidate Chat with Xay Khamsyvoravong

View the full transcript.

We sit down with Xay Khamsyvoravong, former mayor of Newport and candidate for Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor, to talk about the issues shaping our state — from workforce shortages and healthcare access to housing, infrastructure, and the future of local democracy.

In this episode:

• Back-to-school season and the vital role of the NSPTO in supporting students and teachers

• What the Lieutenant Governor actually does (and why it matters more than you think)

• Xay's top priority: workforce, workforce, workforce — how it connects housing, healthcare, and the economy

• The healthcare crisis: provider shortages, billing red tape, and the rise of concierge care

• Education as a system, not just schools — why kids' health and learning are inseparable

• Flock cameras, data privacy, and balancing public safety with civil liberties

• Rhode Island's infrastructure backlog and why roads keep getting patched instead of fixed

• Proactive vs. reactive government, and why local engagement is where real change happens

• Xay's personal story: from a refugee father to a pediatrician mother, and what drives his commitment to public service

Connect with Xay:

• Website: xayforri.com

• Social: @xayforri on Instagram and Facebook

Connect with us:

• Website: nspubliccomment.com

• Email: nspubliccomment@gmail.com

Episode Ten: Candidate Chat with Michael Plante

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Michael Plante has lived in North Smithfield since 1968. He's raised his children here, his grandchildren are in the school system, and after 43 years as a real estate broker — including managing a $200M/year Fortune 500 operation — he's running for Town Council to bring a business-first approach to local government.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• Contaminated School Water: PFOBs in the high school and middle school wells have been above state limits for 5+ years. The town's solution? Blend the wells to stay under 20 — when the state limit is 5.

• Budget Reform: "There is no such thing as a budget that does not have fat." Michael shares a striking example of school office secretaries who play solitaire all summer and can't be laid off because it would reduce next year's budget.

• Fiduciary Duty: As a real estate broker, Michael's entire career has been built on fiduciary obligation to his clients. He plans to bring that same standard to the Town Council.

• Development & Zoning: Cluster zoning, increasing the commercial tax base, and why North Smithfield's anti-development stance could lead to low-income housing being "rammed down our throat."

• Halliwell Property: Why a park might not be the right answer, and how condo development could add $500K-$600K in annual tax revenue.

• Solar Farms: Clear-cutting 300 acres of forest to reduce carbon footprint — and the wildlife and rural character lost in the process.

• Flock Cameras: The town has no jurisdiction over numbered routes, making the entire debate a waste of time.

• Quarry Dispute: How a compromise years ago could have saved the town from costly litigation.

About the Guest

Michael Plante is a lifelong North Smithfield resident, real estate broker, and Town Council candidate. Contact him at 401-487-7600.

About Public Comment

Public Comment is a North Smithfield community podcast hosted by Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine — two moms and small business owners who dig through town meetings, headlines, and ordinances to bring you the facts in a clear, honest narrative.

Episode Nine: Candidate Chat with Sue AnderBois

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In Episode 9 of Public Comment: North Smithfield, hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine interview Sue AnderBois, Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor candidate and Providence City Council member. The conversation covers Rhode Island energy policy, including the state's over-reliance on fossil fuels, how the regulated utility model drives up energy bills, and the upcoming release of Sue's full energy plan. Sue explains what a lieutenant governor does in Rhode Island and her vision for using the office to tackle systemic challenges.

The episode also dives into road safety — specifically Sue's work on North Main Street in Providence, where her task force delivered more safety improvements in two years than the previous three decades. Additional topics include Flock surveillance cameras and privacy concerns, data sharing practices, the potential for a statewide Flock ban, and practical advice for citizens serving on local boards and commissions.

Sue also discusses the free Rise Energy Audit program available to Rhode Island residents through Rhode Island Energy, and how energy efficiency investments can lower bills immediately.

Topics Covered:

• Why Sue decided to run for Lieutenant Governor and her "What are you gonna do about it?" philosophy

• What a lieutenant governor does in Rhode Island: succession, advisory councils (long-term care, small business, emergency management), and the "choose your own adventure" role

• Energy challenges in Rhode Island: over-reliance on fossil fuels, regulated utility model, and Sue's upcoming energy plan (breaking news — announced first on this podcast!)

• Programs available now: the free Rise Energy Audit through Rhode Island Energy — you've already paid for it

• How different levels of government (federal, state, municipal) work together — and why coordination matters

• North Main Street safety improvements: Sue's task force that delivered more safety upgrades in two years than the previous 30, including new lighting, crosswalk timing, and a road safety assessment

• Advice for citizens on boards and commissions: don't take no for an answer, find a champion, bring data, and be the squeaky wheel

• Flock cameras: privacy concerns, data sharing with out-of-state agencies and potentially ICE, what Providence has done with MOUs, and whether a statewide ban is possible

• Parks and Rec: Leslie Knope for President (endorsed)

Resources & Links:

• Sue AnderBois campaign: sueanderbois.com

• Contact Sue: Sue@sueanderbois.com

• Find Sue on Facebook, Instagram, and Blue Sky

• RISE Energy Audit (free energy audit through Rhode Island Energy): riseengineering.com

• Providence Special Committee on the Environment & Resiliency (Flock camera research presentation): available on the Providence City Council website

• Vision Zero: visionzeronetwork.org

• RI Infrastructure Bank (climate resilience programs): riinfrastructurebank.com

Hosts: Elizabeth Hammond & Sarah LaFontaine Find us: nspubliccomment.com | Facebook (page + group: Public Comment North Smithfield) | Instagram: @nspubliccomment Email us: nspubliccomment@gmail.com

Public Comment: North Smithfield is a local news podcast by Neighbors for the Neighbors. We are local moms and small business owners sifting through the issues so you don't have to.

Episode Eight: Candidate Chat with Gabriella Stelle

View the complete transcript.

In this episode of the Public Comment podcast, hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine interview Gabriella Stelle, a candidate for the North Smithfield School Committee in Rhode Island.

Gabby is a lifelong North Smithfield resident with extensive community involvement — including her role as PTO treasurer, where she helped raise over $12,000 annually in school supplies for North Smithfield Elementary School. She's also served as a commissioner for the North Smithfield Soccer Association, a softball coach, and a senior project mentor who helped grow the school talent show from 12 acts to over 40.

In this interview, Gabby outlines her platform for the school committee, including:

• Mandatory School Resource Officers (SROs): Gabby's top priority is making the SRO position a permanent, mandatory role at every North Smithfield school, citing benefits including reduced bullying, improved student-staff relationships, and faster emergency response.

• Budget approach: Gabby advocates for a bottom-up budgeting process — identifying what cannot be cut before discussing reductions — to protect teachers, support staff, and student programs.

• Educational excellence: From high-caliber teachers to close-knit admin teams, Gabby wants to ensure the strengths of the North Smithfield school system are preserved as enrollment cycles and state funding evolve.

• Nonpartisan leadership: Gabby is committed to keeping school committee decisions free from political influence.

• Community investment: Drawing on her years of boots-on-the-ground experience, Gabby argues that investing in students is investing in the long-term health of the entire community.

This episode also covers the recent turf field access dispute, the cost of out-of-district student placements (over $3.2 million in the 2026 budget), and the upcoming North Smithfield candidate forum, hosted by Public Comment.

Keywords: North Smithfield School Committee, Gabriella Stelle, North Smithfield RI local election, school resource officer North Smithfield, North Smithfield PTO, Public Comment podcast Rhode Island, school committee candidate interview, North Smithfield schools budget, Rhode Island local government podcast

Episode Seven: Candidate Chat with Ann Lilley

In Episode 7 of Public Comment North Smithfield, hosts Elizabeth and Sarah interview Ann Lilley — North Smithfield Parks and Recreation Commissioner, community garden organizer, and Town Council candidate — about the future of local governance, civic transparency, and sustainable community growth in North Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Ann shares her vision for improving communication between town leadership and residents, fixing the North Smithfield town website, creating a community calendar, and ensuring public input shapes how the town spends its resources. She addresses the controversial Halliwell property grant, the stalled multigenerational center project, and the importance of incremental, community-aligned housing development over large-scale development.

The episode also covers the upcoming 2029 North Smithfield Comprehensive Plan — and why meaningful public engagement needs to start now.

⏱️ Episode 7 Timestamps

0:00 — Intro & welcome

0:24 — Meet Ann: community garden, fiber arts & getting involved in town

1:08 — Ann's background: raising kids in North Smithfield & civic involvement

1:55 — Parks & Rec Commission: seed-starting classes & gardening workshops

2:38 — The multigenerational center: a big disappointment & why it matters

4:15 — Ann's #1 goal: opening up information flow to the town

4:54 — The $15,000 fireworks show nobody knew about

6:02 — The town website's failures: no calendar, no trail maps, no promotion

7:21 — The speeding problem & how town council can create open forums

8:02 — Routing public concerns to the right agency

14:06 — Balancing community investments with affordability concerns

14:47 — What we actually have control over: taxes & smart spending

15:45 — The case for incremental, infrastructure-aligned development

17:12 — Ann's real-life example: converting a barn into housing

17:30 — ADUs: adding housing that fits the community

19:05 — The state's failure to finance small-scale homeowner development

20:01 — Elizabeth's note: why they avoid covering planning board topics

20:46 — Efficiency in housing: it's not just about units

21:55 — Owner-occupied rentals & stronger community fabric

22:19 — Quality over quantity: 60 units vs. community fit

26:43 — The role of a public land trust in North Smithfield

27:20 — Land trusts as one tool in the quiver

28:32 — The Halliwell property: 33 acres sitting unused

31:04 — Why North Smithfield needs a functioning Conservation Commission

31:46 — The Groundwater Protection Commission: all women, all action

33:04 — The Halliwell grant: $1M for passive recreation with no public input

35:02 — Sarah: being annoying is a democratic tool — blow up Scott's phone

39:42 — The 2029 Comprehensive Plan: why public engagement starts now

44:03 — The question no one ever asks Ann

44:29 — Ann's closing message: "Ask what you can do for North Smithfield"

48:06 — Ann's pitch to voters: consider candidates who reflect what you want

49:43 — Campaign Bingo update: 80+ downloads!

50:42 — How to reach Ann & volunteer at the community garden

52:00 — Find Public Comment North Smithfield everywhere

Episode Six: Material Sand and Stone and HT Auto

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In Episode 6 of Public Comment, hosts Sarah LaFontaine and Elizabeth Hammond break down two of North Smithfield, Rhode Island's most pressing local issues: the decades-long controversy surrounding Material Sand & Stone quarry (Pound Hill Quarry) and the HT Auto Junkyard. From contested grandfathered mining rights and Superior Court rulings to silica dust health concerns, Superfund sites, and chemical runoff threatening residential wells — this episode covers what's really happening in your community and why it matters.

Beyond the specific issues, this episode explores the broader question of how everyday citizens can influence local government — without running for office, joining a PAC, or having a law degree. Featuring the story of local activist Jason Richer, whose years of public records requests, drone footage, and noise monitoring kept these issues front and center.

Timely and practical for North Smithfield residents heading into an election season, this episode explains how to engage with candidates, contact elected officials, and use your vote strategically.

0:08 Intro

3:11 Intro to the Quarry

5:21 Meet Jason Richer: The Citizen Who Kept Watch

7:49 Quarry History: 1950s to Present

8:54 The Legal Loophole: They Sold It to Themselves

16:49 2022: Residents Start Fighting Back

32:22 Where Things Stand: The Quarry Today

33:06 The HT Auto Junkyard Story

19:18 The Bigger Picture: Citizen Advocacy vs. Government

52:15 Your Voice Matters — Here's How to Use It

54:52 Election Season & What Public Comment Is Doing

Episode Five: Candidate Chat with Paul Jones

View the complete transcript.

Sarah and Elizabeth sit down with Paul Jones — small business owner, senior care advocate, and North Smithfield Town Council candidate — for a candid conversation about local leadership, community values, and what it actually means to govern well.

Timestamps

• 0:00 — Intro & Record Gate 2026

• 7:09 — Meet Paul Jones: The Care Concierge & community roots

• 8:30 — Why Paul decided to run (the slow drip of reasons)

• 9:20 — The Woonsocket Hill Road collapse & emergency response concerns

• 11:10 — North Smithfield's missing senior center — the only town in RI without one

• 13:30 — What a senior center actually does (scam prevention, Medicare advice, advocacy)

• 15:00 — Reactive vs. proactive governance: why the council feels paralyzed

• 18:00 — Deferred maintenance: $50K/mile to repair vs. $1M/mile to reconstruct

• 22:00 — No ordinances passed in two years

• 26:30 — The rooster debate — and why it's really a small business issue

• 32:00 — Backyard chickens, straight-run flocks, and the enforcement double standard

• 38:00 — Paul's Day One priority: a Digital Town Hall for municipal transparency

• 42:30 — The question nobody ever asks: Elves for Elders

• 47:20 — Where to find Paul & how to get involved

• 48:28 — Election Bingo announcement! 🎉

Links & Resources

• 🗳️ Paul Jones for North Smithfield: electpauljones.com

• 📧 Email Paul: paul@electpauljones.com

• 📘 Facebook: Paul Jones for North Smithfield

• 🎙️ Public Comment NS: nspubliccomment.com

• 🎉 Download your Election Bingo card: nspubliccomment.com

• ❤️ Elves for Elders: Search "Elves for Elders Rhode Island"

Episode Four: Candidate Chat with Kevin Carriere

View the complete transcript.

In this episode of Public Comment North Smithfield, hosts Sarah and Elizabeth interview Kevin Carrier, a candidate for North Smithfield Town Council and professor of social and political psychology at Stonehill College.

Kevin discusses his three core campaign priorities: government transparency, environmental protection, and housing affordability in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. The conversation covers the town's communication gaps, the controversy around the police station bond vote, the quarry and junkyard issues affecting residents, and the challenge of keeping North Smithfield affordable for young families and retirees alike.

Kevin also shares why he began attending North Smithfield Town Council meetings, what frustrated him about the public comment process, and what he would prioritize if elected — including making the town budget publicly visible and easy to understand.

In this episode:

0:08 — Intro & welcome to the show

0:57 — Introducing Kevin Carrier, DTC member and Town Council candidate

1:12 — How Kevin is feeling heading into the campaign announcement

2:46 — Kevin's background: social & political psychology, group dynamics, research methods

3:55 — How listening skills from the classroom translate to town council

4:50 — The streetlight problem: why North Smithfield residents have to call a third-party contractor to report outages

6:01 — Priority #1: Transparency — better town communication, a centralized Facebook page, and lessons from the blizzard of 2024

7:34 — The police department has an official page — why doesn't the town?

8:12 — Priority #2: The Environment — quarry air quality, junkyard sludge, and protecting North Smithfield's social fabric for future generations

9:53 — The lack of community gathering spaces: library funding, Scouter's Hall, Revive coffee shop

11:54 — Priority #3: Housing Affordability — pricing out children and retirees, the role of ADUs, and the importance of the planning board

12:53 — Sarah's personal story: couldn't afford North Smithfield, moved to Foster, came back — and why it was worth it

14:27 — Elizabeth on the generational pattern: North Smithfield High grads want to come back — but can they afford to?

15:53 — Kevin's story: top-10 schools, five minutes from mom and dad, and living with your wife in your childhood bedroom

16:44 — Who shaped Kevin's values? His dad Richard: curiosity, transparency, and the 24-hour rule

18:37 — Kevin's experiences speaking at town council public comment — and what frustrated him

19:24 — "They say 'great, thanks' and move on" — why public comments go nowhere

20:11 — The town council's lack of ordinances: a legislative body that doesn't legislate

20:11 — The town council's lack of ordinances: a legislative body that isn't legislating

21:40 — If Kevin could pass one thing on day one: a public budget visualization tool on the town website

22:53 — "After every meeting, they pay the bills — where is that money going?"

24:11 — Kevin built a budget tool for the police bond — and the town council couldn't identify what was inaccurate

26:00 — Elizabeth on the budget committee: half the year of work, 30-page documents, and the responsibility of public officials

26:57 — Should the police bond have been on the February ballot? On proactivity vs. reactive governance

29:39 — What North Smithfield gets RIGHT: great schools, growing enrollment, the COVID baby bubble

32:00 — Kevin on the North Smithfield "feel" — Rhode Island rural, community events, Memorial Day ceremony, the 5K

33:45 — Elizabeth: "Keep it rural" — but what does that actually mean as growth continues?

34:36 — Kevin on smart development: Revive as a model, a welcome packet for new residents, and the old Tupperware building on 146A

35:50 — Sarah: the new apartment complex on 146A — nobody's upset about it, they're upset about the traffic

38:20 — "There has to be a plan" — abandoned buildings, the Milk Can, long-term implications

39:05 — Elizabeth gives Kevin his door-knock challenge: 2 minutes, go

39:18 — Kevin's campaign pitch — responsive, respectful, and actually doing the job

40:35 — Final question: what question do you wish someone would ask you?

40:54 — Kevin on the role of a town councilor: representative vs. "I trust you, do whatever you want"

43:06 — Where to find Kevin: KevinForNS.com, Facebook & Instagram

43:30 — Where to find Public Comment North Smithfield: nspubliccomment.com, Facebook & Instagram group

Episode Three: The Police Station Renovation

In this episode of Public Comment: North Smithfield, hosts Elizabeth Hammond and Sarah LaFontaine take a deep dive into the decade-long saga of the North Smithfield police station renovation. From the 2014 bond and the failed 2023 ballot measure to the $9 million bond approved by voters in 2026, they break down every major decision, misstep, and milestone along the way.

Learn why the Bushey School building — built in 1929 and converted into the town's police station — has deteriorated to the point of being nearly uninsurable, what structural issues like asbestos, crumbling brick, and exposed wiring mean for officers and residents, and why the debate over "police station" vs. "public safety complex" matters more than it might seem.

This episode also covers lessons in municipal transparency, proactive infrastructure planning, and how North Smithfield residents can participate in the public comment process before renovation decisions are finalized.

Episode Two: The Halliwell Property

View the complete transcript.

Hosts: Elizabeth Hammond & Sarah LaFontaine 

Episode Summary:

Elizabeth and Sarah dig into one of North Smithfield's longest-running unresolved issues: what to do with the former Halliwell Elementary School property. After the school closed in 2019, the town has spent seven years cycling through proposals, committees, and pivots — and still has no community center to show for it. With a $4 million federal grant on the clock and election season approaching, the hosts break down the full history and what residents can do right now.

In This Episode:

• Recording Day Chaos – The episode almost didn't happen: a hotspot internet connection, and a fully recorded episode that was never actually started. They're back, 10 hours later.

• Why Two Parts? – What was planned as one episode on Halliwell + the police station became two separate episodes to give each issue its due.

• What Is Halliwell? – A quick explainer on the former Halliwell Elementary School, closed in June 2019, tucked off Route 146A.

• A Pattern of Delays – From the 2019 closure to a January 2024 demolition decision, the hosts trace five years of inaction, committee turnover, and deferred maintenance questions.

• The Multi-Generational Center Vision – What the town could build: a space for seniors, young families, after-school programs, and community connection — and why it matters as North Smithfield grows more diverse.

• The Funding Gap – $4M secured via congressional grant (expires 2031), but the $7.29M project has a $3.29M shortfall. State and federal grant priorities aren't lining up, and the town isn't classified as a disadvantaged community.

• The Scouters Hall Pivot – Town Administrator Scott Gibbs proposed moving the $4M grant to renovate Scouters Hall instead — folding it into a broader Main Street revitalization vision. The hosts walk through the pros, the concerns (parking, zoning, scout program access, feasibility), and why it might just restart the clock again.

• Grant Risk – If the federal government recalls unused grant funds, the town could lose the $4M entirely — a real possibility in the current political climate.

• Open Meetings Act & The Pace of Government – Why every pivot adds months (or years) of mandated process: public comment, advertising, environmental studies, rebidding.

• Committee Morale – When the town council doesn't follow its own committee's recommendations, what's the point of having a committee?

• Election Season – All five town council seats are up. Residents who care about Halliwell need to show up now.

Call to Action:

• Attend a town council meeting and speak during the public comment period (3 minutes, any topic, no agenda requirement)

• Email your town councilors

• Join the Facebook group: Public Comment North Smithfield (residents only)

• Follow on Instagram: @NPublicCommentNS

• Website: NSPublicComment.com

Hosts: Elizabeth Hammond & Sarah LaFontaine 

Episode Summary:

Elizabeth and Sarah dig into one of North Smithfield's longest-running unresolved issues: what to do with the former Halliwell Elementary School property. After the school closed in 2019, the town has spent seven years cycling through proposals, committees, and pivots — and still has no community center to show for it. With a $4 million federal grant on the clock and election season approaching, the hosts break down the full history and what residents can do right now.

In This Episode:

• Recording Day Chaos – The episode almost didn't happen: a hotspot internet connection, and a fully recorded episode that was never actually started. They're back, 10 hours later.

• Why Two Parts? – What was planned as one episode on Halliwell + the police station became two separate episodes to give each issue its due.

• What Is Halliwell? – A quick explainer on the former Halliwell Elementary School, closed in June 2019, tucked off Route 146A.

• A Pattern of Delays – From the 2019 closure to a January 2024 demolition decision, the hosts trace five years of inaction, committee turnover, and deferred maintenance questions.

• The Multi-Generational Center Vision – What the town could build: a space for seniors, young families, after-school programs, and community connection — and why it matters as North Smithfield grows more diverse.

• The Funding Gap – $4M secured via congressional grant (expires 2031), but the $7.29M project has a $3.29M shortfall. State and federal grant priorities aren't lining up, and the town isn't classified as a disadvantaged community.

• The Scouters Hall Pivot – Town Administrator Scott Gibbs proposed moving the $4M grant to renovate Scouters Hall instead — folding it into a broader Main Street revitalization vision. The hosts walk through the pros, the concerns (parking, zoning, scout program access, feasibility), and why it might just restart the clock again.

• Grant Risk – If the federal government recalls unused grant funds, the town could lose the $4M entirely — a real possibility in the current political climate.

• Open Meetings Act & The Pace of Government – Why every pivot adds months (or years) of mandated process: public comment, advertising, environmental studies, rebidding.

• Committee Morale – When the town council doesn't follow its own committee's recommendations, what's the point of having a committee?

• Election Season – All five town council seats are up. Residents who care about Halliwell need to show up now.

Call to Action:

• Attend a town council meeting and speak during the public comment period (3 minutes, any topic, no agenda requirement)

• Email your town councilors

• Join the Facebook group: Public Comment North Smithfield (residents only)

• Follow on Instagram: @NPublicCommentNS

• Website: NSPublicComment.com

Episode One: Welcome to North Smithfield

View the transcript.

Sarah and Elizabeth introduce themselves and their podcast — a monthly deep-dive into local politics and community issues in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, told from the perspective of two neighbors, small business owners, and moms who are doing the research so you don't have to.

Meet Your Hosts Sarah is a lifelong Rhode Islander whose husband's family has called North Smithfield home for four generations. Elizabeth is a transplant who fell in love with the town's community and character after moving from the suburbs. Both are therapists, both are on the North Smithfield Democratic Committee — and both make clear this podcast is entirely independent of that affiliation.

A Little Town History North Smithfield broke off from Smithfield in 1871 and is made up of five mill villages along the Branch and Blackstone Rivers. Its population hovered around 3,000 in its early days, dipped as mills closed, then grew steadily after WWII — reaching roughly 12,500 residents in the 2020 census. Today the town is a mix of multigenerational families and newer arrivals drawn by open space, good schools, and proximity to Providence, Worcester, and Boston.

How Local Government Works North Smithfield has five at-large town councilors (elected by ranked choice vote to two-year terms) and a full-time town administrator (four-year terms). Boards and committees — staffed entirely by volunteers — do the deep research and bring recommendations to the council. Sarah and Elizabeth highlight both the generosity of those who serve and the challenge of keeping seats filled.

The Budget The FY2026 town budget is approximately $55.3 million. Funding comes from property taxes ($11.49 per $1,000 assessed value), ~$16 million in state aid (including ~$9 million for schools), fees, and grants. North Smithfield carries about $10 million in an emergency reserve fund and tends to be skeptical of taking on debt via bonds.

Major Issues on the Horizon (all getting their own deep-dive episodes)

• Police Station / Public Safety Complex — The building has twice been deemed uninsurable without emergency repairs. A $9 million bond recently passed after a $20 million proposal was rejected years earlier.

• Hallowell Community Center — The former elementary school building has been demolished, leaving an empty lot. Plans for a community center (with event space, a larger food pantry, senior programming, and afterschool activities) have stalled repeatedly.

• Route 146A Corridor — A stretch through town that's underdeveloped, with potential for new businesses or housing but no clear plan yet.

• The Quarry — A mining company operating near residential areas, facing allegations of excess dust, illegal blasting hours, noise violations, and groundwater impact. Neighboring residents have been the primary advocates, using drone footage and public records requests to document violations.

• The Junkyard — A residential-area junkyard with a history of citations for taking in unlicensed hazardous materials, non-compliant vehicles, and failure to properly fence the sprawling property. The town council recently extended the operator's compliance deadline, frustrating neighbors.

• PFAS / Groundwater Contamination — PFAS has been detected in school well water. Much of North Smithfield relies on well water, and the long-term solution — connecting the whole town to municipal water — would be a massive, grant-dependent infrastructure project at a time when federal grants have been cut.

The Recurring Theme Delay, delay, delay — then a rushed, expensive fix when the problem becomes a crisis. Sarah and Elizabeth argue this pattern shows up across nearly every major issue in town, and they're here to shine a light on it before things reach that point.

Correction: In the podcast, Elizabeth mentioned volunteering at CPAC in 2010. The conference she was referencing took place in 2011.