Robbie Hall, a former Newport police chief and two-term city commissioner, is seeking a return to the Newport Board of Commissioners, emphasizing government transparency, affordable housing and changes to city leadership.
Hall said his priorities include reducing commissioner compensation, establishing term limits and exploring a ward system to give neighborhoods more direct representation.
Hall faces Jacob Harrod, Ruth Johnson, Mike Radwanski, Ken Rechtin, Julie Smith-Morrow and Aaron Sutherland in the Nov. 3 general election.
He also wants to ease zoning restrictions and update building codes to encourage more affordable housing options for young families, veterans and longtime residents.
Hall supports encouraging city employees to live in Newport, increasing parks and recreation staffing in neighborhood parks and exploring opportunities to consolidate city services to reduce costs.
Government transparency is another focus of his campaign. Hall wants greater public involvement in major city decisions, including those involving the Purple People Bridge, and a published application process for appointments to citizen boards.
“Big-ticket decisions, like the Purple Bridge, should never happen behind closed doors,” Hall said. “Community outreach and real transparency aren’t optional; they’re the bare minimum.”
Hall also hopes to strengthen partnerships between the city and local schools through after-school programs and shared facilities.