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Council splits 4-3 on Parks & Recreation appointments after contested nominations
Summary
After public comments and competing nomination slates, the council approved four appointments to the Parks & Recreation Committee by a 4-3 vote amid objections about the process and potential conflicts of interest.
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — The Portsmouth Town Council narrowly approved four appointments to the Parks & Recreation Committee on March 10 after candidates addressed the council and members debated nominations and potential conflicts.
Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee David Fiorello told the council he recommended candidates who would represent multiple sports and recreational interests; he named Gregory Adams, Roderick Dubay, Jim Kitzmiller and Natalie Hernie as his top four choices. Several applicants spoke to the council about their experience. Roderick Dubay said he has coached youth soccer for eight years and is a local homeowner and business owner; Jim Kitzmiller identified committee experience and long-term involvement in youth sports; Cynthia Burke described volunteer work and youth mentoring.
Councilors debated whether to appoint the candidates Fiorello recommended or another slate of applicants. Concerns were raised about a potential conflict for one nominee — a disc-golf advocate who has approached the committee about a project — and whether serving on the committee would require recusal on related votes. Councilors were reminded that members would be required to recuse themselves from specific votes where a conflict exists.
Councilor Charles Peyer (moved from the dais) nominated a slate — Burke, Deborah Faber, Natalie Hernie and Rutledge Carter — and the council voted on that block. The motion passed 4 to 3. After the vote the council president urged applicants who were not appointed — including Dubay, Kitzmiller and Adams — to attend and participate in committee meetings as members of the public and to consider other town committees.
Ending: The Parks & Recreation Committee now has new appointees; councilors and the committee chair urged both appointees and non-appointed applicants to attend public meetings and engage with ongoing projects.
