Newport council interviews three candidates for Ryan Parker seat; decision scheduled for 6 p.m.

Newport City Council held a work session Sept. 2 to interview three applicants for the vacant council seat previously held by Ryan Parker, with councilors scheduling deliberation at the regular 6 p.m. meeting and indicating they intend to make a selection tonight but will not swear in anyone until a future meeting.

The three candidates — Angela Parizio Reyes, Ashley Bixler and Mike Cleck — each outlined experience they said would help them serve on the council and focused their answers on housing, tourism and collaborative decision-making. Council members asked about candidates’ ability to reach consensus, balance visitor-driven economic activity with neighborhood quality of life, and commit time to meeting preparation.

Why it matters: The appointment fills a sitting council vacancy that the council said it will decide at its regular meeting later the same day. The person chosen will take part in policy decisions affecting Newport’s housing supply, tourism economy and municipal services during a period council members described as one of competing demands for limited resources.

Angela Parizio Reyes, who identified herself as a Newport resident and small-business co-owner, told the council she would bring both a blue-collar perspective and ties to Newport’s immigrant community. “As a child of immigrants, I have a close relationship with the immigrant population,” she said, adding she wants to “bring them closer to be more of a part of our community.” Parizio Reyes said her local food-truck business has helped her see events as a draw for visitors and residents alike; she cited the city’s Cinco de Mayo event and local car shows as examples that attract out-of-town visitors.

Ashley Bixler, a near-lifelong resident, described volunteer leadership in local schools and recent service on the city budget committee as qualifications. She identified the city’s “core challenge” as “balancing growth with preservation,” singling out “sustainable and affordable housing” and aging infrastructure as top concerns. Bixler said Newport’s expanding community college and new trade-school programs are opportunities to retain local workers and diversify the economy.

Mike Cleck, who said he has lived in Newport about 18 years and has an extensive restaurant-industry background, emphasized experience working with municipal staffs and multiple city councils in other states. He framed federal funding uncertainty as a near-term challenge affecting NOAA, the Coast Guard and other local projects, and said the city should try to reduce dependence on tourism by attracting new business sectors. “Our job is to get stuff done. Our job is not to win arguments,” Cleck told councilors, describing his approach to disagreement as pragmatic and ego-free.

Councilors pressed candidates on practical matters, including familiarity with council meetings and the time required for preparation. Candidates said they had watched meetings online in the weeks before applying or had attended sessions in person; each said they believe they could manage the workload despite family and work responsibilities. The council reminded applicants that candidates who are not selected may still run in the next election.

Several council members and the mayor also stressed the council’s current working culture. Councilors told applicants they value members who do homework, listen to colleagues and avoid personal attacks; one councilor noted the body’s composition is mostly white and said the council would welcome greater diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

The council opened the work session with procedural remarks and staff updates, then conducted interviews in order. At the end of the work session the council said it would reconvene for a regular meeting at 6 p.m. to deliberate and make an appointment; the council indicated it would not swear in any appointee until a later meeting if someone is selected.

Ending: The council’s selection will be announced during tonight’s deliberations; if appointed, the new councilor will be seated following the council’s next formal swearing-in procedure.