For over two decades, Deborah Carney has been a passionate advocate for the residents of Charlestown. As both an elected and appointed official for Charlestown and the Chariho School District, Deb has tirelessly worked for the entire community.

 

In 2020, Deb was elected, and currently serves as the Town Council President. From 2018 to 2020 she served as Vice-President.  Deb previously served as the Charlestown Town Council President from 2002 to 2006 and was elected to the Chariho School Committee and served from 2008 to 2012.  She also currently serves as the liaison to the Coastal Ponds Management Commission, the Affordable Housing Commission, the Charlestown 250th Committee, the Ordinance Review Ad Hoc Committee, the Charter Revision Advisory Committee, and the Economic Improvement Commission.

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During the last six years, she was the Vice President of the Town Council from 2018-2020, then as President, from 2020-2024.  During that time Deb Carney successfully accomplished the following: 

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• Stood up for Charlestown’s residents and led the effort to secure a tax reduction for all of Charlestown's taxpayers for Fiscal Year 2019-2020.  Because of Deb Carney’s tenacity, Charlestown taxpayers saw a reduction in the tax rate from $9.64 per thousand of assessed valuation down to $9.23.  Her efforts stopped the other Councilors' $3.1 million unknown construction project and secured the Town's surplus, so the money was available to further reduce the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Despite being in the minority on the Town Council, Deb Carney fought so that all of Charlestown’s residents would benefit.

• Initiated the Town Council Resolution to request that the State enact legislation to clearly define and guarantee the people's rights to access the shore.

• As the lone voice on the Town Council, Deb insisted that the Town-wide survey be sent to all Charlestown's residents and taxpayers so that all voices would be heard.

• Worked with the Chariho Cowboys to finally secure the use of temporary lights for Puchalski Field so that the children could safely practice football and cheer-leading.

• Proposed a Fund Balance Policy that would ensure the Town's Emergency Reserve Funds would not be depleted by potentially unwise spending proposals while ensuring that the Emergency Reserve Funds will not grow to excess through taxation of residents.

• Proposed and spearheaded the first Neighborhood Cleanup Day. 

• Worked with the current Town Council to increase transparency by livestreaming and posting meeting of additional boards, committees and commissions.  In addition, the current Town Council amended the manner in which Town Council meeting minutes are presented to include useful information, so residents do not have to watch hours of meetings to obtain useful information.

• Worked with the current Town Council to provide funding for the playground at the Charlestown Elementary School.

• Worked with the Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service to guarantee ambulance service for all of Charlestown's residents.  This agreement will ensure all residents will have peace of mind knowing that when they call 911, they will have qualified staff with proper lifesaving equipment. 

• Under the leadership of the current Town Council, Charlestown has enjoyed the low tax rate of $5.74 per $1000 of assessed valuation.

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In addition to serving fourteen years in elected office, Deb has also taken leadership roles on other committees in Charlestown. In 2002 Deb was the Chair of the Chariho Entrance, Expansion and Exit Committee, and from 2007 to 2008 she served as Chair of the Charter Revision Committee. Additionally, since 2006, Deb has served as Charlestown’s representative on the Chariho Audit Sub-committee.

 

In all of these positions, Deb has always listened to her constituents and put the needs of Charlestown and its residents at the forefront of her decision-making.

 

With her husband and son, Deb has lived in Charlestown for twenty-eight years. She is a Commercial Rated Pilot, a Certified Flight Instructor and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Daniel Webster College. For the past twenty-two years, she has managed her family’s power tool and fastener business.  Her personal and professional experience gives her the insight and experience necessary to continue to serve Charlestown as an elected official.

 

“When they cast their vote, people should trust that their candidate will work for them and serve honorably and with the people’s best interests in mind. Elected officials must listen to different voices and engage in open discussion to ensure that they give all residents fair consideration and treat them equally. If I am re-elected to the Charlestown Town Council, I will continue to listen to all Charlestown residents and make decisions that benefit the many.

 

I have proven that when I give my word, I keep my word. As I have demonstrated in the past, I will work tirelessly and passionately to ensure that Charlestown remains a community in which families and businesses will thrive.”