Tiverton Election Profile: Jay Edwards

TIVERTON, RI — Jay Edwards is running for a seat on the Tiverton Town Council. The 70-year-old Independent previously served on the town's budget committee.

Edwards is a retired member of the military and was a stationary engineer for 50 years.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I hope to be able to reduce the amount of discord that exists within Tiverton as well as bring a fresh perspective to the Town Council.

What do you believe should be done to contain the coronavirus pandemic, and what would you do to lessen its economic impacts?

The Governor is on the correct course. Until we have a effective and proven vaccine we should continue masks, distancing and limit group gatherings. Businesses should reopen within guidelines. I'm not sure if we should reopen schools right away because we could easily have issues which could very quickly destroy any reopening plan that includes students being in a classroom.

Do you believe systemic racism is a problem in America generally and Rhode Island specifically, and if so, what would you do to combat it?

While I believe there is racism within the country and the state I do not believe it to be quite as bad as portrayed in the media. It needs to be recognized and addressed in a fair and calm manner.

Should the words "Providence Plantations" be removed from the state's name?

Yes

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I hope I have demonstrated during my four years on the Tiverton Budget Committee that I will continue to be level headed and willing to compromise for the greater good of the town. I have never expressed opinions or voted in such a way as to "join the crowd". I'm always willing to change my viewpoint if evidence suggests that course of action. As this year's chairman of the committee, and in past years, I have always mandated respect for town officials, employees and citizens at all times.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current membership of the Town Council has done their very best to address the events of a very troublesome year. They have taken a strong leadership role and have made the difficult decisions while trying to include the voters. Having to use forums like ZOOM has made this extremely difficult for everyone. I support what they have done and the reasoning. There is still discord and animosity within the Council which I feel the voters need to remedy in November.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Council members are required to do the best they can to advance the interests of all the various entities within the town. This includes voters, municipal and school departments, businesses, etc. Everyone deserves a fair and impartial Town Council to lead. Make no mistake that I expect the Council to lead and to do so by example.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have served four years as a member of the Budget committee with one year as Vice President and this year as President. This has been a very tough year and it isn't over yet. I have done the homework needed to understand the town's finances
from numerous different angles which the average citizen doesn't do. I was a senior enlisted member of the military where my principal job was to lead. I did that job then and I believe I have done it this year. I have learned to work with people with vastly different viewpoints and still be able to arrive at a consensus which satisfies the needs of the group

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Have an opinion, share it, listen to others, be willing to change.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have opinions but I will change them if the argument or evidence for change is strong enough. I don't believe the first thing I read or hear, especially when it comes to social media. You can believe that once I have made a decision that I have done my best to research available information to the best of my ability. After that I accept ownership of any position I take.
Incidentally, there is a question regarding changing the state's name which only allowed a Yes or No answer. It's not as simple as that. I believe there needs to be ample public discourse and comment and then it should become a ballot question for the voters to decide. The Legislature and Governor should not decide this on their own.