Tiverton Election Profile: David Paull

TIVERTON, RI — David J Paull is running for a seat on the Tiverton Town Council. The 42-year-old Independent previously served on the town's budget committee in 2018.

Paull is a retired firefighter who studied emergency management during his time in college. He and his wife, Amy, have three children: Kayla, 22, Connor, 9, and Macie, 8.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Tiverton is a historic community that has experienced growth, and will continue to experience growth. We need to grow responsibly and in accordance with our comprehensive plan. We also have a delicate balance of long time residents and fresh young families moving here at a rapid pace. Tiverton needs to balance the quality of life for all residents.

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

I have been critical of Governor Raimando in the past. Having said that, I feel she has done a tremendous job doing what is best for all of RI and it appears that it has worked. We need to also continue to bolster our business community, now more than ever.

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?

I do believe there is some extent of systematic racism. I also believe that a larger majority of folks are good people with no ill intentions. I look forward to a world where everyone can get along and respect our fellow humans.

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?

Having been involved in the community on a variety of levels, I feel I have a good sense of the pulse of what makes a community thrive. Having a strong community starts with a professional Town Hall. We finally have a strong Town Planner. Our Acting Town Administrator has been fantastic in taking over the COVID situation, is a great communicator, and manager (hopefully he will stay if asked). Having been through three Administrators in a short period of time, we need stability in that position. Our department heads need to be given the tools to operate their departments and should be held accountable to their operation. We must also champion our employees. Our police, fire, DPW, and all municipal employees. They are the backbone of our services and their voices are important as well. Recreation needs to be expanded which will benefit all community members. The current Recreation Commission has come a long way in short amount of time but there is much more that can be offered. I know many young families that have moved to Tiverton. They speak of the lower cost of living, the beauty, the community feel, and farm coast we are fortunate to have.

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

In 2018 Tiverton overwhelmingly voted to send a Democrat back to the State House. At the same time they elected a majority far right Town Council. Having a harsh balance for the governing body at that time, there seemed to be no middle ground in sight. Ultimately the voters recalled two members and restored a balance to the Town Council. I have long been someone that stands in the middle and will vet both sides of an issue before making a decision. I may have a personal belief or opinion but ultimately it is the residents that I would speak for. That said, not many residents follow local politics after an election. They elect folks and then hope they will do what is best for Tiverton. That has not always been the case but it is a promise I will make.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Reliance on gaming revenue! In 2018 the Town Council rightfully put a charter question on the ballot asking the voters if gaming revenue should be restricted from, or included, in operations. Lincoln made it very clear to Tiverton the money should be treated as "new-found" every year rather than relied upon. I was involved in the campaign to restrict the revenue so that taxes would be reduced in a responsible manner over time. Also being a coastal community, should we have to deal with a significant hurricane the Town would only have enough reserve to operate for 6 weeks. The opposition spoke of a "slush fund" for the Town Council. With COVID hitting this year, I was quite shocked, but not surprised, to see how fast those chickens came home to roost. We need to immediately ween off of the reliance of the gaming revenue and revisit restricting the funds for infrastructure, debt service, and capital expenses. Those three items can reduce the budget (although it appears we have hit rock bottom) in a responsible manner and stabilize our tax rate.

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

I have quite the interesting work history. Out of high school I worked as a temp for the Barrington Public Schools. Soon after that I added Constable for Barrington Police and Casual Mail Carrier for the USPS. I spent 6 years as a police, fire, and rescue dispatcher for Bristol before becoming a full-time Firefighter/EMT in Barrington. Each of those careers, including leadership roles in my volunteer firefighter days, has provided me with experience to handle many situations. My training includes numerous certifications from FEMA for Emergency Management and the RI Fire Academy. I also with the school my children attend here in town, help with the PTO, am an American Heart Association Instructor, the HEARTSafe Community Coordinator, and the current Little League President. As for public office, I was privileged to have participated in the 2018 Budget Committee that presented a successful budget to the residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The rule of 1/3. One third of the residents genuinely care and pay attention. One third won't like you. The final third could care less. To some extent, and depending on the issue of the day, that certainly rings true. Don't sweat the small stuff.

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

To me this position is community first. A balance of services for all our residents. Decisions made on what is best for all of us.