NORTH SMITHFIELD – North Smithfield Town Council Candidate Kevin Newton laid out a list of his top priorities if he is elected to the five-member board on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
“My top priorities, if I am elected, include working to create a 5-year financial plan for the town and driving process improvements to enhance the overall decision-making process,” said Newton. “I have seen multiple examples where enhancements can be made based off my experience in the public and private sectors.”
Newton said a 5-year financial plan would benefit all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
“While the up front work to build a 5-year forecast may take time, the benefits to the fiscal health of the town, and decision makers, is essential in understanding the impact of our decisions on the overall budget,” said Newton. “I would also like to share these forecasts with residents to keep them informed on the direction we are headed in.”
Additionally, Newton said he would like to provide his experience in audit finding remediation to assist the town with annual audit findings.
“In recent years, our annual financial audits have identified deficiencies in multiple areas which I look forward to reviewing and, in turn, can provide oversight to ensure consistent controls/processes across the board,” he said. “Separate from audit findings I have also identified areas of improvement for the council itself as well.”
“My main goal with these priorities is to provide a better framework for the town to be successful beyond my tenure,” said Newton. “Success in this role to me would be to leave the town in a better position then I inherited it in.”
