Cortvriend has earned trust
I have been impressed with Terri Cortvriend since first meeting her at a Portsmouth Town Council meeting back in 2004. Heated discussions were occurring between the Town Council and School Committee regarding the school budget because a conservative group had its eyes on slashing the school budget. Terri quietly put her head down and ran for the Portsmouth School Committee, where she devoted ten years of her life (four as committee chair) to advocating for a real world, quality education for our students, overseeing the construction of the new gym, and negotiating contracts, all while providing the town of Portsmouth with one of the states’ best bang for its buck; providing a near top academic ranking with a below average cost per pupil.
Terri has the ability to juggle many balls in the air. While owning a successful small business supporting the marine industry, she was involved in almost every aspect of life on Aquidneck Island as a member of the following: Portsmouth School Committee, Portsmouth Water and Fire Commission, Aquidneck Economic Development Commission, Tank Farm Redevelopment Authority and as Board member of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.
As our freshman state representative for District 72, Terri was honored with the prestigious distinction of having Rhode Island Ranks select her the number one State Representative in two categories: Overall, and Open Meetings (which included State Representatives and State Senate). Personally, I’m not sure whether she allows time for sleep!
Terri’s modesty, kindness, civility, competence and leadership skills, combined with her passion for advocating for small businesses, education, the environment, clean energy, and her broad knowledge of our community and its needs, have earned my respect, admiration and my vote.
Terri’s invaluable experience as state representative has enabled her to work with all branches of government, and understand the responsibilities and capabilities of each branch. A recent letter by her rival shows that he confuses his ambitions with those managed at a federal level. He’s running against Terri Cortvriend, not David Cicilline. The choice is clear: please vote for Terri on the Sept. 8 primary, then the general election on Nov. 3.
Nancy Zitka, Portsmouth