By Dave Niinemets
Enquirer contributor

NEWPORT - With Newport's progress in the past two years and their success in past elections, the three incumbent commissioners could be confident about the upcoming election.

But all three are approaching it as if it were the first time.

"You should run every race like it's your first," said incumbent Beth Fennell.

Incumbents Jerry Peluso, Ms. Fennell and Jan Knepshield finished as the top three vote-getters in the city's primary election.

But five other candidates will seek their seats. At least one challenger is guaranteed a spot because Commissioner Ken Rechtin is pursuing a county office.

Mr. Peluso, 43, says he is happy with the direction of the city. He said the most important issues for the city are increasing home ownership, improving infrastructure and better code enforcement.

Ms. Fennell, 50, has served on the commission for the past 10 years. She said the commission needs to focus on quality development.

Mr. Knepshield, 61, has been on the commission for 17 years. He wants to see more housing developments like the HOPE VI project, more street improvements and implementation of the city's recreation master plan.

A firefighter, police officer and postal worker are among the challengers.

Robbie Hall, 47, is a 24-year veteran of the Newport Police Department. Mr. Hall's main concerns are increasing parking in the city, better road conditions and more staff in the public works department.

Raymond Butts, 43, is a mail handler of 18 years and a Navy veteran. He's never run for office but did serve on the city's water advisory board and citizen's advisory board. Mr. Butts feels the city moves too quickly on some projects.

Tom Ferrara, 58, and Laura Roberts, 69, are familiar names in city government. Both served on the commission throughout the 1980s.

Mrs. Roberts wants development on the riverfront to continue, development without encroachment on neighborhoods and better code enforcement.

Mr. Ferrara wants to see more housing projects like HOPE VI, better code enforcement and a better job of addressing citizens' concerns.

Bob Barnett, 50, is retired after 25 years as a Newport firefighter. He wants better code enforcement, more recreation programs and he wants the city to work more closely with the schools.

Those elected will serve two-year terms and be paid $15,000 per year.