Effective and Responsive Leadership
MOVING RICHMOND FORWARD
Elected Officials
House Representative District 39
Megan Cotter
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As a working mom, I know what it means to count every dollar. In 2017, when my family's house burned down, we lost everything—our furniture, our clothes, our kids’ favorite toys. But caring neighbors like you came together and helped us rebuild from scratch. That experience taught me that anything is possible when our community is united. In 2022, you placed your trust in me, and I have worked to advocate for our community. I am ready to keep fighting for the real needs of this community and the people who have given me so much.
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​Supporting Taxpayers
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Increased tax exemptions for Social Security and retirement income, passed a $250 child tax credit, restored cost of living adjustments for retirees, and supported car tax elimination.
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Secured more funding for public schools in regional school districts.
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Brought more money into the community than any other Representative in the past decade.
Protecting our Forests
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Advocated and added funding for two forest ranger positions to maintain forest health.
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Formed the Forest Management Commission in response to the Exeter forest fire.
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Sponsored a bill to make the Green Bond greener, securing additional funds for farms, forest management, and open spaces.
Reducing the Cost of Healthcare
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Fully funded the plan to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates next year, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
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Worked with RIPTA to fund a van for Wood River Health, improving access to aordable healthcare.
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Richmond Town Council
Samantha Wilcox
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Councilor Samantha Wilcox started her public service as a member of the Conservation Commission and Dog Park Committee. She was elected to the Town Council in 2022. During this time she focused on key issues that are important to Richmond, including protecting our environment, ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely, expanding beneficial business development, and increasing transparency and civic engagement.
She championed several initiatives to benefit our town, many of which passed Council with a 3 to 2 vote, including,
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Authorization of a voter approved $2.5 Mil Bond for Repairs to our Roads (3-2);
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Learn365 - An opportunity funded by the state to bring after school & vacation educational programs to students (3-1);
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Partnering with the YMCA for use of their community room funded by Learn365 (3-2);
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Creation of a Long-Term Capital Improvement Strategy (5-0);
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Establishment of a Municipal Court (3-2); and
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Proposed and created a Small Business Grant which gave 9 local businesses assistance with expansion.
She took multiple steps towards the ultimate goal of revitalizing Main Street including approving an evaluation of the infrastructure capacity and creation of a vision for the growth of Wyoming. She advocated for and voted in favor of the Aquifer Protection Overlay District. These updated ordinances expand uses allowed on commercial properties while protecting our water supply. (3-2)
Public servants are elected to serve and represent our constituents, and she makes every effort to be available to hear your concerns and keep residents informed. ​
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Mark Reynolds​
My wife, Karen, and I have lived in Richmond for more than 20 years. I am an attorney with a small law firm in Providence. We have three children – two Chariho graduates (2015 & 2016), and one is currently a student at Chariho Middle School.
I have served in leadership positions at several community organizations. I have been a board member of the Arcadia YMCA for more than 12 yrs. I also served on the board of the Ocean Community YMCA for 9 years (2015-2024) and I was the Chair/Chief Volunteer Officer of the Ocean Community YMCA from 2021-2023. I have been a leader in Troop 1 Richmond BSA for 10 years and I served as the Troop Committee Chair from 2012-2016.
I am honored to serve all residents of Richmond on the Town Council. My focus will be on fostering an atmosphere of respect and collaboration among council members and between the Town Council and town staff. I am committed to improving Richmond’s reputation by promoting transparency, ethical practices, and adherence to the Town Charter and ordinances.
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I will encourage input from all residents as part of the decision making process. Supporting our local businesses and attracting new ones will be a key priority, as will revitalizing the Wyoming area. I will work to enhance the quality of life for our residents while seeking ways to reduce the tax burden on residential property owners.
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Jim Palmisciano
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During Jim’s prior council tenure he worked with council members and town staff to ensure the safety of our residents during COVID. He championed the creation of an objective, fair, and formal review process for town employees that is in place today. Jim worked to protect our children and police first responders at Richmond Elementary through the S.A.F.E. Proposal, allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to facilitate much needed upgrades to police personal protection equipment and school safety infrastructure on site. Jim demonstrated his leadership skills by working with a divided council to achieve consensus on important issues to benefit the people of Richmond.
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Daniel Madnick
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Daniel currently serves as vice chair on the Richmond Planning Board. This provided him with first-hand exposure to land use in Richmond. From this position, he was a strong champion for the Aquifer Protection Overlay District ordinance, which provided opportunities for development in Richmond in a way that still protected the Richmond water supply and public health. He also works closely with the town planning staff, and is eager to rebuild the working relationships between the town staff and Town Council. Dan will continue to find ways to promote sustainable growth in Richmond that improve life in the town while keeping the town’s rural character.
About Dan:
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Engineering Supervisor of an Advanced Structural Analysis Group at General Dynamics - Electric Boat
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Town of Richmond Planning Board Vice Chair
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Primary Contributor to the 2023 Aquifer Protection Overlay District Ordinance and 2024 State-mandated Zoning Ordinance Revisions
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Town of Richmond Planning Board Member since 2019
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Primary Contributor to the 2021 Comprehensive Community Plan Update
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Richmond Community Alliance Steering Committee Member
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Achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2006
Dan's Goals:​
Economic Development
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#1 Priority: Focus on Wyoming redevelopment and Richmond Commons to include small businesses, affordable housing, rental properties, and recreation opportunities
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Develop a Richmond Commerce and Business website
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Engage YMCA to discuss plans for upgraded facility in Richmond and potential community center partnership
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Work with Planning Board to create special zoning district for an Urgent Care Facility
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Richmond's natural resources and rural character can be maintained while pursuing sustainable economic development
Budget and Taxation
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Fiscal Responsibility - Ensure municipal spending and revenue are managed appropriately
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Use innovative ideas to reduce municipal spending, improve efficiency of town operations, and reduce waste
Communication
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Improve relationship and communication with residents, town staff, and government at every level
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Encourage public input and involvement in town decisions
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Chariho School Committee
Jessica Purcell
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As the parent of two children in Richmond Elementary School, I’m driven every day to ensure that they receive what they need to thrive. As a member of the Chariho community, that drive extends beyond my own family. I believe that all students need and deserve a quality education that is delivered in a safe and supportive environment.
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Strong schools are the heart of a strong community. In addition to K-12 education, our schools provide employment opportunities and essential benefits for teachers and staff. The whole community prospers when we share strong educational values and work together to address the real challenges that students of Chariho face. As a School Committee member, my top priority is our students and making our district the best it can be. I serve as a partner to all stakeholders, and believe in the strength of collaboration to meet the needs of this moment and also the needs of future generations.
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Karen Reynolds
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I am proud to serve as an active member of the Chariho School Committee. In addition to my role on the committee, I am a wife, a mother of three, and a dedicated middle school educator in a neighboring district. My commitment to the Chariho community is steadfast, and I will continue to work hard to ensure our district provides a high-quality education for all students.
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I believe that active participation in important discussions and votes is crucial for the continued success of our schools. When making decisions, I will listen to all perspectives to ensure that the needs of our students, educators, and taxpayers are balanced. My focus will always be on fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive while being mindful of the concerns of our community.
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My goals:
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High quality curriculum that encourages all of our students to be critical thinkers for the 21st century.
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Creating plans for safe and modern learning spaces for all students but especially for our elementary students.
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Continued growth of high quality programs at the secondary level, including our Career and Tech Center as well as specialized Pathways so that students can graduate with knowledge and skills to pursue the numerous options available to them.
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Providing fiscally responsible budgets that ensure continued success for our community. Making sure that taxpayer dollars stay in our community.
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Being an advocate for our all members of our community