For over two decades, Deborah Carney has been a passionate advocate for the residents of Charlestown. As both an elected and appointed official for Charlestown and the Chariho School District, Deb has tirelessly worked for the entire community.
 
In 2020, Deb was elected and currently serves as the Town Council President. From 2018 to 2020 she served as Vice-President.  Deb previously served as the Charlestown Town Council President from 2002 to 2006 and was elected to the Chariho School Committee and served from 2008 to 2012.  She also currently serves as the liaison to the Coastal Ponds Management Commission, the Planning Commission, the Charlestown 250th Committee, the Ordinance Review Ad Hoc Committee, and the Charter Revision Advisory Committee.
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During the last eight years, she was the Vice President of the Town Council from 2018-2020, then as President, from 2020-2026.  During that time Deb Carney successfully accomplished the following: 

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Worked cooperatively with the state and other elected officials to secure funding for the repair and reconstruction of the western wall of the Charlestown Breachway.
Along with the Town Council, partnered with the South County Tourism Council for improvements to Ninigret Park, including the Tomas Dambo Trolls, the Daffodil Trail, the Moon Gate near Erik Rock, new landscaping, and beautification of the park.
Achieved the long overdue improvement of Charlestown Beach Rd, with the cooperation of the Town Council, the Town Administrator and the Town’s DPW Director.
Has stayed in contact on a monthly basis with the Northeast Corridor Commission and Amtrak to ensure Charlestown has a voice at the table should there be a new proposal for the railway to come through Charlestown. 

Worked with the Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service to guarantee ambulance service for all of Charlestown's residents.  This agreement will ensure all residents will have peace of mind knowing that when they call 911, they will have qualified staff with proper lifesaving equipment. 
Under the leadership of the current Town Council, Charlestown has enjoyed the low tax rate of $5.03 per $1000 of assessed valuation.
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Stood up for Charlestown’s residents and led the effort to secure a tax reduction for all of Charlestown's taxpayers for Fiscal Year 2019-2020.  Because of Deb Carney’s tenacity, Charlestown taxpayers saw a reduction in the tax rate. Her efforts in 2019, stopped the former Councilors' $3.1 million unknown construction project and secured the Town's surplus, so the money was available to further reduce the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Despite being in the minority on the Town Council, Deb Carney fought so that all of Charlestown’s residents would benefit.
Initiated the Town Council Resolution to request that the State enact legislation to clearly define and guarantee the people's rights to access the shore.

Worked with the Chariho Cowboys to finally secure the use of temporary lights for Puchalski Field so that the children could safely practice football and cheer-leading.
Proposed a Fund Balance Policy that would ensure the Town's Emergency Reserve Funds would not be depleted by potentially unwise spending proposals while ensuring that the Emergency Reserve Funds will not grow to excess through taxation of residents.
Proposed and spearheaded the first Neighborhood Cleanup Day. 
Worked with the Town Council to increase transparency by livestreaming and posting meeting of additional boards, committees and commissions.  In addition, the Town Council amended the manner in which Town Council meeting minutes are presented to include useful information, so residents do not have to watch hours of meetings to obtain useful information.
Worked with the Town Council to provide funding for the playground at the Charlestown Elementary School.

In addition to serving sixteen years in elected office, Deb has also taken leadership roles on other committees in Charlestown. In 2002 Deb was the Chair of the Chariho Entrance, Expansion and Exit Committee, and from 2007 to 2008 she served as Chair of the Charter Revision Committee. Additionally, from 2006- 2026, Deb served as Charlestown’s representative on the Chariho Audit Sub-committee.
 
In all of these positions, Deb has always listened to her constituents and put the needs of Charlestown and its residents at the forefront of her decision-making.
 
Deb has lived in Charlestown for thirty years. She is a Commercial Rated Pilot and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Daniel Webster College. For the past twenty-four years, she has managed her family’s power tool and fastener business.  Her personal and professional experience gives her the insight and experience necessary to continue to serve Charlestown as an elected official.
 
“When they cast their vote, people should trust that their candidate will work for them and serve honorably and with the people’s best interests in mind. Elected officials must listen to different voices and engage in open discussion to ensure that they give all residents fair consideration and treat them equally. If I am re-elected to the Charlestown Town Council, I will continue to listen to all Charlestown residents and make decisions that benefit the many.
 
I have proven that when I give my word, I keep my word. As I have demonstrated in the past, I will work tirelessly and passionately to ensure that Charlestown remains a community in which families and businesses will thrive.”