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Watchaug Pond
Peter Slom - Town Council
Peter Slom.jpeg

Peter Slom, a resident of Charlestown for over 27 years, has been a dedicated member of the community since moving here in 1997. Peter was appointed to serve on the Charlestown Town Council in March, 2024 following the passing of Councilor Grace Klinger. He has been an active and progressive member of the Council since his appointment. Peter worked diligently on the proposed 2024-25 town budget that will keep us at the second lowest tax rate in the State. Peter serves as the liaison to the Charlestown Conservation Committee. He supported funding the new school playground at Charlestown Elementary School. Peter has been a strong advocate of a local government which is transparent, accountable, responsible and cooperative. He pragmatic approach to local issues has earned him positive reputation among his peers and citizens. 


Peter has a long list of community activities dating back over 30 years. He has been a strong advocate in the areas of criminal justice, substance use disorders, homelessness, housing, education, children and families, youth sports, community safety and clean neighborhoods.


Peter has served on the numerous committees and programs in Charlestown and Washington County including:

  • Chariho School Building Committee-2003-04

  • Charlestown Juvenile Hearing Board-founding member and Board President

  • Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commission

  • Warm Center/Welcome House-Board member and current Board President

  • Chariho Little League, Chariho Youth Soccer, Chariho Youth Basketball and Charlestown Youth Basketball-coach, manager and league organizer

  • Galilee Mission (substance use program)-past member, Board of Directors and volunteer

  • Helped initiate the Charlestown Neighborhood Cleanup Day-2019

  • Peter has also been active with other programs and initiatives on a state-wide basis:

  • Rhode Island State Parole Board member-2021-present

  • Touro Synagogue/Congregation Jeshuat Israel-Current member, Board of Trustees

  • Re-entry Campus Program-providing educational opportunities to current and formerly incarcerated individuals-2019-2022

  • Parent Support Network Rhode Island-consultant-2022-present

  • Rhode Island Right to Vote Campaign-Chairman-2004-06-successfully restored voting rights to those individuals who were on probation 

  • Open Doors Rhode Island-Past Board Chairman

  • RI Foster Parents Association-Past Board member

  • Field instructor-URI Psychology Department at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls

 

Peter and his wife, Julia Anne, and their 2 sons, Luke and Sam, have lived in Charlestown since 1997. Peter and Julia Anne restored a condemned and abandoned 1790 farmhouse into one of Charlestown’s most beautiful properties. Peter is a graduate of Providence College (1978) and received his Master of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College in 1996. He worked for the State of Rhode Island from 1997-2021. He was the Associate Director of the Rhode Island Training School, the state’s juvenile detention facility. Peter served at Associate Director for the Department of Children Youth and Families as their Substance Use Disorder Liaison. Upon his retirement in 2021, Peter continued his private counseling practice helping those with substance use and mental health concerns.


Peter has been a featured guest on the PBS nationally televised show, “White House Chronicles”, the Public’s Radio national segment “This I Believe” and locally on “Recovery TV, The Voice of Hope”. He has received numerous accolades and awards over his career for his work in the field of social work and helping youth, families and victims of crime.


“This is my first time running for a public office as I have chosen in the past to serve the community by volunteering for numerous causes. I believe if the citizens of Charlestown choose to cast their vote for me, they will continue to have a council member whom they can trust and one who looks out for the interest of ALL our residents, not just a small group. I will continue work diligently for you, be receptive to all suggestions, treat everyone with equality and do what is best for the majority of our population. My vast experience in so many areas will help me serve the voters effectively and help keep Charlestown a safe, family-friendly and beautiful community.”

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