My name is John Michael and I am running for Newport City Council Ward 1.

When I filed my paperwork to become a candidate for Newport City Council in the First Ward, someone asked me, “Why do you want to run?”   My answer was simple:  I love Newport, Newport is my home.

I also said I believe I have the life and professional experiences to serve the First Ward and address the issues that affect the quality of life in our community.

For those who don’t know me, I am a lifelong First Ward resident and taxpayer.  I was born and raised here by my parents, Arthur and Mary Michael, who were also lifelong First Ward residents.  My father worked as a carpenter and roofer, and my mother dedicated more than 45 years to the Newport School Department.  They taught me the importance of hard work and community.

I graduated college with an engineering degree and built a career working in both the private and government sectors.  Most recently, I retired from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), where I spent many years working with people from across our country and around the world making informed decisions and solving complex problems.

My love for the water began at the age of five, when I was a deckhand on the wooden lobster boat owned by my grandfather and Uncle Gus Logothets, and moored at Long Wharf for over 80 years.  I have been fortunate throughout my life to experience Newport from both land and water—to know its neighborhoods and its waterfront, its people and its traditions, and the unique character that makes this city unlike anywhere else.

My career gave me the opportunity to travel extensively.  I have seen some remarkable places, but every time I came home, I was reminded of something I have always known: there is no place like Newport.

Over the past decade, I have seen our city change, and I have become increasingly concerned about the challenges affecting our quality of life.  I believe Newport can continue to grow and prosper while protecting our neighborhoods, traditions, character, and sense of community that make it such a special place to live.

With more than 25 years of professional experience as an engineer, I bring a practical and analytical approach to solving problems. As your First Ward City Councilor, I will be transparent, listen to residents, prioritize quality of life issues and work collaboratively toward thoughtful, data-driven solutions.

I am committed to being an accessible and responsive representative and to providing the leadership and vision needed to help Newport thrive while preserving what makes our city so special.

It would be an honor to represent the First Ward, and I would be grateful to earn your vote.