Interview with What’s Up Newp

My name is Jamie Bova and I am running for reelection to the Newport City Council. I have served as your voice on the Council as an At-Large Councilor since 2016, when I was elected for my first term. I was elected again in 2018 and I was honored to be appointed Mayor and Council Chair by my fellow Councilors. I am proud to serve you and the residents of Newport, and it is important to me that I maintain a regular and open dialogue with all our neighbors.

The members of the City Council have a responsibility to listen to Newport residents like you and make you a part of our decision-making process. I have always believed we need to be guided by a vision for Newport’s future that has been crafted by our community. This belief has been strengthened during my time on the Council. While I have served as Mayor, I have worked to clearly and consistently engage Newporters in all aspects of the Council and City government, ensuring that your voices are heard and that critical decisions are discussed and made in plain view on the dais with public input. This Council has used the community’s input – your input – to enact new, stronger regulations that will shape Newport’s future to reflect our community’s vision.

I was humbled to be the top vote getter in the recent City Council Primary; I have gained the support of Newport residents because they believe in the work that I have been doing on the Council. Since I’ve served on the City Council, both as an At-Large Councilor and as Mayor, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with members of the community from across Newport. The passion and energy in our neighborhoods continue to inspire me every day, and it makes me proud to represent the people of Newport in their City Government. It is why I am running for reelection. I will continue to strive to give you and all Newporters a government that shares your values. Our government must be focused on serving all the people who choose to live and work in Newport.

I have chosen to make Newport my home since 2012 because I truly love this city. My family moved to Aquidneck Island in 1989 and I grew up in Middletown and attended Middletown public schools. One of my first jobs was over the summer in high school working at the original Army-Navy Surplus Store on Thames Street. This was my first up-close experience with what it takes to run a small local business and I left that job with a deep respect for all small business owners. After graduating from Middletown High School, I went on to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.

I started my career as an engineer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center after earning my degree. During my time there I have both been a part of a team of engineers working to solve complex technical problems and been a manager of such a team myself. Throughout my time at URI and continuing into my career, I have spent time volunteering as a mentor with the Aquidneck Island Robotics Team and served on the organization’s Board of Directors for two years. During my time mentoring high school students from around the state, I learned the value and impact of community involvement. 

My partner and I purchased our house here in Newport in 2016 after having both worked in Washington, D.C.  The decision to settle here inspired me to run for office and give back to my neighbors.