Nathan Weathers

Age: 47 Occupation: Generalist. Building Contractor for the past 14 years Prior elected experience: None What have you done that makes you the best candidate?

Perhaps this question would be better stated as, “Do my neighbors feel that I would be able to represent them well on the city council?” In 2022 there was a vacancy on the council and I was honored to be appointed for 8 months to that position. It was an excellent opportunity for me to learn how council members serve our neighbors in the following areas: 1. As a check and balance – every time the bills and payroll are paid a council member has looked over every item first. 2. As visible representation of the citizens – any individual can have their concerns or issues raised, discussed and addressed through any council member. 3. As policy makers who seek the best interest of the city both now and in the future as expressed in the ordinances that are adopted.

2. Where do you see Newport in 10 years? “If you want to make small changes, you need to change how you act; if you want to make large chang- es, you need to change how you think.” As a community we must recognize the difference between issues that are caused by factors out of our control and those that we have agency over. That frees us up to focus on the things we can do something about. The degree to which we are willing to do this will determine whether Newport looks significantly different in 10 years, or if it remains largely the same but a decade older.

What would you like to see changed in Newport? It has been quipped that if you ask the average person on the street what our biggest problem is – ignorance or apathy – they will respond that they don’t know and they don’t care. That may be a bigger problem on the state or national stage, but we have the distinct opportunity here locally to make a positive change by getting informed, and starting to care. I would like to keep growing in these areas, and would wish the same for all my neighbors who live here with me! From the youth with their energy and broad horizons to our elders with years of broad experience and wisdom, ALL of us can contribute to change the place where we live for the better.