Transparency, deleted emails and PFAS: what candidates said at the Newport forum

Concerns about transparency, public records and local environmental risk were central to the forum’s most contentious exchanges. Voters pressed candidates on whether the council has been operating in line with the city charter, whether public emails were improperly deleted, and what to do about a 2019 state report linking PFAS to the local wastewater treatment facility.

On deleted emails and records protection, Carl King stated plainly: "No 1 should be deleting anything in a public record matter. That belongs to the people." Candidates proposed steps including hiring a technology firm to secure servers, creating a central repository for public-records requests, and preserving backups so records cannot be erased by individual employees.

The forum included a substantive exchange about perceived conflicts of interest. Incumbent Kevin Charbel said, "There would appear to be a conflict of interest" where a candidate serves as director of a downtown nonprofit that receives municipal support; Rick Uffert Chase acknowledged he takes a salary from NCDD and said he would work with the city attorney to manage any appearance of conflict. Several candidates observed that small communities often create overlapping roles and recommended open, attorney‑guided recusal processes rather than ad hoc disputes.

Environmental concerns drew strong remarks. The moderator introduced a 2019 Vermont Department of Conservation report that identified Newport's wastewater treatment facility as a significant PFAS source. Candidates broadly supported deeper investigation and stewardship. One candidate recalled prior council action to stop accepting landfill leachate into city systems and argued the city must remain vigilant about where industrial wastewater is routed.

On charter and governance issues, candidates repeatedly referenced the charter’s language that the mayor and board jointly direct the city manager. Several said they had reviewed the charter and would require the city manager to be bonded, as stipulated, and to follow charter-prescribed procedures.

No formal policy changes or votes were taken at the forum; candidates committed to pursue legal guidance and to prioritize records security, PFAS follow-up and clearer processes if elected. Voters concerned about transparency, environmental testing or potential conflicts of interest will likely seek follow-up from the council and from the municipality’s city attorney after the election.