Planning board candidate Abby Klieman pledges to ‘think beyond condominiums’ for Hull’s future
/I’m running for a seat on Hull’s planning board because Hull deserves leadership that combines vision, responsibility, and deep respect for our history. I’ll help plan for Hull’s future in ways that serve residents and ensure that growth enhances – rather than compromises – what makes Hull special.
My husband, Dave, and I moved to Hull in 2020 and quickly fell in love with our town. Now I want to give back. My college and graduate school degrees are in government and public administration. I’ve spent my career in nonprofit resource development, building partnerships with businesses, donors, other nonprofits, and all levels of government. I know how to bring in the right resources to fulfill a mission and serve a community.
I’ve worked with Ivy League universities, multinational human-services organizations, hospital systems, and nonprofits focused on foster youth; I’ve served on boards supporting Court Appointed Special Advocates for children experiencing abuse and neglect, senior housing, and children of incarcerated parents. I am an alumna of Leadership RI, a highly selective, nationally recognized community leadership organization.
In Barrington, Rhode Island, where I lived for more than 20 years, I served on both the planning board and the zoning board. I helped make an affordable housing development – Sweetbriar – a reality. It stands today as a model of what thoughtful, community-centered planning can achieve.
As we embark upon Hull’s next 250 years, our planning board should plan boldly but wisely for the future in smart, creative, sustainable ways that respect and protect the integrity of our community. The long-term economic health of Hull and the needs of its residents must take precedence over developer interests when in conflict. Let us all think beyond condominiums.
I believe in transparency and respect. Residents have a right to know who the true stakeholders are in every project that affects our neighborhoods, our coastline, our green space, and our way of life. And residents should receive thoughtful, respectful answers to their questions and concerns.
Hull deserves experienced leadership that collaborates, not dictates; that respects and protects the integrity of our community. Vote for me and I’ll bring exactly that to Hull’s planning board.
A vote for me will bring:
• Community-focused leadership: I will ensure Hull’s future growth, prioritize residents’ needs, honor our history, and preserve what makes our town unique.
• Experience and transparency: I have prior service on both planning and zoning boards, a strong academic background, and a commitment to transparency, clarity, and respect.
• Proven impact: As part of a team, I have delivered successful projects like affordable housing and securing vital resources.
• Bridge builder: I know how to build and leverage strong partnerships with businesses, community, and government where all benefit.
Together, let’s change things for the better:
• Commit to clear communication, transparency, and responsible planning
• Consider how today’s decisions will impact tomorrow
• Support a sustainable economic and environmental future for Hull
• Focus on the needs of Hull and its residents
• Recognize the value of and protect our green space and our coastal resources
• Respect the voices of the community.
• Disclose all stakeholders and relationships
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