RI PBS — Rhode Island Senate Confirms Barrington Foot and Ankle Surgeon to CRMC

Dr. Michael Reuter waves during the Rhode Island Senate session on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after he was confirmed to sit on the Coastal Resources Management Council. NANCY LAVIN/RHODE ISLAND CURRENT

Mar 21, 2025

By Nancy Lavin — The embattled Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) has had a tough time recruiting new members.

The 10-member panel has been four seats shy of a full roster since December — not unusual in recent years. Controversy surrounding the appointed regulatory body did not dissuade Dr. Michael Reuter, a Barrington podiatric surgeon and avid sailor, from seeking an appointment to the council.

In an interview at the Rhode Island State House Thursday, Reuter said his experience on the Barrington Harbor Commission motivated him to help oversee development and public access along the state’s 400 miles of shoreline.

“What got frustrating was we would spend hours talking about local issues, then have to send our opinion to the CMRC,” Reuter said.

His enthusiasm was enough for the Rhode Island Senate to give its blessing to Reuter’s appointment to the council, as submitted by Gov. Dan McKee. The unanimous vote was met with a round of applause.

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