Proud to have served

Dear residents of District 1:

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your elected representative to the Johnston Town Council since January 2015. It has truly been an honor and privilege to have worked alongside you, as your advocate and voice in local government.

As you are probably aware, my wife and I were blessed with a new addition to our family this past June, the birth of a baby boy. As a dedicated and committed elected official, much time is spent outside of the home. I determined that I could not spend so much time away from my wife and two very young boys. Let me emphasize that my decision not to seek re-election was based solely on my family being my priority.

Much has been accomplished over the past two terms most notably: No tax increase over the past three years, over 30 roads in District 1 repaired and repaved, responded to over 600 constituent requests, economic development and the advocacy of many new, legitimate, properly licensed, taxpaying, new businesses, support of environmental initiatives including the annual Pocasset River cleanup project, educational and recreational improvements, improved public safety including the establishment of community policing at Simmons Village, and numerous ordinances to protect the health and welfare of our community.

Most importantly I had the benefit of working with a team of exceptional elected officials, led by the state’s hardest working Mayor in Joseph Polisena. I truly appreciate his support and all his efforts on behalf of the residents of District 1 and the entire Town. My colleagues in state government, Representative Stephen Ucci and Senator Frank Lombardo, joined me in countless efforts to improve the quality of life of our residents. School Committee member Robert LaFazia is a tireless leader on behalf of our school children, loyal and dependable, and a true friend. My colleagues on the Town Council and counterparts on the School Committee have always provided caring and professional representation and I thank them for their partnership.

When I took over in my role as your council representative, I inherited a seat absent of constituent advocacy, where numerous violations of town ordinances and local laws existed, and where businesses were operating without proper licensing, unpaid taxes, and a history of failed cooperation with town officials. The task and obligation to right these wrongs has been difficult, although we have made substantial improvements, but the need to continue to hold them accountable is crucial to all residents and taxpayers.

I strongly support the candidacy of Linda Folcarelli to serve as our Town Council Representative. She is the only candidate for Town Council that has a proven record of community service and a commitment to work on the team with Mayor Polisena and our elected officials, moving Johnston forward. Most importantly Linda is a good person, of character and principle. She will serve us proudly.

I again thank you for all your support and well wishes and look forward to our continued relationships, and if the call to public service reappears in my future, be assured, I will answer with the same commitment and dedication, and the pledge to do what is right on behalf of Johnston’s residents.

Richard J. DelFino III

Johnston Town Council, District 1