EP Voters Have Spoken

Botelho over Seel in Ward 3 Council Replaces Rose; Briden in at-large Council, Britto Back:

With all districts reporting, East Providence voters have elected some new faces and have approved a move to elect a strong Mayor as the city's top executive. In a closely contested Ward 4 city council race, newcomer Brian Faria has bested incumbent Tim Conley. The final tally was 2347 to 2256. Before the election Faria had issued a statement which said in part, "The people can no longer feel powerless in our City government. The combination of your voices will conquer any "block of votes" they have in opposition to change in Riverside. The people of this ward are the real machine and your voices are much greater in number. To have change we must bring change," said Faria. Reached after the polls closed, Tim Conley stated that "I respect the will of the voters."

In the Ward 3 city council race left open by Tom Rose, Joe Botelho held off three time candidate Candy Seel by a 1968 to 1710 margin. "Barring a massive amount of mail-in votes, it looks like another narrow loss for me," said Seel after the polls closed. "Congratulations to my opponent Joe Botelho. I wish all the newly elected and re-elected public officials all the best. Thank you to everyone who supported me in this and the two previous campaigns. A special thanks to the people of Riverside in Ward 3 who will always hold a special place in my heart," added Seel."I Thank each and every one of you for your loyalty, dedication and time you put into my election and my years on the Council," said Mayor Tom Rose who did not seek reelection. "As I approach my final weeks on this Council as Mayor I would like to wish all the new incoming members of the Council the best of luck in the future."

In a Ward 2 city council race which saw former Mayor and councilman Bruce Rogers attempt a comeback, political novice Anna Sousa defeated Rogers. Rogers campaigned hard but couldn't overtake Sousa's effort. Sousa won 1714 to 1442.

The open council-at-large seat being vacated by Tracy Capobianco, went to another former Mayor and councilman, Jim Briden, who was unopposed and received 11,856 votes.

Ward 1 councilman Bob Britto was also unopposed and reelected with 3573 votes.

In a surprise eleventh hour decision, former school committee and city council member Chrissy Rossi re-entered the school committee-at-large race against incumbent Joel Monteiro. Rossi had withdrawn from the race due to family illness but did so too late to have her name removed from the ballot. However after family health matters improved, Rossi put out the word that she was running officially. Her announcement came just a day or two before the election. After the election Rossi said, "I am grateful for your support and humbled by the sheer volume of votes. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish Mr. Monteiro and the rest of the committee a positive new term filled with smiling children, happy employees and the spirit of cooperation to elevate our district to great heights. Best wishes in your next term Mr. Monteiro. Monteiro was reelected by a count of 7690 to 7144 over Rossi.

The school committee chemistry has seen an alignment of members Joel Monteiro and Nathan Cahoon politically, while Ward 4 incumbent Jessica Beauchaine, Ward 2 member Tony Ferreira and Ward 1 member, Chairman Charles Tsonos have aligned.

In a spirited Ward 4 school committee race, incumbent Jessica Beauchaine defeated newcomer Chris Dias by a 2485 to 2156. Beauchaine carried all ward districts. "Tonight we bow out gracefully," posted Dias after the election. "It didn't end in a win for us, but thank you for everything. Congrats Jessica Beauchaine and good luck in the future," Dias said. "I appreciate everyone's support," said Beauchaine after the meeting. "I congratulate my opponent and all who ran for office today. Let's move ahead in the best interest of our schools and students."

Incumbent Ward 1 school committee member and Chairman Charles Tsonos was unopposed and received 3356 votes.

Incumbent Ward 2 school committee member Tony Ferreira was unopposed and received 2495 votes.

Incumbent Ward 3 school committee member Nathan Cahoon was unopposed and received 2748 votes.

Incumbent Representative Katherine S. Kazarian (DEM) in District 63, defeated Christopher J. Holland (REP) 3818 to 2047.

Cynthia Armour Coyne (DEM) District 32 defeated James A. Kazounis (REP) by a 1040 to 766 count.

Senator Daniel Da Ponte (DEM) District 14 was unopposed as was Senator William Conley (DEM) District 18.

Soon to be former Ward 2 city councilman Helder J. Cunha (DEM) was unopposed in his Representative District 64 bid receiving 3142 votes.

Incumbent District 65 State Representative Gregg Amore (DEM) was unopposed and received 4398 votes. Incumbent District 66 Representative Joy S. Hearn (DEM) was unopposed and received 1504 votes.

Strong Mayor For EP?

In a discussion which many voters have had for several years, the city of East Providence has voted to switch its' form of government from a City Manager to an elected Mayor form of government, similar to cities like Providence, Warwick and Cranston to mention a few. The vote to approve was by a landslide 12,192 to 4,503 vote. In years past similar votes to go to a strong Mayor have been defeated. The city's democratic party has always been a proponent of such a move but couldn't muster the necessary support. The recent spate of a half dozen city managers being fired in rapid succession, may have led to the margin of victory this time. This vote is to amend the current city charter. There may be some procedural General Assembly actions before this actually takes place in the near future.