Fundraiser for Councilman DelFino held at Luigi’s

There was an interesting collection of political people inside Luigi’s Restaurant in Johnston recently.

There were state representatives and senators from all corners of Rhode Island, along with several judges and an award-winning architect.

There were even personnel from the state Department of Administration who enjoyed camaraderie and Italian food during an evening sponsored by the Friends of Johnston Town Councilman Richard J. DelFino III.

Mayor Joseph Polisena and Town Council President Robert Russo headlined the list of local officials on hand, which included School Committee members and various town department heads.

“What a special night for Richard,” said Father John Duggan, a Roman Catholic priest from Ireland and long-time DelFino family friend who offered the night’s blessing. “This was certainly a night with great people, great food and of course a great young man.”

Although the councilman has not officially announced he’s running for a second term, a host of supporters showed up Monday night to honor DelFino.

“[DelFino] pledged to represent the community withy professionalism, dignity, and respect, and anyone who has seen him in that capacity knows he has kept his commitment,” said Mary Cerra, a former councilwoman and state representative.

“I am pleased to have the support of my colleagues in government, representatives from the business community, environmental groups, public safety, and labor, but mostly the support of people in the district who appreciate my commitment to represent them and be their advocate,” DelFino said. “There is much more work to be done, and I am committed to continue working on behalf of the citizens of District 1 and the residents of our great town.”