Mayor, rep races top ballot locally

Johnston voters will decide just one contested local race at the Nov. 4 election, along with a handful of legislative races.

Democratic Mayor Joseph Polisena is facing a challenge from independent Ernest F. Pitochelli as he seeks a new term. The new term will be for four years, following voters’ approval of a change to the town charter limiting service in the mayor’s office to two four-year terms.

The mayor – a nurse and former firefighter and state senator – has served four two-year terms since winning office in 2007. His campaign has focused on his record over the last seven-plus years, particularly in terms of fiscal management and new development.

Pitochelli previously sought the mayor’s office as a Republican and served on the Town Council for 12 years. He has pledged to address the town’s finances and improve transparency in local government.

With no Republicans or independents on the ballot, other local races were effectively decided in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary.

Richard DelFino III has no opposition for the District 1 seat on the council after defeating incumbent Eileen Fuoco in the primary, while District 5 Councilwoman Stephanie P. Manzi fended off a primary challenge from Jeanette Scarcella and has no general election opponent.

The other three members of the council – District 2’s Anthony A. Verardo, District 3’s David J. Santilli and District 4 representative and Council President Robert V. Russo – had no primary opponents and face no challengers on Tuesday’s ballot.

For School Committee, Lauren A. Garzone topped Benjamin A. Mesiti in the District 2 primary and has no opposition in the general election. Incumbent Lorraine C. Iafrate is not seeking a new term.

In District 3, committee Chairwoman Janice D. Mele bested Jennifer A. Armstrong-Souza in the primary and is running unopposed on Tuesday. In District 5, Gena Bianco won the primary over incumbent Susan M. Mansolillo, and has no challenger in the general election.

There are a few contests for seats in the General Assembly. State Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-43) is facing independent candidate Karin N. Gorman after defeating Edward A. Doyle in the primary. State Rep. Gregory J. Costantino (D-44) faces a challenge from Republican Philip G. Hirons Jr., while state Sen. Stephen Archambault (D-22) is squaring off against Republican Hasan Alsawaf.

State Reps. John M. Carnevale (D-13) and Stephen R. Ucci (D-42) have no challengers as they seek re-election. State Sen. Frank Lombardo III (D-25) is running without opposition.

For additional information on candidates, polling places and new photo identification requirements at the polls, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.ri.gov.