Civetti looking to win another term in District 5

Incumbent District 5 Town Council representative Robert Civetti said the rural aspects of his area make it unique, and he’s standing by the taxpayers to keep it that way.

Civetti is running against independent challenger Jim Florio Jr. for a third term this fall, embarking on an unusual campaign season that includes far less door-to-door work than usual. He said he has sent out a few mailers to constituents, reiterating his affiliation as a moderate Democrat and reaffirming his dedication to remaining “side by side” with residents on major issues.

“I can tell you, speak for myself definitely, but I think all of the Democrats that are here in Johnston, the elected officials that are Democrats, we’re the old-time, moderate Democrats, that we’re here for the working people and we’re trying to do what’s best for the people,” Civetti said. “I hope that the residents of the area understand that I’ll go to bat with them.”

Civetti said that if residential housing is permitted under current zoning laws, “nobody’s looking to stop because you have the right to use your property.” However, Civetti has no appetite for changing zones to allow for condominiums or cutting a lot size in half.

That was on full display during a hearing in June, during which attorney K. Joseph Shekarchi argued on behalf of Peter and Pamela DelPonte to change a plat and lot’s zone from R-40 to R-20. Shekarchi later told the Sun Rise that the amendment would permit the construction of 17 single-family homes instead of nine.

Civetti strenuously argued against a continuance, recommended by District 2 representative David Santilli Jr., citing a potential “major impact” on the surrounding area. The continuance was denied, and Shekarchi pulled the application from consideration. It has yet to appear before the council again.

“I think we had enough support that we stood by the taxpayers in the area, and they definitely had my support,” Civetti said. “We actually had a few neighborhood meetings at the time where upwards of 50, 60 residents came out … The applicant came out on one Sunday and he presented his stuff, so we appreciated very much him at least coming out to state his point and why he was looking to change it from an R-40 to an R-20. They withdrew the application after much discussion, and they do have the right to come back.”

That property is not a special case either, he said. There have been plenty of battles over the years, and he’ll likely remain against similar zone alterations: “If it’s an R-40, it’s going to stay an R-40.”

“We’ve had the issue in different neighborhoods where people wanted to rezone, had condos they wanted to go into areas that had a lot of farmland still, so I stood side by side with the taxpayers in that area,” Civetti said. “That’s where we’ve had a couple of those issues and I’ve stood by the taxpayers. We’ve put a hold on some of those developments where hopefully they don't happen.”

Civetti said Johnston “hasn’t missed a beat” in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, saying the School Committee, council and Mayor Joseph Polisena’s administration have all worked to keep residents informed and safe.

“On the town side, I think our DPW department and public safety, police and fire, they’ve all – knock on wood – stayed healthy and responded and helped the residents were needed,” Civetti said. “I think the mayor, his staff’s been on top of it all and the department directors, they’re doing the best they can. I think we’ve responded well.”

As far as rebounding economically from the pandemic, Civetti said Johnston’s current business-friendly approach could be a winning strategy. He referenced recent announcements of national and local mainstays – Market Basket, Encompass Health and Rondeau’s Kickboxing – opening new locations in town as examples of brighter days to come.

“We still have a lot of businesses looking to come in to town,” Civetti said. “I think a lot of our small businesses continue to be in business, at least from what I can see, it doesn’t seem to be any huge negative impact. We’re approving business licenses on a monthly basis. There are still new businesses opening, whether it’s phone calls only-type businesses out of a home or actual storefronts … I think people want to come to Johnston, and we’ve been business-friendly and I think that continues.”

He’s also been clamoring for a new school in town, a discussion that has gained significant traction over the past year but slowed once the pandemic hit. He said it’s “something we really need to look at” as modular classrooms – intended for temporary use – have been attached for several decades at institutions like Thornton Elementary School.

He said there’s a potential 17 to 20 percent extra reimbursement the town could obtain on top of the flat 35 percent rate, which could save significant funds for a project that could surpass $100 million.

“We do have some aging schools in the town. There’s initiatives out there, which is why I think it’s imperative that we take action now because there are different bonus or funding levels at the state level,” Civetti told the Sun Rise. “So I think everybody would be looking to see what options are available so we don’t leave that money on the table. We’re still in some initial stages, but we do have different stages at the state level that they look at, so we’re at the beginning stages but I think trying to get the administration, my colleagues and everybody on the School Committee to come out would be best for the taxpayers.”