The Johnston Democratic Town Committee’s “Enthusiasm Engine” was recharged last Thursday night inside a once-vacant storefront at the Stonehill Market Place at 1386 Atwood Ave. in Johnston.
With funding provided by Mayor Joseph Polisena, the committee officially opened its new headquarters during an old-fashioned, sports-like pep rally that also kicked off the 2020 campaign season.
However, the impressive, high-energy event was unlike any event the JDTC has ever held in its storied history.
More than 100 people attended and wore face coverings, and as veteran chairman Richard J. DelFino Jr. let it be known: “We are following all the state’s guidelines to ensure the safety of each and every one of our valuable and hard-working members.”
DelFino praised and thanked Polisena for “providing us with another great space for our campaign headquarters” and also related, “we’re thrilled with this space that is large enough to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.”
The long-serving chair told members: “It is important that we – the Johnston Democrats – maintain our traditional moderate agenda which reflects the values of many Johnstonians. We have put together a team that embodies the values of our community.”
Meanwhile, Polisena thanked the JDTC membership, saying: “I’m a lucky guy; I’m very lucky to have such a great team that continues to work hard for citizens of Johnston. Your hard work never goes unnoticed or appreciated. As our motto says, ‘Working Together, Winning Together.’”
With that, the JDTC’s endorsed candidates for state representative, state senator, Town Council and School Committee each issued brief statements.
Councilman Joseph Polisena Jr. emphasized: “We have a great team that has done many great things for our town and we must continue to work towards that goal and keep our team in place.”
Robert V. Russo, veteran president of the Johnston Town Council, added: “We have many great things happening to benefit our town, especially economic development that’s the envy of the state; therefore it’s important to keep our team in place to keep the mayor’s economic engine moving forward.”
Like all other candidates did during brief individual 2020 campaign reports, Johnston state Sen. Frank Lombardo thanked “everyone who contributes to our success” while adding, “not too many towns and/or cities have what we have in Johnston.”
Last Thursday night’s event was also used to gather signatures for the candidates’ nomination papers, and when people came in and out of the headquarters, there was even a drive-by for endorsed candidates to have their papers signed. The JDTC also provided clipboards and “keep pens” for the signings.
DelFino, who is vice president of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, closed out the headquarters’ opening by announcing the appointment of Douglas Jeffrey as executive director of the JDTC.
His statement was immediately greeted with applause and a standing ovation led by Polisena, as DelFino explained that since taking over as chair, he had not filled the director’s position. However, he noted Jeffrey’s networking in the community, along with his communication and mediation skills, and said “he will be an asset as we strategize in this ever changing world how best to represent the town’s interests.”
“Doug will be a great liaison between the JDTC and all of Johnston’s stakeholders,” DelFino said.
Jeffrey, who also serves as Polisena’s chief of staff, graciously accepted the position, saying: “Thank you. I’m honored to serve in this position … The people of Johnston will never apologize for our heritage and culture. And, we will never apologize for our success!”
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