Santilli sworn in to fill 'tremendous void' on School Committee

OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL: Former Johnston Town Council member David Santilli takes the oath of office for his School Committee seat from Mayor Joseph Polisena during Friday’s special ceremony inside the Municipal Courthouse on Atwood Avenue.

(Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine)

FAMILIAR FACE: David Santilli receives a congratulatory handshake from his son, District 2 Town Councilman David Santilli Jr., after Friday’s swearing in ceremony. They’re joined by new School Committee Chairman Robert LaFazia, Linda Folcarelli and Mayor Joseph Polisena.

(Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine)

Posted Thursday, May 30, 2019 2:35 pm

By PETE FONTAINE

David Santilli’s retirement from public office didn’t last long.

In fact, the local businessman – who owns and operates The Jewelry Center at 1463 Atwood Ave. – only vacated his District 3 seat on the Johnston Town Council last year when he announced he wouldn’t seek re-election. That seat is now held by Joseph Polisena Jr.

The unexpected passing of former School Committee chair Janice D. Mele in April created what Mayor Joseph Polisena called a “tremendous void” and sent town officials working to find her successor. Johnston Democrats huddled and came up with Santilli’s name to finish the two years remaining on Mele’s term.

“Thank you, David, for stepping up to take this important post,” the mayor said after administering the oath of office to Santilli during a special ceremony last Friday morning at the Johnston Municipal Courthouse. “At least you know the job and won’t have to go back to school.”

Polisena noted Santilli’s extensive experience. In addition to serving three two-year terms on the Johnston Town Council, Santilli also previously served two four-year terms – one as vice chairman – on the School Committee.

“Our School Committee is now getting someone who doesn’t need to learn the ropes,” Polisena said. “David, you are without question a perfect fit for the Johnston School Committee and again I thank you for filling this void.”

Upon completion of the ceremony, Santilli received well wishes from Polisena, Johnston Democratic Town Committee Chairman Richard J. DelFino Jr., District 1 Town Council representative Linda Folcarelli and his son, David Santilli Jr., who is in his first term as the District 2 Town Council representative.

“I know I can help the Johnston School District,” the elder Santilli said while shaking hands and receiving greetings from School Committee Chairman Robert LaFazia. “I’ve been there and done that before and I’m very much looking forward to working with the committee and continuing to move our schools forward.”