New Council President: 'Johnston is a truly great place'

Johnston Sun Rise ·

Mayor Joseph Polisena, whose opening speech at the inaugural ceremony spoke volumes of many success stories, delivered a power-packed greeting that was included a hint of continued development on Hartford Avenue in the spring and more cranes in the sky for yet more new construction.

Polisena performed the official oath of office to five Johnston Town Council members, two veteran School Committee members, the Probate Judge, Municipal Court Judge and Auxiliary Court Judge. He also acknowledged the adoption of the Town Council Rules for the 2017-2019 term as read by Vincent P. Baccari Jr., the town’s valuable clerk.

The new five-member Town Council elected a new president, Anthony A. Verardo, who succeeds former long-time leader Robert V. Russo. Veteran Town Councilman David J. Santilli, who represents District 3, was also elected vice president.

“I am humbled and thankful for the trust the council has shown in electing me president,” said Verardo, who represents District 2 and began his third term. “Working with the council members, school committee, mayor and his administration, I know we will build upon our many past accomplishments to move Johnston in a positive direction.”

Verardo, who was accompanied by his wife Vivian and children, Natalie, Nick and Vinny, said, “Johnston is truly a great place to live and work. Our responsibility as an elected body is to make it even better with each vote.”

Russo, meanwhile, applauded Verardo’s election explaining, “I have not sought support for the presidency. I have been president for 16 years and I think it is time to give someone else a chance.”

The 2017-2019 Johnston Town Council also includes Richard DelFino III, District 1, and Robert J. Civetti, who will represent District 5, the town’s ever-expanding west end. Civetti was the overwhelming winner in his first-ever attempt to run for public office.

“Tonight, I personally want to welcome our newest member to this great team,” said Polisena while introducing Civetti amid applause. “Bob will be a great asset to our town council with his keen mind for financial numbers. As a CPA, Robert’s career has given him the experience of city/town audits and finances. He was the only – and I repeat only – qualified person running for the District 5 council seat and his taxes were paid up unlike others who ran for office.”

Polisena also administered the Oath of Office to School Committee members Robert A. LaFazia, District 1, the group’s vice president, as well as Joseph R. Rotella, District 4, who spurned back a challenge in his impressive primary battle.

The mayor, saying, “we have the three best judges anywhere in Rhode Island,” also performed the swearing in of Honorable Paul J. DiMaio as Johnston’s Probate Judge; Honorable Michael DiChiro, Municipal Court Judge; and Honorable Jacqueline Grasso, Auxiliary Court Judge.

DiMaio, who has a law office in Providence, is the longest sitting Probate Court Judge in Rhode Island, a position he’s held for 40 years.

“Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, we have certainly come a long way in the past 10 years.” said Polisena. “Our town has become the envy of so many other communities. It is all teamwork with those elected officials here tonight.”

Polisena concluded, “I am absolutely blessed with your dedication, commitment and love for making Johnston a great place to play and live and working together, making a difference.”

Steve Mullane, the Town Sergeant, led the night with the Pledge of Allegiance and Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini and Deputy Chief Daniel O. Parrillo were also on duty during the inaugural ceremony.