SMITHFIELD – Town Council President John Tassoni Jr. has announced that he will not seek re-election to his council seat this fall.
Tassoni, a former state senator and long-time public servant, cited his position as president/CEO of the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island, plus the demands of the job, along with his role as Host of Recovery TV, as the main reason for his decision.
“At this time, I would like to concentrate my efforts on the current opioid epidemic and other behavioral health issues, including alcohol and substance use, which our state is currently facing,” he said in a release.
Tassoni has worked with state, local, and national leaders in behavioral health care to improve the quality of care for this vulnerable population, partnering with public and private agencies to continually support policy advancement in the healthcare environment.
A well-known business leader, former union executive, state mediator, and social advocate for issues related to addiction and recovery, he said, he served in the Rhode Island State Senate from 2001-2012, and 4 years on the Town Council and two years as president. He has more than 40 years of experience in the private sector and labor community.
Tassoni thanked his supporters for their loyalty during his tenure of 16 years of public service.
