By Ethan Shorey
NORTH PROVIDENCE – Democrat Anthony Mariorenzi easily passed his first big incumbent election test after previously being appointed to the District 2 School Committee seat.
With three of four precincts reporting in North Providence, Mariorenzi has 1,425 votes, or 74.69 percent, to 424 votes, or 24.74 percent for independent Janet Elaine Smith.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and stood by me along the way,” he said. “I love this town with all my heart, and it is truly an honor to give back to the community I call home.”
He added, “Serving our children, families, and taxpayers is something I will never take for granted. Thank you for allowing me to be part of something so special. I will never quit on the children of North Providence.”
Mariorenzi had run his campaign on achieving results for the district.
“Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a school system that has opened new, state-of-the-art schools, increased student attendance, lowered suspension rates, improved student achievement, and expanded Career and Technical Education opportunities,” he said in a release prior to the election. “These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students, educators, staff, families, and community.”
He said he’s always believed that being a School Committee member means showing up and being accessible.
Smith, a teacher, had pledged to donate her $14,000 salary back. She had also advocated for expanding career and technical education programs and adding supports for teachers, among other ideas.
Mariorenzi and Smith had previously lost to Anthony Marciano in at-large race for School Committee, when Smith finished in second place ahead of Mariorenzi.
The Town Council last year appointed Mariorenzi to fill the District 2 seat vacated by Chuck Pollock, after the council went back to a simple appointment process following a firestorm of criticism a year earlier over the process of appointing Thomas Norato to replace Marciano.
This story will be updated later.
