Santucci defeats Alba; Costantino comes out on top as well
SMITHFIELD – Incumbent Town Councilor Angelica Bovis was the top vote-getter for Smithfield Town Council on Tuesday and the Democrats held their advantage on the elected body.
Bovis joins two other Democrats and two Republicans in the top five. With Town Council President John Tassoni not running again this year, Bovis’ first-place finish and the Democrats’ continued control make her the likely new council president.
Behind Bovis and her 4,358 votes, incumbent Republican Rachel Toppi came in second, with 4,226 votes, Republican Michael Iannotti in third, with 4,143 votes, Democrat Dante DiGregorio in fourth, with 3,700 votes, and Democrat Henry Siravo came in fifth in the last seat, with 3,299 votes.
Not making it were, in descending order of vote totals, Patrick Reddy, a Democrat, Kenneth Sousa, a Republican, Charles Boyd, a Democrat, Kathleen Gaidimas, a Republican, Haralabos Nikolopoulos, a Republican, and Ian McLean, an independent.
Bovis had repeatedly pledged to work with everyone from all parties to get things done for Smithfield.
“I am incredibly honored to have been reelected to the Smithfield Town Council, and especially grateful to have finished at the #1 spot!” said Bovis in a post.
“Thank you to every resident who supported me, placed a sign, shared a post, greeted me at their door, and most importantly, came out to vote.”
Residents’ trust means everything, she added.
“I don’t take this responsibility lightly, and I look forward to continuing to work hard for the people of Smithfield. As always, I will work hard and remain positive,” she said. “Smithfield has so much to offer and we are truly lucky to live in such an amazing community with excellent town and elected officials.”
She added, “Congratulations to all the candidates who put themselves out there. Putting your name on the ballot takes courage and dedication, and that deserves recognition.”
She offered special thanks to the Smithfield Democratic Town Committee, volunteers, Sen. David Tikoian, Rep. Gregory Costantino, and most importantly, her husband for supporting her in everything.
“Congratulations to all,” she said. “I am excited for another productive two years for Smithfield.”
For three available School Committee seats, Democrats Robert Randall and Lauraine Ouellette finished in the top two spots, and Republican Frank Ricci came in third. Not winning seats were Brenda Amodei, a Democrat, and Christopher DeBerardis, a Republican.
District 44 Rep. Gregory Costantino and District 53 Rep. Paul Santucci both won their races, with Costantino defeating Republican Joseph Hosey by a wide margin and Santucci barely squeaking past Democrat Suzy Alba.
Costantino had made the rare move to endorse Santucci, suggesting that Alba is part of a wider progressive movement of donors that’s dangerous to Rhode Island and might be beholden to them.
Santucci defeated Alba by 274 votes across the Smithfield and Glocester sections of the district, or 2,575 to 2,301.
Alba said the the election results were not what she had hoped for, but the sun is shining, her family is healthy, and she is blessed to have a rewarding career in state government, and a business she love.
“I’m still smiling, and my heart is full of gratitude,” she said in a post. “First and foremost, I want to thank my patient and loving family, who supported me every step of the way. To the amazing, civically engaged high school and college students who gave their time and energy, you inspire me and I’m proud of the campaign we ran. To the thousands of people who voted for me, put up a sign, made calls, contributed, or took the time to have a conversation with me, thank you. To the local, state, and federal leaders who believed in me and supported my campaign, I am truly grateful.”
To the District 53 voters who made their voices heard, regardless of the candidate they voted for, she said, “thank you for participating in our democracy.”
Across Rhode Island and the nation, there were historic victories and the continued leadership of so many dedicated public servants, she said.
“We reelected our incredible federal delegation, secretary of state, general treasurer, and lieutenant governor, and newly elected a governor and attorney general who are both amazing women. It’s an exciting moment for democratic women in leadership. I truly believe the future of our community, our state, and our nation is bright,” she said.
She also congratulated Santucci and wished him well as he continues representing District 53, as well as the new Democrats on the School Committee and Town Council who worked so hard.
“As for me, my commitment to public service is unwavering and doesn’t begin or end with one election,” she said. “This wasn’t my first and it won’t be my last. I look forward to continuing to help my community in whatever ways I can, as a resident, a mom, a small business owner, a volunteer, and a former Town Council president. Thank you, Smithfield and Glocester.”
