LINCOLN – Town Administrator Phil Gould says he is proud to announce his campaign for re-election.
“Serving the residents of Lincoln has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said in a release. “My commitment to public service began more than three decades ago. After having the honor of serving my country during Operation Desert Storm, I was blessed in 1992 to be hired as a Lincoln police officer, allowing me to continue a career dedicated to serving others.”
What began as an opportunity to serve a community, he added, “quickly became much more. Lincoln became my home.”
It became the place where he and his wife Jill were proud to raise their two sons, Aidan and Reagan, said Gould.
“Like so many families, we experienced firsthand what makes Lincoln special — outstanding schools, dedicated teachers, committed coaches, caring neighbors, and a true sense of community,” he said.
For 29 years, he said he had the privilege of serving residents as a police officer, ultimately retiring as captain.
“As town administrator, I have continued that same commitment to service, accountability, and always putting residents first,” he said. “Over the past several years, working together, we have made tremendous progress while protecting the character and values that make Lincoln one of the best communities in Rhode Island to live, work, raise a family, and retire.”
Together, he added, “we have made historic investments in our schools, including new elementary school gyms, STEM classrooms, athletic facilities, and expanded learning opportunities for our students.”
He went on, “We have strengthened public safety by supporting our Police Department and Rescue Service with the equipment, facilities, staffing, and resources needed to protect our community.
We have invested in our Department of Public Works, improved roads, advanced stormwater projects, upgraded parks and recreational facilities, and continue making infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life for residents.
We have encouraged responsible economic development, supported local businesses, improved communication between residents and government, and embraced new technology to provide better and more efficient services.
At the same time, we have maintained responsible financial management by controlling spending, securing grant funding, planning for the future, and keeping tax levy increases below the state limit.”
These accomplishments were not achieved by one person, said Gould.
“They are the result of dedicated town employees, elected officials, volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and residents working together to make Lincoln the best community it can be,” he said.
“While I am proud of what we have accomplished, there is still more work ahead,” he stated. “My priorities remain clear: responsible financial management, strong public safety, quality schools, continued infrastructure improvements, smart economic growth, and preserving Lincoln’s quality of life.”
Leadership is about listening, bringing people together, solving problems, and making decisions that put the community first, said Gould.
“For more than 33 years, Lincoln has given me the opportunity to serve, as a police officer, as town administrator, and as a resident fortunate enough to raise my family here,” he said. I am grateful for your trust, proud of what we have accomplished together, and excited about what we can continue to achieve.”
Concluded Gould, “I respectfully ask for your continued support as we keep moving Lincoln forward.”
