NORTH SMITHFIELD – Town resident Paul Jones has announced his intention to run for North Smithfield Town Council in the 2026 election.
Jones is a small business owner and former School Committee member, serving on that board from 2016 to 2022. He currently serves as chairperson of the North Smithfield Economic Development Commission and vice chairperson of the North Smithfield Fire and Rescue Service Board of Directors.
“I am running for Town Council because I love this town, and have worked hard for many years to give back to this community,” he said in a release. “I had considered staying out of politics altogether, but the critical issues facing us keep piling up, and we need to be proactive in how we meet the challenges of the next few years.”
Among the issues Jones promised to highlight in his campaign are road repairs, economic development, and improving communication between the town government and residents.
“The current Town Council is afraid to make decisions about almost anythin,” said Jones. “If decisions do happen, the communication is so disjointed that it shakes the trust people have in their local government. People need to know where their tax dollars are going, and why. People need to know their Town Council has their backs when local businesses are being bad neighbors. Our community needs to trust that their Town Council knows what it is doing, and is acting in the best interest of North Smithfield.”
Besides his work and local volunteer efforts, Jones also serves on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, including Elves for Elders, RI Elder Info, and the HOPE Alzheimer’s Center. He lives in North Smithfield with his wife and daughter.
