By Ethan Shorey
NORTH SMITHFIELD – Three women who ran as an alliance, Beth Newberry, Rebecca DeCristofaro, and Ann Lilley, all came in the top five in Tuesday’s election for Town Council, coming first second and third.
Rounding out the top five of eight candidates in the nonpartisan election and earning a seat are newcomer Kevin Carriere and incumbent David Punchak.
Newberry, DeCristofaro, and Lilley had focused on good governance and civility in their campaign, including leading with the local environment in mind and
They advocated for accessible town government driven by resident input, with Newberry and Lilley taking a workshop on innovative problem-solving within the community to engage residents more effectively and have civil and productive discourse.
Carriere had campaigned on various ideas for improving the town and doing things in a more analytical and common-sense way, including on planning and spending. He said he campaigned at nearly 2,000 doors in town and sent out some 10,000 mailers.
“I’m so thankful to the residents of North Smithfield for putting their faith and trust in me,” he told The Local Insider. “I’m excited to work alongside of my fellow councilors to get to work on Day 1 and make this town even better than it already is.”
He had called for leadership that respects all of its town members, no matter their political beliefs or any other preferences.
“You are welcomed, you are loved, and you deserve a safe, respectful community,” he posted at one point.
Incumbents Kim Alves, John Beauregard, and Claire O’Hara didn’t run for re-election this year.
