D-25 State Senate Race Sees Two Johnston Men As Contenders

DEBARYLIFE – Two Democrats from Johnston have declared their candidacies to take Sen. Frank Lombardo III’s seat, which has been empty since the Democrat has been representing District 25 since 2010.

The sole contest to date in the town’s primary Senate district is a Democratic Primary being fought by two Johnston residents, Andrew Dimitri and Richard J. DelFino III.

The Johnston state Senate seat will be vacant for the time being until after the general election in November. Lombardo lost his fight with cancer on February 21.

Both Delfino and Dimitri have lived in Johnston their entire lives, and when they announced their candidacies, they both emphasized this fact.

In the General Election, they may face a Republican challenge in addition to competing for the Democratic nomination (though the local Republican party leaders claim they have not yet identified qualified candidates; as of this writing, no Republican rival has entered the District 25 contest).

The Context

In his announcement of his candidacy, DelFino stated, “As you may be aware, I continue to be a lifelong resident of Johnston (Simmonsville) in the general area where five generations of DelFino’s have lived, worked, and contributed to our Johnston community.”

After graduating from Providence College, the former student moved on to work for Bishop Hendricken High School, where he had attended high school.

“I subsequently accepted a position as the Legislative Coordinator in the office of Governor Lincoln Chafee, and I carried on in that capacity in the office of Governor Gina Raimondo,” Delfino stated. “Thereafter, I worked for Governor Daniel McKee as the Director of Municipal Affairs.”

Delfino started working at the Johnston, Massachusetts-based Tri-County Community Action Agency last year as the Director of Community and Legislative Affairs.

He was elected to the Johnston Town Council in January 2015 and served one term.

Delfino gave a lengthy summary of his current board appointments, which included Vice-President of the Rhode Island Soccer Officials Association, Chair of the Johnston/Smithfield Juvenile Hearing Board, Member of the Roger Williams University Paralegal Advisory Board, and a member of the Johnston Democratic Committee.

Dimitri is employed as a lawyer. He went to the University of Rhode Island, LaSalle Academy, St. Rocco School in Johnston, and Roger Williams University School of Law.

Dimitri is “an enthusiastic sponsor of Johnston youth sports and supporter of local businesses around town,” according to his declaration during the campaign.

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Dimitri noted that his “journey to becoming an attorney and community volunteer was deeply rooted in him by his family.” He traces his roots to St. Rocco School and Church.

One of the main influences on Dimitri’s list was his father, William (Bill) Dimitri, a fellow attorney. Together with Lisa Dimitri, the mother and wife, work the father and son. “Bill and Lisa raised Andrew and his sister Angelica to work hard, treat everyone with kindness and respect, and never shy away from a challenge,” reads Dimitri’s campaign statement.

“I have a strong sense of obligation to my neighbors and my community because of my upbringing,” Dimitri stated. “As a practicing attorney, I have assisted clients in navigating the legal system, and I am excited to use my expertise to improve our cherished town and state.”

Well-Grounded Sports

DelFino’s father is likewise well-versed in local politics and Johnston. In addition to serving multiple terms on the Johnston School Committee, Richard J. DelFino Jr. was the previous chairman of the Johnston Democratic Town Committee. The older DelFino is currently employed with the Johnston Senior Center as the Executive Director.

“My experience in government affairs gives me the advantage of promoting an effective legislative agenda on behalf of the people of Johnston,” Delfino wrote. “My family’s community and public service are long-standing in the town of Johnston.”

Delfino instructs his three sons in a variety of sports and serves as a volunteer youth coach for the Town of Johnston Recreation Department.

Dimitri, his main rival, has also participated in the town’s juvenile sports leagues.

In his announcement of candidacy, Dimitri stated, “Johnston is not just where I call home; it’s who I am and where I dream about starting a family of my own.” I have loved the spirit of togetherness and resiliency in our town since I was a young child.

Every significant event in my life, including my first recollections of playing baseball, football, and tee-ball at Johnston, going to school, and becoming an Eagle Scout in Troop 22, happened in this community. Here at Johnston, the time-honored values of perseverance, unity, and facing challenges head-on are not merely imparted but also modeled daily. I try to live up to these characteristics every day.

The Legislative Pitch

Sen. Lombardo chaired various committees and served in multiple capacities. In addition to being a member of the Senate Committees on Commerce, Labor and Rules, Government Ethics & Oversight, he chaired the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government.

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About bills “to create a calendar in the Rhode Island District Court to hear all matters of non-compliance within 30 days of disposition in the Municipal Zoning, and Housing Courts, resulting in expedited corrections on behalf of neighbors and residents,” Delfino gave a sneak peek at his prospective future “legislative agenda.”

A bill establishing “a ratio of mental health workers in schools, to the total population, that will meet and address student’s mental health needs” is another goal DelFino stated he wishes to pursue.

“Cost of living increases for state and municipal retirees that will be equal to negotiated contracts of current state and municipal employees” is a policy that DelFino supports. He suggested forming “a task force of the municipal police departments and the Rhode Island State Police to study, recommend, and enforce speeding in our neighborhoods.”

Delfino suggests pleading with the town’s “federal delegation for funding the construction of highway barriers that will line our interstates that pass through residential neighborhoods, similar to those seen in neighboring states.” “All matters of property destruction by graffiti, on state, municipal, and private property with mandatory restitution and community service in all matters,” is what he calls for a “police task force” to look into and prosecute.

“Solicitation on any municipal road, state road, or state highway that was identified by law enforcement as putting the public in harm’s way” is another measure he intends to “introduce and support.”

Delfino stated that “this would include any on and off-ramp, median, and heavy volume traffic intersections around the state.” According to him, the “Chief Law Enforcement Officer” of any town or city should have the authority to decide which sections of each municipality would be off-limits to solicitors, often known as panhandlers.

In closing, he pledged “to always support our teachers and first responders” in his legislative appeal.

Door to Door

According to Dimitri, his “vision for Johnston and the state is grounded in the real-world struggles that everyday Rhode Islanders face.”

“My priorities for our community are strong and safe schools, support for all of our first-responders, and economic development policies that prioritize small businesses,” Dimitri said. “Over the last several weeks, I’ve spoken with dozens of friends and family members about the possibility of running for the Senate.”

“Family-owned businesses are the backbone of Johnston, as well as any community, and I will never waver in my dedication to creating an atmosphere that supports their growth.”

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He exalted his passion for the “beach, golf, the outdoors as a sportsman, and much more.”

“I want to support policies that conserve our natural resources and protect our enjoyment of the great outdoors because Rhode Island is a beautiful state, from our coastline to the Connecticut border,” Dimitri stated. “Johnston is a way of life, not just a place. My interest in our past, present, and future is quite strong.

To garner support and involvement from voters, both candidates are contacting them.

Dimitri invited everyone who might become one of his future constituents.

He declared, “My goals are to lead, learn, and listen.” “I invite you to get in touch with me at any moment, whether we are longstanding friends or just passing acquaintances, with queries, worries, suggestions, or simply to say hi and learn more about me. Let’s work together to create a more promising future for Rhode Island and Johnston.

Dimitri declared his intention to run on Friday, May 3.

“Today more than ever, we need a candidate and public official who possesses the commitment and the courage to lead,” declared Delfino, who declared his candidacy late on Tuesday, May 7. He also challenged his opponent to a show of bravery.