Scituate, Rhode Island
Democratic Town Committee

Family Dinner and Auction at the Cranston Country Club to be held on November 2 at 1:00 p.m.(please email officers@scituatedemocrats.org for details)

Town Council Candidates

Richard Kells

Don Campbell

Laura McGuire

Kirk Rerick

Pamela Carosi

Sara Hutchings

John Tessitore

School Committee Candidates	State Representative
Janine Grigelevich   Dr. Carol Levitt	Mike Marcello

Town Officers

Peggy Long Town Clerk		Marc Miller Town Treasurer		Peter Garofalo Town Sergeant		Allison Nugent Public Welfare		Michael St. Pierre Town Moderator

District Moderators

Neal Drobnis District 1 (N. Scituate)		Patricia Aubee District 2 (Hope)		Cheri Costa Marsocci District 3 (High School)		Karen Marcello District 4 (Chopmist)		Kara Fay District 5 (Potterville)

District Clerks

Barbara Stetson District 1 (N. Scituate)		Ann Huntoon District 2 (Hope)		Judith Weidenbacher District 3 (High School)		Patricia M. Patterson District 4 (Chopmist)		Barbara Cunniff District 5 (Potterville)

Candidate Bios

Patricia Aubee for District Moderator (Hope)

A Scituate resident for over 50 years, Pat is eager to assist the voters of her District at the Hope Elementary School as the next District Moderator. Well qualified for the job, she has served as an appointed supervisor at many elections in the past. Pat resides in Hope with her husband, Dan, and they have three grown children.

Pamela Carosi for Town Council

Pamela is no stranger to Democratic politics in Rhode Island, having spent many years contributing, fundraising, and campaigning for Democratic candidates at the state, city, and town level. Pam is also a committed community activist, and has dedicated countless hours to Holy Apostles Parish, the Rhode Island Cancer Society, Providence Performing Arts, and the Women's Youth League, to name only a few of her many activities. In fact, Pam has earned the affectionate nickname "the pizza lady" for the countless pizzas and other food items that she has donated to political and philanthropic events through her family business, the Uncle Tony restaurants.

Pamela lives in Hope with her husband and their two daughters. "Scituate is my home," says Pamela. "This is where I am raising my family, where I am volunteering my time, and where I want to make a positive contribution for the future."

Don Campbell for Town Council

Don Campbell is a 41-year resident of Scituate, where he lives with his wife, Sandra Hargraves. Prior to retirement, Don spent 35 years in sales and sales management in the pharmaceutical industry. Though involved in many town activities, Don is best known to the residents of Scituate as Chief of the Hope-Jackson fire department. Don has been a volunteer firefighter for 47 years, and is the first and only full volunteer fire chief to be elected President of The RI Association of Fire Chiefs. Don looks forward to bringing his management and volunteer skills to the Town Council, where he is eager to address a number of long-standing, unresolved issues.

Barbara Cunniff for District Clerk (District 5, Potterville)

For many years a much beloved and admired local elementary school teacher, Barbara hopes to continue service to her town in this important election position. The mother of four grown children, Barbara is well known to her fellow citizens, and can be seen at countless town events throughout the year.

Neal Drobnis for District Moderator (District 1, N. Scituate)

A long-time resident of Scituate, Neal holds a Masters degree from Rhode Island School of Design and has been an active member of the PTO, the Democratic Town Committee, and a Board Member of the N. Scituate Public Library. Neal has also mentored local high school students who have gone on to pursue various degrees in Studio Art. Neal cares passionately for the quality of life in Scituate and believes that our community is made up of people who have a deep concern about the well-being of their neighbors.

Peter M. Garofalo for Town Sergeant

Responsible for positing official town notices, warrants, and other ceremonial duties, Peter seeks to continue service to his community. Employed by Providence College, Peter is an active member of St. Joseph's parish, and lives with his wife, Deb, on Battery Meeting House Road.

"I look forward to serving in this position because I enjoy interacting with people and believe that everyone should participate in serving their neighbors and friends, especially at the local level."

Janine Grigelevich for School Committee

After fourteen years as a Research Associate at The Miriam Hospital, Janine left her position to spend more time with her two young children. Elena attends Scituate Middle School, and Samuel is at North Scituate School. An active member of the PTO, Janine has been responsible for the North Scituate School Yearbook for the past two years; has been a volunteer in the anti-bullying program; and has assisted in the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) book distribution program. Janine is particularly proud of developing and implementing an annual book drive, which supports an in-classroom library program. As a Girl Scout Leader and Membership Coordinator for Scituate, Janine thinks it's important for girls in Scituate to have positive role models and diverse interests.

As a member of the Scituate School Committee, Janine will be dedicated to three key goals:

• Ensuring a well-rounded education for all Scituate children.
• Providing a physical environment conducive to learning.
• Improving the communication process between parents and the School Committee.

Ann Huntoon for District Clerk (District 2, Hope)

A former educator and long-time Scituate resident, Ann currently owns and operates an Interior Design firm, Ann Huntoon, Ltd. She has a Master's degree from RI College and an Interior Design degree from RISD. She lives in Hope with her husband, Howard.

Sara Hutchings for Town Council

A life-long town resident, Sara Hutchings grew up in the heart of North Scituate Village. She attended Scituate High School where she was active in chorus, drama, and student council. Among her many student activities, Sara served as a representative from the student body to the high school's Mission Statement Committee, was a member of the local chapter of Rainbow Girls, served as President of Northern Rhode Island 4-H State Teen Council, and was an active member of the Youth Group at Trinity Church, North Scituate. During these formative years she was the recipient of numerous awards and certificates from businesses, local organizations, and state representatives, including Sen. Jack Reed, for her meritorious public service and volunteerism.

Over the past 10 years Sara has been an active volunteer for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, lending her public speaking skills and musical talents to the Episcopal Conference Center's Music Camp in the summer and Creative Arts camp in February. A graduate of Rhode Island College, Sara currently is a teacher in the Coventry school system.

Sara is also a founding member of Daydream Theatre Company, RI, the proceeds of which she and her husband, Leonard Schwartz, donate to the historic Bell Street Chapel in Providence. The mission of Daydream Theatre is to produce and promote original works written by Rhode Island playwrites. The relationship between Bell Street Chapel and Daydream Theatre has been a natural fit as both organizations seek to promote true diversity and the acceptance of people from all walks of life.

Sara believes strongly in giving back to the community that has contributed so much to her success in life, and as a member of the Town Council she will work hard to ensure that Scituate continues to grow and prosper for generations to come.

Dr. Carol Levitt for School Committee

Carol grew up in Connecticut, where she received a B.A. from Yale University, followed by pre-med courses at Columbia University and an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She then returned to New England with her husband to do her residency in Family Medicine at Brown. Carol is a founding partner of Hillside Family Medicine, where she practiced for 15 years - 12 of those years in Scituate.

In 1993 Carol moved to Scituate with her husband, Dr. Michael Fine, and their two children, attracted by the excellent school system and the richness of life in a small town. Their son just graduated from Scituate High School and is attending Bard College; their daughter is entering her junior year in Scituate High School.

Carol believes that maintaining and improving the quality of our school system is crucial to preserving the quality of life in our town and its future, and she is eager to work toward that end.

Margret M. Long for Town Clerk

Undoubtedly the most popular elected official in Scituate, Peggy is seeking re-election to her fifth term as Town Clerk.  The first Democrat to hold the post in many years, Peggy has worked tirelessly to improve the administration of this important town office. A pharmacist by profession and a natural leader, Peg has won the respect and confidence of her peers, who recently elected her President of the Rhode Island Town and City Clerk’s Association and vice-president of the New England City and Town Clerk’s Association.

Among her many achievements, Peg was appointed by Governor Carcieri to sit as the only Town Clerk on the Rhode Island Historical Records Advisory Board. An innovator and believer in the benefits of technology, Peg has done much to modernize the Town Clerk Office and to enhance public services. She oversees the town’s popular web site, and has made it easier for the public to gain access to Town Council minutes, agendas, and other public documents.

A life-long town resident, Peggy is a member of the Scituate Art Festival Committee, and serves on the board of Comprehensive Community Action, a social service agency.  When not serving as our Town Clerk, Peg can be found behind the pharmacy counter at the local Rite Aid (formerly Brooks), where she dispenses both her neighborly concern and professional knowledge.

“I look forward to serving the people in Scituate during the next two years.  I am also confident that my fellow candidates have the talent, commitment, and enthusiasm to improve our town government and deal with problems and concerns in a pro-active manner.  I look forward to working with them to continue the progress that we have made and to advance our record of open and accessible town government.”

Richard Kells for Town Council

Richard and his wife, Lisa, are long-time residents of Scituate who has been active in many aspects of town life. They have three children, including a daughter who is currently in Scituate High School, and a son who recently graduated Scituate High and is now in the U.S. Marine Corps. Richard is retired from Local 57 International Union of Operating Engineers, and is employed with The Pawtucket Red Sox Organization.

Among his many interests, Richard is deeply committed to improving and expanding Scituate's recreational programs and facilities. In recent years he has served as the President of the Scituate-Foster Little League Association, a leader of Boy Scout Troop 2, and a member of the Clayville Elementary School Building Committee.

A person of deep caring and commitment, Richard knows the importance of parents working together to ensure the safety and well being of our children. As a voice on the Town Council, he will serve as a dedicated advocate, working with all parents and taxpayers to achieve real improvements to our town facilities and programs.

Karen Marcello for District Moderator (District 4, Hope)

A life-long Scituate resident, Karen is seeking re-election to the post that she won two years ago. A mother of two girls, Karen grew up in the Chopmist Hill area and knows her constituents well. She looks forward to meeting and greeting all voters in the Chopmist Hill district during each and every election season.

Cheri Costa Marsocci for District Moderator (District 3, High School)

A successful businesswoman and founder of the North Scituate Business Association, Cheri is no stranger to the civic and business community of our town. The mother of two, Cheri looks forward to bringing a sense of professionalism and civic duty to all voters who cast their vote at the Scituate High School.

Laura McGuire for Town Council

Laura and her husband, Carl Krueger, have been residents of Scituate for thirteen years. Their sons, Rory and Eli, have both attended ScituateSchools. Laura has been the owner of McGuire Research Associates for eighteen years. She loves the beauty and tranquility of the town of Scituate.

Laura hopes to join the town council in order to ensure that a greater variety of voices are represented in Scituate government. In these very turbulent times it is more important than ever that all citizens have a say in our town's responses to the many economic and educational challenges that we face.

Marc Miller for Town Treasurer

Marc brings a wealth of "business best practices" and over 20 years of experience with responsibility for financial and business operations. He has worked as a Senior Manager for Cookson America, FleetBoston Financial, and is currently employed by Citizens Financial Group. As a candidate for Treasurer in 2004 he met and spoke with many residents and gained invaluable insight and knowledge into their concerns regarding the issues affecting our town. Marc is fiscally conservative and believes that town government should be held accountable for ensuring that every tax dollar is treated as an investment in the future of Scituate. His goal as Treasurer is to provide solutions to those issues that are deemed important by our residents, and his method is to work with all members of town government as a single team.

Allison Nugent for Director of Public Welfare

Allison Nugent is a 30-year resident of Scituate, currently living in Clayville. Single and self-employed, she is the mother of Kyle (age 27) and Sara (age 15). Allison graduated form Scituate High School in 1979 and later from Hall Institute in Pawtucket, where she was certified in drafting and interior design.

"Having spent most of my adult life as a single, self-supporting mother, I feel I am well qualified for the position of Director of Public Welfare. I have a genuine feeling of empathy and compassion for people experiencing financial hardship. I have a lifetime of experience in finding ways to keep household and personal expenses down to a minimum, and at finding resources that are helpful in hard times. Among other things, I look forward to working with the community in growing our food pantry and teaching our children that kindness and charity begins at home-and with our neighbors!"

Patricia M. Patterson for District Clerk (District 4, Chopmist)

A professional woman, an active volunteer, and a new mother, Patricia looks forward to serving the people of Scituate in the position of District Clerk.

Kirk Rerick for Town Council

An active Member of IBEW Local 99, Kirk is employed by the Local Union Office and makes his home on Seven Mile Road with his wife, Sue. Kirk first became involved in Scituate politics last years when the Town Council proposed to develop the scenic Lawton Farm on Seven Mile Road. After creating www.lawtonfarm.org - an informational website opposed to such development - Kirk continued his involvement in Town issues, and is now a candidate for Town Council. Kirk believes that Scituate can benefit from his commitment to an "open government" that is truly responsive to all the people of our town- and not just to one-party interests. He also brings with him extensive knowledge of computer technology, which he is eager to share with the Town in an effort to cut costs and improve services.

Barbara Stetson for District Clerk (District 1, N. Scituate)

A well known member of our community, Barbara is a 36-year resident of the Town, currently self-employed in media work and deeply involved in community activities, including the Centennial Committee of the North Scituate Public Library, North Scituate Village Overlay Committee, North Scituate Baptist Church and more. Barbara was Department Chair in Family and Consumer Economics at Scituate Middle/High School for 21 years, and is now perhaps best know for her popular cook books and her eagerness to be of service to the town and its citizens.

Michael A. St. Pierre for Town Moderator

As a practicing attorney and former President of the Rhode Island Bar Association, Mike is well respected for his legal abilities and sense of fairness and justice. As Town Moderator, with the responsibility of running Scituate's financial town meetings, Mike has the knowledge and temperament to ensure a fair and meaningful meeting.

No stranger to his community, Mike is the former President of the Hope Library Board of Trustees and an active member of Holy Apostles' Church, where he has served on committees ranging from finance, religious education, and music. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Bar Foundation.

"My main objective in seeking this office is to promote open government and reasoned debate at our town financial town meetings, while instilling a sense of participation and commitment in our citizenry."

John Tessitore for Town Council

A native Rhode Islander, John and his wife, Judith, live in Hope, where they are raising their two daughters, Ava and Lia. A former college English teacher, John is a communications specialist with a long history of working with nonprofit organizations. For the past four years he has served as Chair of the Scituate Democratic Town Committee and has been an active participant in countless community activities. With both daughters either in or recently out of the Scituate school system, he and his wife have been keenly involved in numerous school issues and programs.

John has had oversight of organizational budgets in the millions of dollars, and has had extensive supervisory and management responsibilities. It is this professionalism that he hopes to bring to the Scituate Town Council.

Judith Weindenbacher for District Clerk (District 3, High School)

Judith is the mother of two girls, both of whom have been the beneficiaries of the Scituate public school system, and she has volunteered many hours as a classroom tutor. Judith holds a B.A. from Hunter College, New York, and is fluent in four languages. As an Election Moderator she hopes to serve the people of District 3 by ensuring the best possible voting experience.